The six things which could devalue your home by THOUSANDS of pounds
Making a splash, energy saving and a plant which can destroy your home's foundations can knock up-to £25,000 off its selling price
ADDING solar panels and a swimming pool to your home can see its value drop by THOUSANDS.
That's the verdict from housing experts Propertymark, which has released the biggest no-nos when it comes to getting the best money for your property.
Last week, Nationwide reported that London house prices had fallen for the first time in eight years.
But some homeowners aren't getting their property in tip-top shape before putting it on the market.
Katie Griffin, president of Propertymark, said: “The house-moving process is undoubtedly stressful, so it’s important to know what adds value to your home and what might detract or put off potential buyers.
"Sometimes the improvements you have made might not appeal to buyers, so even though you’ve spent money on them, they might not necessarily add any value."
Here are the six things which could devalue your home...
1.Installing solar panels
Installing solar panels can help you save money on your energy costs - but it might not add value to your home.
As the technology ages quickly, it can be expensive to replace them - while some potential buyers don't find them attractive to look at.
2.Swimming pools
It might sound surprising but a swimming pool can knock-up to £20,000 off your home.
Given how poor the British weather can be, potential buyers are put-off by having one at all.
Ongoing maintenance costs - or having to fork-out to remove it all together - also make a pool an unappealing feature.
3. Japanese Knotweed
The menace of many a homeowner - Japanese Knotweed - can cause bills running into five figures.
The weed is hugely difficult to remove and can damage the foundations of a property.
The potential cost to deal with it can be anything between and eye-watering £5,000 and £25,000.
If you think you have it in your garden, call in a specialist right away.
4.Darkened Rooms
Having rooms without natural light is not very appealing for would-be buyers.
Cut-back on any over-hanging trees or plants which are blocking the sun.
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5. Over-personalisation
Having particularly bold or outlandish taste might suit you - but it's not for everyone.
Think about re-decorating with some more neutral colours before putting your house up for sale.
6.Planning permission
If you've carried out some big DIY to your home like adding an extension, then make sure you got the right planning permission and can prove it with documents.
Otherwise you won't be able to sell your home at all and could be faced with having to tear down your development completely.
How to add value to your home
SELLING your home can be a stressful business.
But earlier this year property expert Sarah Beeny said sellers can add up to 20 per cent on the value odf their porperty by making certain improvements.
Here are her tips:
- Add space: Spend £30,000 and add up to £44,000 in value
- Modernise your kitchen – spend £2,000 and add £11,00 in value
- Neaten up outside – spend £1,500 and add £4,400 in value
- Get painting – spend £100 and £4,400 in value
- Modernise your bathroom - spend £1,500 and add £6,600 in value
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