How to Prepare For a House Valuation

Starting with the most cost-effective one, deep cleaning will make it more attractive to buyers. The estate agent will take photos to market the property. As a result, you will want it to look its absolute best.

It is not just about making it attractive to buyers, some reports suggest that it can add 2.8% to the value of a property. This would be an increase of £7,756 for the average UK house price of £277,000.

*Data taken from News Shopper

Repainting the walls or skirting boards could add between 3% and 5% to your property.

Although the buyer will likely want to redecorate in the colours they love, following the sale. Changing the aesthetic from a darker colour to a more vibrant tone will help. It will give the buyer the feeling of the room being bigger or having more light than there is.

Sellers overlook minor repairs when putting their property on the market, but these issues can impact its saleability. While you might view them as adding character or livability, buyers may interpret them as signs of larger problems.

Issues like a broken bannister or handrail, leaky plumbing, or a faulty front door can raise concerns for potential buyers. They might worry these small repairs are indicators of more serious issues, such as damp or even subsidence.

When selling your property it’s important you present it in excellent condition. Another aspect sellers overlook is the costs associated with replacing items. The replacement of items can have both a positive or neutral effect on the valuation of the property. Replacing the handles on your kitchen cabinet is not going to add value to the property, but helps when the buyer is looking at it.

Replacing your windows with double glazing can add up to 10% to the value of your property. When deciding to replace items, keep in mind the costs associated and whether it will benefit the valuation.

When getting your home ready for a valuation or viewing, it's important to declutter as much as possible. Clearing out unnecessary items will make your home feel more spacious to both the valuer and potential buyers.

Remove anything that doesn’t add value, such as extra furniture, old boxes, or junk. You can either temporarily store these items with a storage company or use a house clearance service to remove larger pieces.

The size of the property is one of the main things estate agents take into account. A property with more square footage will attract a higher valuation than that of a similar property with less square footage. But whilst the square footage is important, what you’ve done with the property is also taken into account. Additionally, outdoor space is a factor for many people including young families or those looking for a driveway.

The location of property includes its proximity to local amenities or schools, the closer you are the higher they’ll value. Additionally, if there is high demand for properties like yours in the area, this can also positively impact the valuation.

Some key things an agent will be looking for is the quantity of bedrooms and bathrooms and their sizes. They will also look at lofts, basements, garden space and conservatories.

Another key aspect of valuing a property is its condition. Internal and external are considered by estate agents. They will be looking at issues such as damp, boiler age, cracks in the wall and how much work needs to be carried out to bring it up to modern standards.

They will be looking at the roof, garages and garden making sure they are all well-maintained and not in need of major renovation.

If you have managed to do renovations to the property it might substantially improve upon the valuation. For instance, one of the main things buyers are looking for is a home which has excellent energy efficiency. You might have added double-glazing windows or added insulation to the home. This can not only improve your EPC rating which buyers are paying attention to but also the value of the property.

Some upgrades estate agents will look at are loft conversions, extra bathrooms and conservatories. That said, if you’ve converted two smaller spaces into one large space such as bedrooms, this can bring down the estimated value of the property.

Stats from Evolution Money suggest as many as 93% of buyers will refuse to purchase a property based purely on first impressions of its outside. By improving your property's ‘kerb appeal’ you can add 10% to your home valuation.

Some key aspects which can impact a property's kerbside appeal are the front door, roof tiles, garden maintenance and brickwork.