In a recent article for the Telegraph online, property guru Phil Spencer outlined a number of clever ways of Adding Value to Your Home (also the cunning title of his new book).

Phil explains that the days of doing up a house quickly to make money are long gone and that any enhancements should be made so as to make a property ‘a place to take pleasure from [rather than]… simply turning a fast buck along with some profit on top.’

Extensions, new kitchens and bathrooms were unsurprisingly at the top of the list.  But the finer details and essential maintenance were also areas of concern; both for homeowners and for potential buyers long term.

The Home Information Pack (HIP) includes a certification on the property’s energy performance – known as the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).  When you do come to sell your property potential buyers will be privy to the information in both the HIP and EPC.  Some believe the contents of these documents can potentially make or break a deal, and certainly few people would disagree that they do have significant bearing over the eventual sale price.

Loft insulation, double glazing and even use of energy saving light bulbs all factor in the rating your property achieves.  Likewise, the energy efficiency of your boiler will also make a difference.  Is it a gas guzzler or an energy efficient A rated model, like our super efficient Ultracom?  Can we increase the emphasis here in any way?

Not only could these improvements make your house more attractive to potential buyers and achieve a better price long term, these changes could also save you money and, as Phil so rightly pointed out, make your home a place to truly take pleasure from.