James Greenwood of Stacks Property Search says, “In the current market, buyers' appetites for big renovation projects is small, but many buyers are looking for a property that offers good value due to its potential for improvement; small projects that will make a big difference.

So how can buyers identify good value that offers room for improvement?

Layout:

 “Less costly, but almost as beneficial as increasing the size, is improving the layout of a property to make it more ergonomic, appealing, or practical.

“Some of the best methods of improving layout include:

• Knocking through small separate kitchen and living areas to make a large kitchen/living space;
• Adding a downstairs cloakroom if one doesn't already exist;
• Adding a bathroom or en suite shower room if the current accommodation doesn't have a good enough bed to bath ratio;
• Opening-up kitchen/dining to the outside;
• Incorporating an integral garage into the living space (replace lost garage storage space with a big garden shed);

“Crucially, check whether the property is Listed or in a Conservation Area – both of which will affect what you are and aren't allowed to do.

Full-frontal appeal:

Anto Clay of Stacks Property Search says, “Buying an ugly duckling property can be a fantastic way of getting good value. Properties that don't have that 'main picture' appeal can be as much as 20% cheaper than a similarly sized property that's got classic looks. It really is possible to turn a duckling into a swan without a huge investment.

“Hiding or screening eyesores is a low-cost solution. Options include growing climbers up unattractive exteriors; softening hard landscaping to include planting; building an enclosure for bins and recycling; re-configuring exterior space or adding screening so that car parking areas are out of sight.

“Screening can take many different forms, but a great quick-fix is trellis which will break up the eyesores. Willow lattice screens are a cost effective and speedy solution to unattractive problems.

“Higher cost options that can really pay dividends include re-surfacing and / or painting pebble-dash, re-grouting stone or brickwork or replacing unattractive windows.”

Rachel Johnston of Stacks Property Search says, “Some properties are blighted by a flaw in their layout. For example, lack of easy access to the garden can lead to a property being lower value; check whether the problem can be fixed, either turning a window into double doors to give access from living areas; or by opening-up the back of an attached garage and integrating some or all of the garage into the living space. Blending inside and outside will always pay dividends both in terms of lifestyle and future sale value.

“Creating utility space is another game-changer, especially if it can be combined with a downstairs cloakroom when neither space exists. Floor plans will give you an idea of whether there's spare downstairs space that can be 'stolen' from another room to create such a valuable asset.

Covenants:

“Putting legwork into investigating old covenants is an exercise that can pay tremendous dividends. Buyers are frightened off by restrictive covenants, and they can devalue a property significantly. Some old covenants are no longer enforceable due to ambiguity, lapse of time, or changes in surrounding land use.“

Loft conversions:

James Greenwood of Stacks Property Search says, “Loft conversions are fantastic way of adding value, but you need to be clever if you're to squeeze every last drop out of the space. A specialist loft company is generally the best option. I sometimes get my clients to talk to a boat builder or campervan designer who have fantastic design solutions for small spaces.”

Stacks Property Search, 01594 842880 / www.stacks.co.uk