Average house prices have fallen slightly over the past month, raising speculation over whether they will pick up later in the year.
Figures from Nationwide on Wednesday showed a surprise drop in prices, down 0.6 per cent in April year-on-year, while mortgage approvals in March, according to numbers released on Thursday, were slightly down.
While these may well represent a temporary blip in the market, there are many things you can do to make sure you get the best price if you are thinking of selling soon.
In fact, there are five easy DIY jobs that can add thousands to the value of your home.
Updating your kitchen could add value to your property
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5 things that boost property value
Give our front door a fresh coat of paint - improving the so-called “kerb appeal” of your home can be boosted with a new lick of paint to the front door, and power-washing your doorstep.
Refresh your kitchen - similarly, painting old kitchen cabinets and replacing tired-looking hardware can give your kitchen the wow factor and add £7,000 to the value of your home.
Quick DIY fixes - fixing all the minor issues in your home, such as replacing old bathroom pull cords, broken door handles, dead plants, making carpet repairs, and attending to wall stains could add some £2,000 to the value of your property.
Deep clean and declutter - you could add another £2,000 by creating an illusion a warmth and spaciousness.
Upgrade your lighting - another £3,000 can be added by upgrading to energy-efficient light bulbs and improving your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.
But there are five things that will also detract from the value of your property.
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Jonathan Rolande shares his expertise JONATHAN ROLANDE5 things that devalue property
An overgrown garden - this can be devastating for first impressions and could devalue your home by as much as eight per cent.
A messy home - not tidying up before potential buyers arrive for a viewing can affect the value by almost five per cent.
Evidence of pets - hair, mess and smells could devalue your home by some four per cent.
Outdated decor - shabby decor can give potential buyers the impression that a lot of work will need to be done, so knocking off up to 3.5 per cent on average from your asking price.
Shabby windows - similarly, windows that are damaged or have peeling paint could result in three per cent knocked off the value of your home.
Jonathan is the founder of House Buy Fast. For more information visit www.jonathanrolande.co.uk
