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Home improvements

How to add value to your home

On this page
How to add value to your home
Tips on keeping the cost down
Paying for work on your home
Paying for improvements

Looking to sell or improve your lifestyle?

Whatever the reason for making home improvements, we could help you get started. See our ideas on how you could add value to your home and find out the most popular things people do to improve their home. 

How to add value to your home

There are lots of different ways you could add value to your home to suit your budget. Here are some examples of the most popular home improvements.

Type of home improvement

Garage conversion
Single storey extension
Tidy up garden
Loft conversion
Central heating
Paint and decorate
Update bathroom

Average cost (UK)

£15,450
£20,000
£7,650
£17,500
£3,225
£2,850
£4,250

Average value added to property (UK)

£41,462
£22,804
£15,548
£13,596
£11,195
£10,365
£10,365
Figures from Towergate Insurance September 2017, you can view full details on their website. These are indicative figures and don't represent financial advice. Always get professional advice and estimates before starting work. The amount of value added to your property will also be affected by other economic factors and changes.

Tips on keeping the cost down

Update your kitchen

The heart of your home and probably the first place you want to fix up.
  • Updating your kitchen can be expensive, so you may want to consider updating cupboard doors or handles instead
  • If you do go for a new kitchen, make sure you don't overspend in relation to the value of your home.

Add or renovate a bathroom

Buyers often look at how many bathrooms are in a home.
  • It's easier if you can locate a new bathroom near existing water and sewerage pipes
  • If you can't add a window make sure you have an extractor fan
  • Think about classic trends that won't date when it comes to decor.

Convert your garage

The extra living space could work wonders.
  • Emptying out the garage will help you see the space you have to work with
  • Garages tend to be longer and thinner than most rooms so you might want to split it in two
  • You may not need planning permission, but you'll need to comply with building regulations.

Paying for work on your home

Depending on the type of work you are looking to do, how much it's likely to cost and how soon you need to do it, you have a few different options. For long term projects, you could look to save up but for more urgent or larger pieces you may consider a loan.
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Set a savings goal

If you want to save up the cash to pay for the work on your property, you can set a savings goal linked to your savings account to help you get there.
Set up a savings goal
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Borrowing to pay for improvements

Take a look at the options available to you if you're over 18 and thinking about borrowing money to pay for home improvements.
Compare your borrowing options
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Thinking of a home improvement loan?

Make a house your home with a personal loan between £7,500 and £19,950. Representative 3.4% APR. Other amounts available at alternative rates. Specific eligibility criteria apply.
Take a look at our loans

Related articles

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