Page 30 - August 2023

PROPERTY ADVICE

Give your kitchen a quick makeover as Tzana Webster explains: “You’d be
We know that not every kitchen is surprised at how many properties I visit
Instagrammable, but with some quick fixes, (especially top-floor tenement flats) where
you can freshen up tired cabinetry to give I notice old, dried-out watermarks or stains
your kitchen a new lease of life. Try painting from previous leaks on the ceilings or in
the cabinets in an on-trend colour – think corners of rooms. The sellers will always
deep blue or sage green – and replace explain that it’s not an issue and has long
worn handles. In an instant your kitchen been fixed – well, paint over it then! Don’t
will look newer and more attractive, helping draw the eye to a previous problem, that
to boost the value of your property overall. could be a recurring issue.”

Highlight a sunny spot in your garden Refresh your paintwork
South-facing gardens are traditionally the It’s an obvious one, but many sellers don’t
most desirable, but of course not every think about the difference a lick of paint
home has one. If yours faces in a different can make – and it doesn’t always need to
direction, boost its appeal by paying be repainting whole rooms. If your walls
attention to the area that gets the most sun are covered in small marks, chips or scuffs,
during the day. By accentuating this space spend time touching up the paintwork – it
with furniture or fairy lights and plants, you makes all the difference on your Home
can highlight that your garden is a valuable Report.
outdoor asset, whichever direction it faces.
Care for or cover your floors
Make eco-friendly improvements Many properties, particularly tenement
More and more buyers are looking for flats, have wooden floorboards, but as with
environmentally friendly homes to help all period features, these can quickly show
with the climate crisis (and the bills), and signs of age. A cheap way to add value to
the rating your home receives on its EPC your home is to fix any loose or creaky
certificate can certainly impact its valuation. floorboards, sand them and oil them, to
Making as many eco-friendly changes as immediately improve their condition.
possible in your home can make all the
difference when it comes to selling. Try If they look grubby or worn but are
switching lightbulbs for smart LED lighting otherwise in good condition, you could also
and improve insulation where you can – consider laying on-trend patterned vinyl
you don’t need to install expensive solar flooring on top, to instantly add impact and
panels or electric car charging points to create a more glossy look.
make your home more appealing, but
every little helps.

Get rid of stains and watermarks Thinking of selling your home? Arrange
Surveyors and buyers alike will be on the a free property valuation with an ESPC
lookout for any suspicious stains in your solicitor estate agent – visit espc.com/
property that might hint at future repairs, valuations to get started.

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