As autumn temperatures drop Britons may be looking to move and sellers can take strategic steps to appeal to cold-weather house hunters. Yopa, the full-service estate agents, has provided expert insight on how sellers can add significant value to their homes during the autumn and winter months.
With the housing market typically bustling as buyers aim to secure new homes before Christmas and the New Year, sellers have a prime opportunity to showcase their properties’ cosiness and energy-efficiency.
Yopa’s guide highlights key improvements that not only attract winter buyers but also boost property values. The updates are not always cheap to do and no increase in value is guaranteed, but those who are able to invest may get an impressive return on doing so.
From upgrading windows to enhancing insulation, these targeted renovations can make a substantial difference in both appeal and asking price.
A good front door can add value
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Double-glazing – Added value: £21,972
For older properties with single-glazed windows, upgrading to double-glazing is a “crucial” investment. Winter buyers prioritise well-insulated homes, and double glazing offers both improved insulation and noise reduction, the expert stated.
Whilst the average cost of installation is £7,000, it can increase a home’s value by approximately 10 per cent. Based on the current UK average house price of £289,723, this equates to a boost of £28,972.
After deducting installation costs, homeowners can expect a real-term value addition of £21,972. This significant return on investment makes double-glazing an attractive option for sellers looking to maximise their property’s appeal and value during the colder months.
Update internal doors – Added value: £8,889
Internal doors play a crucial role in a home’s energy efficiency. Replacing old, ill-fitting doors can significantly improve warmth retention and overall cosiness.
While replacing about 10 internal doors costs approximately £2,700, it can increase a home’s value by four per cent. This translates to an average real-term value addition of £8,889.
Replace the front door – Added value: £2,806
According to the experts, high-quality front door enhances kerb appeal and carries emotional significance for homeowners. Investing in an attractive front door, costing around £1,250, can potentially add 1.4 per cent to the property value.
This results in a real-term value increase of £2,806, making it a worthwhile improvement for sellers targeting autumn and winter buyers.
Improve energy-efficiency – Added value: £2,537
Energy-efficiency is becoming increasingly crucial for homebuyers. Many are now avoiding properties with low EPC ratings, and future government regulations may enforce minimum standards, the experts explained.
Upgrading an older home from a D rating to a more appealing C rating costs around £6,155 on average. However, this investment is expected to increase property value by three per cent resulting in a real-term value addition of £2,537.
Boiler upgrade – Added value: £2,255
A modern, efficient boiler is highly attractive to prospective buyers. Upgrading your boiler, with an initial outlay of £3,250, can instantly increase your home’s value by an average of 1.9 per cent.
This improvement translates to a value addition of £2,255, making it a worthwhile investment for sellers looking to appeal to autumn and winter buyers.
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Energy-efficiency is important for many buyers
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Repointing – Added value £1,047
Repointing, the process of repairing exterior brickwork, offers both aesthetic and structural benefits. This renovation addresses weathering damage and prevents water ingress, which can lead to damp issues and compromise structural integrity.
A good surveyor will likely identify repointing needs during a property inspection. By addressing this proactively, sellers can avoid potential hurdles in the sales process.
The average cost of repointing is nearly £2,000, but it could add £2,897 to the property value, resulting in a net value addition of £1,047.
Yopa CEO Verona Frankish commented: “Selling in the autumn and winter is a great idea. There is a real buzz around the housing market at this time of year so your chances of securing a good buyer and price will rarely be better.”
