HOUSE THAT
I’m a property pro & hot tubs are the biggest turn off if you’re selling – here’s what to replace it with to add value
Watch the video to see the top interior design trends for this year
SELLING your house isn't easy, from making sure it looks perfect to being on call for endless questions form potential buyers.
But a property expert has revealed how you can update your home to make it easy for buyers to seal the deal, and what you need to get rid of.
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Peter May, London estate agent and property expert, revealed six home improvements that add value to your home or decrease it.
Knowing what additions put buyers off will mean you can make more money from your sale and quicker.
Hot Tubs
While you might love relaxing in your hot tub, buyers don't.
Peter says: "Popular once upon a time, hot tubs have become a turn-off for homeowners, and buyers alike, due to costly maintenance. In recent years, certainly since the pandemic, we’ve seen a move towards plunge pools, home gyms and home saunas, too."
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He warns that a hot tub could knock £5,000 off the price depending on the size and style of the hot-tub, as buyers will look to remove or replace.
Bi-Folding Doors
While Bi-Folding Doors were all the range a few years ago, now people are looking for alternatives.
Although they're great for bringing your indoor space and garden together in the summer, it seems buyers are put off by them now.
"Believe it or not, glass bi-folding doors could lose value on the home, with buyers looking to update the design once they’ve moved in," Peter explains.
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Outdoor Kitchens
As summer temperatures continue to soar every year, people are spending more and more time outside.
Peter reveals adding an outdoor kitchen could add £15,000 as more and more buyers are looking for a l fresco solutions.
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Garden Room
Adding more rooms to a property is something we're all looking for and a garden room is perfect if you can't extend the house.
The property expert adds: "Garden rooms fetch a premium, especially in the city where space can be tight, but the return will largely depend on the size and specification (£20,000 and up, subject to the scale and design)."
His and Her Sinks
Nobody likes to share a sink, it means less space for your skincare products and there's nothing worse then beard clippings lying in the bowl.
Investing in his and her sinks in the bathroom will hook buyers in, says Peter.
How to add 20k value to your home
Property expert Jonathan Rolande shares 12 simple, affordable hacks that could help add £20k of value to your property…
Banish bins - before the estate agent takes photos, move them out of sight. Value added: £1k
Ace your kerb appeal - re-paint the front door, add pots and plants. Value added: £2.5k
Up your EPC rating - switch to energy-saving LED light bulbs, and insulate your loft. Value added: £3k
Clean your carpets - it’ll instantly refresh the room and eliminate odours. Value added: £3k
Take a pen to tatty tiles - a £5 grout pen could be the difference between poor offers and a swift property sale. Value added: £1k
Groom the garden - buyers want a low-maintenance space, so trim the lawn and bushes, and hide the rusty trampoline and BBQ. Value added: £1k
Buff up your basin taps - remove any limescale so the fittings stand out in photos. Value added: £500
Replace the toilet seat - and accessorise the bathroom with new towels and a soap dispenser. Value added: £500
Remove scuffs and scrapes - you can get a magic eraser for a couple of quid and the walls and skirtings will look brand new. Value added: £1.5k
Replace dodgy door knobs - out with the old, and in with modern sleek handles for kitchen cupboards. Value added: £3k
Update the drapes - and tie curtains back to allow more light in. Value added: £1k
Go greige - swap garish painted walls for a neutral hue – like grey or beige – but don’t be too bland. A splash of colour on a feature wall, cushions or cabinets will add a little interest. Value added: £2k.
Electronics
We're all obsessed with our phones, and now, people are also obsessed with vocal or app-controlled house electrics to make life easier too.
Peter adds: "Investment in adapting your home to modern life is certainly worthwhile. Value increases will depend on the type and scale of technology."
Solar Panels.
With energy bills increasing every single year, investing in solar panels will make potential buyers swoon.
The home expert explains: "A complete win/win. With the increase in cost of living that we’ve seen in recent years, plus people becoming more eco-conscious, solar panels are really worth considering for your home (there are good grants and subsidies on offer out there).
"A great investment for the property and the environment – expect to see £15,000+, depending on the size of your home."
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Research from has revealed that nearly a third (31%) of Brits consider them to be an indicator of social standing as well.
The smart-tech home company, Hive, has integrated solar panels and battery into the Hive App giving homeowners the chance to see how much energy they are generating from the sun, set budgets and save up to £775 on their energy bills.
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