Irrespective of its size or shape, a property can always be viewed as an investment. Adding value to that investment is important but not all additions or improvements to a property add direct or even tangible value.
READ: How regular maintenance protects your home's resale value
“Don’t assume that because you spent R400 000 on a kitchen renovation the property is immediately worth R400 000 more. Sometimes it can be the case, but mostly there are a number of other factors, including location, overall state of the property and prevailing market conditions, that ultimately determine the value - or more accurately - what a buyer in prepared to pay for the property,” says Johan van Schalkwyk, Principal at Leapfrog Roodepoort.
Consider what does add value:
Kerb appeal
Kerb appeal is a vastly under-rated part of the property value equation, Van Schalkwyk believes. Kerb appeal refers to the general attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street - simply, what it looks like from the outside.
A property that’s well maintained on the outside makes a good first impression, which immediately adds value in the mind of the prospective buyers.
To this end, Van Schalkwyk recommends prioritising the upkeep of the property’s exterior as part of routine maintenance. “Paint the exterior, keep the garden clean and tidy, create an interesting entry point like a pathway to the front door as these are all additions that add real value.”
Alternative energy
“Buyers view a solar system as a significant value-add and, depending on the size and nature of the system, are willing to pay more for a property that boasts this almost-essential feature,” Van Schalkwyk says.
Beyond it being a solution, investing in a renewable energy system for the home is also a sound environmental decision, in line with international trends and best practices.
Kitchens and bathrooms
‘Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes’ is the refrain of many property professionals. “This is because it is true!” Van Schalkwyk says. Both are high-use, personal spaces that people want to feel comfortable in. In many contemporary homes, particularly open-plan houses, the kitchen is a focal point and a popular gathering place and thus a key consideration for a potential buyer. Bathrooms, on the other hand, may not be a social space but an old, outdated one can easily create the impression of being impractical or even grimy.
“The short of it is that kitchen and bathroom updates definitely add value to a property. The extent of the value will depend on the nature of the renovations and will still be relative to the value of the property in relation to the market,” Van Schalkwyk shares.
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Clean and clutter-free
The last, surprisingly important, thing that adds value to a property is simply the way it looks and feels to potential buyers on show day. A property that is clean, clutter-free and inviting is one with a better chance of making an emotional impression on a buyer, which influences them to view the space in a positive light.
Property professionals often recommend that sellers spend some time staging their property before showing it to buyers.
The staging process can be as simple or elaborate as you choose, but involves styling it to make it appealing to others. It could mean rearranging furniture, fixing superficial defects (a good idea anyway), removing clutter from sight, or simply opening the curtains to allow natural light in or arranging flowers on a table near the entrance.
“When people like the look and feel of a place with the first impression, they almost immediately regard it as a property that offers great value. It’s something we see nearly every day,” Van Schalkwyk says.
READ: 3 budget-friendly ways to up your home’s kerb appeal
Top interior designers and Tyson Properties agents, share some tips on making sure that your home is in tip top condition:
Declutter and simplify: Apart from making a home look uncared for and untidy, too much stuff can also make rooms seems smaller and …. So, remove all the usual family detritus – toys, clothing and shoes as well as dishes and appliances from sinks and worktops and toiletries, toothbrushes and razors from bathrooms. Storage space is important to sellers and items lying around suggest there isn’t enough. Also, it is not good enough to just open up cupboards and shove everything inside – buyers tend to open cupboards, so keep them tidy.
Potential buyers should also be able to move around your rooms - and from room to room - freely, so make sure that your furniture is not creating an obstacle course! Less is always more and, if you have some items that can be removed to make spaces look more open and accessible, put them into storage.
Depersonalise your space: Staging isn’t about selling yourself but about exhibiting the best features of your home so that potential buyers can imagine their families there. So, remove personal items – from family photographs, to trophy collections or potentially controversial art – to neutralise the space.
Paint: A good paint job makes a home look well-kept and loved and can even add to the price. Identify any cracks, chips or marks on walls and, if you can’t match the paint to disguise them, simply give that exterior wall or room a new lick of colour. If you have borehole water that has stained walls, clean them and paint them. Painting tired kitchen cupboards (and even your older furniture) can also provide an instant update. Don’t forget that your front door is the ‘statement’ entry way. Make sure that it looks bright and welcoming – depending on the colour and style of your home, consider painting it using a statement contrasting colour.
Colour conscious: Remember that colour is another very personal choice. Bright or dark walls can put off many buyers and can even make rooms seems smaller or darker, so go for a neutral colour palette. When choosing an exterior colour, look at what works in the neighbourhood or check to make sure that your colour choice fits with the rules of an estate.
Make a snag list: Attention to basic maintenance is a must. Put yourself in the shoes of potential buyers and do an inspection of your home end to end (including the garden and outbuildings). Fix cracks, repair any leaks (especially dripping taps), change any globes and tighten door and cupboard handles and hinges. Tidy away any cables and, where possible, hide any wiring in ceilings or conduits. Make sure drains are clear of debris and covered and that you have no pipes snagging across the lawn.
READ: How to determine the true market value of your home
The most obvious items that might need to be swapped out are dated or damaged light fittings and warped ceiling fans, faucets and mixers in kitchens and bathrooms, switch covers, door knobs and drawer pulls. Don’t compromise on safety – replace cracked window panes and make sure that stair rails are rust free and well anchored.
Keep it crisp, clean and comfy: While quirky personal items do need to be stowed out of sight, your house still needs to feel homely and welcoming. The first rule of thumb is, keep it clean. That means no grubby surfaces, dusty shelves, blinds or fans. Ensure that baths and showers are clean and mould free, carpets have been vacuumed and floors swept or mopped. Wash those windows. Remove any stained furnishings (or hide stains under rugs or throws). Pack away the teddy bears. Instead, store kids’ toys in trendy baskets which can double up as attractive décor items.
Decor and detail: Keep the decor in your home simple but warm. Add a houseplant or a vase of pretty flowers to rooms that need a little energy or colour. In bedrooms, a lovely headboard makes a big difference. Make sure that your beds have fresh – preferably white – bedlinen (if you splash out on bedlinen, you will be able to take it with you) and use some scatter cushions and maybe a throw on the bed.
Scatter cushions also give lounges and outdoor areas a lift. A beautiful rug (preferably neutral) can also warm up a lounge. If your budget is tight, shop around for a less expensive one online or at a discount store. If sofas and couches are looking a bit worn, consider reupholstering (especially if you are taking the furniture to your new home) or strategically place throws and scatters over the worn spots.
READ: 9 cost-effective room transformations that will redefine any space
Let there be light: Allow natural light to work some magic in your house and make it seem bigger and more inviting. Using mirrors in smaller rooms creates the illusion of space. Remove heavy drapes and curtains and valances from windows whenever possible. Replace any outdated light fittings – or add down lighters in dark spots to complement existing lighting. Don’t forget all important exterior lighting both along drive ways or beside gates or doors. There are some lovely solar options available that can be used to fill any gaps.
Keep up the kerb appeal: Your buyers may not be avid horticulturalists but they will quickly spot a messy garden. So, mow the lawn, weed the flower beds, remove dead plants and trim unruly shrubs. Keep the edges to drives and pathways neat, replace any cracked paving and give tatty planters a lick of paint. Add a few colourful potted plants by the door or on the patio.
Poolside perfection: There’s nothing worse than a green pool – so make sure it is blue, clean and leaf free. Make sure that your pool area is neat – power clean poolside paving and make sure loungers are clean and sporting bright new cushions. Create ‘hot spots’ so people can imagine sitting there. You could strategically place a well-stocked drinks trolley next to loungers and roll up a few beach towels for extra effect.
READ: 7 Upgrades that will improve your home's kerb appeal dramatically
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