Enhancing your property's kerb appeal is key to making a lasting first impression on potential buyers. While major updates are important, focusing on simple yet impactful improvements can make a big difference.
READ: Boosting your home's value: 10 tips and tricks before selling
Quay1 senior broker Gaelle Van Goethem says homeowners should consider a fresh coat of paint if the exterior looks tired, invest in landscaping to create an inviting front entrance, and ensure the property is clean and well-maintained.
Make sure the roof, gutters, garage, and driveway are in good condition, and clear away any clutter. These steps can significantly boost your property’s appeal and draw more interest from buyers.
Quay1 Regional Manager Justin Nortier, shares eco-friendly home improvement tips that can increase the appeal and value of a property.
"We have seen over time how the energy sector has been creeping into the South African market, especially with the changing water and electrical environment we find ourselves in, and with that, following the rapid growth and changing European and American markets, where energy saving is at the forefront for any new build.
READ: Selling your home? These 6 improvements will make a big difference
Eco-friendly improvements not only benefit the environment but can also significantly boost a property's appeal and value. Here are some effective upgrades:
1. Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors: Installing high-performance windows and doors can improve insulation, reduce energy costs, and enhance comfort.
2. Solar Panels and Inverters: Adding solar panels can decrease electricity bills and appeal to buyers interested in renewable energy. Many areas also offer tax incentives for solar installations. Solar panels and inverters have set in as a, somewhat, prerequisite in some markets throughout Cape Town attracting many purchasers to purchase a property with these amenities over the next.
3. Green Roofs: Green roofs can improve insulation, reduce storm water runoff, and add a unique aesthetic that might attract environmentally conscious buyers. We can see that in Cape Town, the top architects are trying to encourage and incorporate this into all of their new projects. Really giving a uniqueness that can stand out to other competing properties, as well as, adding to the living benefits that green roofs have to offer.
4. High-Efficiency HVAC Systems: Upgrading to a high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can lower energy costs and improve indoor air quality.
5. Low-Flow Water Fixtures: Installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads can reduce water usage and appeal to buyers concerned with conservation. Added to these low-flow water fixtures are water capture and filtration systems that give a homeowner additional savings on their monthly water bill, as well as, a system that can use a natural waterfall to filter fresh usable water in your home.
6. Sustainable Landscaping: Using native plants, creating rain gardens, and implementing efficient irrigation systems can reduce water consumption and maintenance while enhancing curb appeal.
7. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances can lower utility bills and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
8. Smart Home Technology: Integrating smart thermostats, lighting, and energy monitoring systems can increase convenience and energy efficiency, making the property more appealing to tech-savvy buyers. The future is here, and these smart homes are becoming more and more desirable within the market, giving a sense of technology that can assist your day-to-day living, allowing for day-to-day tasks to seemingly integrate into your busy schedule without the added unnecessary hassle.
9. Recycled or Sustainable Building Materials: Using materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, or recycled metal can add a unique touch and appeal to buyers interested in sustainable living.
10. Green Certifications: Obtaining certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or ENERGY STAR can add credibility and increase market value.
11. Improved Insulation: Enhancing insulation in walls, attics, and floors can lead to significant energy savings and improve overall comfort.
12. Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Collecting and using rainwater for irrigation can reduce water costs and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. These improvements not only contribute to a greener planet but can also make a property more attractive and valuable in a competitive real estate market.
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