Britons can increase the value of their property by making changes around the house. One way they can boost their home's selling price is by changing up their garage.
A built-in home gym is an appealing prospect for potential buyers who want to work out and keep fit without paying for a gym membership.
Garage door supplier Garolla collaborated with property experts to discuss the benefits of transforming your garage into an at-home gym. According to one expert, it could boost your property value by £10,000 to £30,000.
Manager at Urban Village Homes Sarah Trevett said: "Converting a garage into a gym would make it a usable extra room, potentially free up space in living rooms and bedrooms where many people have accumulated post-lockdown exercise equipment.
A garage revamp could do wonders for your property's value
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"The cost of living has meant many people are cutting back on things like paying gym fees and other luxuries so it’s a perfect solution.
"It depends on various factors - such as size/price of the property, location, and so on - but I would estimate it could add anything from £10,000 to £30,000 just by presenting it as a usable space."
Property specialist at Housebuyers4u Paul Gibbens agreed with the notion that a garage revamp could boost your house price.
He said: "Converting a garage into a home gym could enhance your living space and potentially increase your property's value, especially when health and fitness are increasingly prioritised in many people's daily routines.
"This conversion’s actual boost in value can vary, influenced by factors such as the conversion's quality, local demand for home fitness spaces, and the prevailing market conditions when you decide to sell. A rough estimate would be anywhere between five to 15 per cent."
The Post Office agreed that the installation of a home gym could be hugely beneficial, stating: "Splashing out £10,000 on a home gym can add as much as 44 per cent on to the value of a property."
Garolla CEO Mark Hall said: "Transforming your garage into a home gym is an excellent way to make the most of your property. Not only will you add value to your home by making an often-neglected space much more useful, but you’re cutting down on expensive gym membership fees, too.
"You can transform your garage into a simple home gym over the course of a weekend, while bigger projects involving wall insulation, flooring, and building in shelving units take a bit more time and planning. It all depends on the current state of your garage and the workouts you want to do.
"The most important thing is to create a clean and safe environment for working out, and the key to this is installing an electric garage door which not only helps to insulate your gym but keeps your expensive equipment secure."
He offered some practical advice for homeowners who might want to take the plunge and create a home gym. He said: "In the majority of cases there’s no need to obtain planning permission when transforming your garage into a gym. This is especially the case if you’re leaving a garage door in place, as opposed to replacing it with a window.
"There might be a need for planning permission if you’re converting a garage that sits apart from the main building, or if your home is a listed property or sits within a conservation area. On new build properties, you’ll need to check that there isn’t a condition attached to the property that states that your garage must remain as parking. If this is the case, you will need to apply for this condition to be removed”.
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Transforming your garage into a home gym could 'add anything from £10,000 to £30,000'
While Britons could up their property price by transforming their garage into a home gym, this is not a universal rule or guaranteed. Every house and garage combo is different and homeowners must factor in their unique space before making the decision.
Paul Gibbens said: "The importance of garage space for parking must be balanced, especially in regions where on-street parking is limited or where weather conditions make covered parking a necessity. In these scenarios, converting a garage into a gym could potentially detract from your home's value to those who prioritize secure and convenient parking.
"It's crucial for the conversion to be professionally executed and for the space to maintain its versatility. Potential buyers might appreciate the option to revert the gym back into a garage, so avoiding permanent or costly-to-reverse modifications is essential."
Britons can also "boost their house price" with a tidying chore that "allows buyers to see its full potential".
A property expert said: "With strategic and affordable improvements, you can attract potential buyers and secure a higher sale price, making your sale a success."