Best Home Improvements to Boost Value Before Selling

Introduction

Selling your home can be one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make — and ensuring your property is in top shape can significantly affect how quickly it sells and how much it’s worth. Whether you're preparing for viewings or planning ahead, the right home improvements can increase your property's value and attract more potential buyers.

But not all upgrades are created equal. Some improvements deliver a strong return on investment (ROI), while others may cost more than they’re worth. In this guide, we'll explore the best home improvements to boost value before selling, based on UK market trends and buyer preferences in 2025.

From kitchen renovations to energy efficiency upgrades, we’ll help you understand which projects are worth tackling — and how you can find trusted tradespeople through BookaBuilderUK to get the job done right.

Why Home Improvements Matter Before Selling

In a competitive UK housing market, first impressions can make or break a sale. Buyers are increasingly seeking properties that are move-in ready, energy-efficient, and visually appealing. Strategic home improvements can help you achieve all three — often leading to faster sales and higher offers.

According to recent Zoopla data, properties that are well-maintained and tastefully updated can sell up to 20% faster than similar homes that haven't been improved. Even simple updates, such as repainting or modernising fixtures, can have a big impact on how your property is perceived.

Whether you're aiming to increase your asking price or simply want to stand out in a crowded market, focusing on the right improvements before listing can be a wise investment. Plus, buyers are more likely to submit stronger offers if they feel they won't need to spend extra money fixing issues after purchase.

In the sections below, we'll break down the most effective improvements — and show you how to make them happen with the help of reliable local tradespeople from BookaBuilderUK.

Top Home Improvements That Add the Most Value

Not all home improvements offer the same return on investment. Some are far more likely to boost your property's appeal and sale price than others. Below, we’ll explore the top upgrades UK homeowners should consider before listing their home — starting with one of the biggest value drivers: the kitchen.

Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home — and for good reason. It's one of the first areas potential buyers will assess, and a modern, clean, and functional kitchen can significantly increase your property’s value and desirability.

Full kitchen renovations can deliver a return on investment of up to 70–80%, depending on the scale of the work and the local property market. However, you don’t need to spend tens of thousands to see results. Even a light makeover can make a big difference.

• Update cupboard doors or paint existing units
• Replace tired worktops with durable, modern surfaces like quartz or laminate
• Install new handles, taps, or splashbacks for a fresh look
• Upgrade lighting to make the space feel brighter and more open
• Consider integrated appliances for a sleeker appearance

Buyers are often put off by kitchens that look outdated or in need of major repairs. Investing in a few smart upgrades can make your home feel move-in ready — which translates to stronger offers and faster sales.

Need a professional kitchen fitter or joiner? Use BookaBuilderUK to get free quotes from trusted local tradespeople in your area.

Bathroom Upgrades

Bathrooms are another crucial area where buyers look for cleanliness, modern design, and functionality. An outdated or poorly maintained bathroom can be a major turn-off, while a fresh and stylish one can help clinch a sale.

Upgrading your bathroom before selling doesn’t always mean a full renovation. In fact, a well-planned refresh can add significant value without breaking the bank. On average, a bathroom upgrade in the UK can recoup between 60–70% of its cost in increased property value.

• Replace old taps, showerheads, or a worn-out toilet with modern fittings
• Retile splash zones or walls with neutral, contemporary tiles
• Regrout existing tiles to give a cleaner, newer look
• Install a new vanity or storage unit to maximise space
• Upgrade lighting and mirrors to brighten the room
• Apply fresh sealant around the bath, shower, or sink

Even small fixes — like removing limescale, cleaning grout, or adding a new shower screen — can make a big impact when presenting your home to potential buyers.

To ensure a quality finish, consider hiring a professional bathroom fitter or plumber through BookaBuilderUK. You’ll find trusted tradespeople who can transform your space and help you get your home ready for sale.

Loft Conversion

Adding a loft conversion is one of the most effective ways to boost your property's value — especially in cities and high-demand areas where extra living space is at a premium. By converting an unused attic into a bedroom, office, or en-suite, you’re expanding your home’s functional square footage, which directly impacts valuation.

According to Homes & Property, a well-executed loft conversion can increase a home’s value by up to 20%, depending on the area and type of conversion. It’s particularly valuable for families or buyers looking for a guest room, home office, or master suite.

Common types of loft conversions include:

• Velux (rooflight) conversion – least expensive and ideal for high-pitched roofs
• Dormer conversion – adds usable floor space with vertical walls and windows
• Hip-to-gable conversion – popular for semi-detached homes with sloped roofs
• Mansard conversion – the most extensive and often used for full roof redesigns

Before starting a loft conversion, it’s essential to check planning permission rules and building regulations. Not all conversions fall under permitted development, especially in conservation areas or flats.

To get expert guidance and ensure the job meets all legal and structural requirements, use BookaBuilderUK to connect with reputable loft conversion specialists near you.

Garden Landscaping

Outdoor space is a huge selling point for UK buyers — particularly since the pandemic, when gardens became even more desirable. A well-kept garden can greatly enhance your home’s first impression, improve its kerb appeal, and even increase its value by up to 10%, according to RHS research.

Whether you have a large back garden or a small urban courtyard, investing in landscaping can transform your outdoor area into a feature buyers remember. Key improvements include:

• Trimming hedges, cutting the lawn, and removing weeds
• Adding a patio or deck for outdoor entertaining space
• Planting low-maintenance flowers, shrubs, or evergreens
• Installing new fencing or repairing old panels
• Adding garden lighting for atmosphere and safety
• Creating defined zones – dining, relaxing, play areas

Buyers are more likely to connect emotionally with a property that offers an attractive and functional outdoor space. It also gives the impression that the home has been well cared for.

Whether you need a landscaper, fencing contractor, or patio installer, BookaBuilderUK makes it easy to find experienced professionals in your area who can bring your garden ideas to life.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, energy efficiency is now a top priority for UK homebuyers. A property with a high EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating is not only more attractive to buyers — it can also command a higher asking price.

According to government data, improving a home's EPC rating from band D to band C can increase its market value by an average of 5% or more. It also opens your listing to buyers who want long-term energy savings.

• Double or triple glazing
• Loft and wall insulation
• Modern condensing boiler or heat pump
• Smart thermostat installation
• Draught-proofing doors and windows
• Solar panels (where suitable)

Buyers will often check the EPC rating when browsing online property listings, and a poor rating can be a dealbreaker. Making these improvements before you sell not only helps the planet — it can make your property stand out.

Need help improving your home's efficiency? Use BookaBuilderUK to find trusted insulation specialists, heating engineers, and energy assessors in your local area.

Fresh Paint and Decorating

One of the easiest ways to breathe new life into your home before selling is with a fresh coat of paint. It’s cost-effective, quick to complete, and has a big impact on how clean, modern, and spacious your home feels — all things that appeal to prospective buyers.

• Neutral tones (white, light grey, beige)
• Touch up skirting boards and woodwork
• Remove outdated wallpaper
• Fix dents, holes, or stains

These small touches can go a long way in making your property feel move-in ready — which is exactly what many buyers are looking for.

If you’d prefer a professional finish, you can find local painters and decorators through BookaBuilderUK.

New Flooring

Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice when they walk into a home. Worn-out carpets, dated vinyl, or damaged wooden floors can make a property feel tired — while fresh, modern flooring can instantly elevate the overall appearance and add value.

• Laminate or engineered wood for main living areas
• LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) for kitchens/bathrooms
• Neutral carpets for bedrooms
• Restoring original floorboards in period homes

Make sure new flooring suits the rest of the home’s style. For expert installation, BookaBuilderUK connects you with qualified flooring professionals.

Improvements That Often Don’t Add Value

While it’s tempting to think that any improvement will increase your home’s value, some upgrades offer little return — and in some cases, can even put buyers off. Before you invest time and money, it’s worth knowing which projects may not deliver the results you expect when it comes to resale value.

Here are a few common improvements that often fail to add significant value to a property:

• Luxury upgrades (e.g. high-end kitchens or bathrooms): Over-specifying for your area can price your home above the local ceiling, making it harder to sell.
• Swimming pools: While they may seem like a luxury, most UK buyers view them as high-maintenance and costly, particularly in our climate.
• Garage conversions without planning: If not done to building regs or with proper permissions, these can deter buyers rather than attract them.
• Bold or personalised décor: Bright colours, feature walls, and unusual styles might not appeal to the general market.
• Built-in electronics or home cinemas: These may impress some, but are unlikely to sway the average buyer or increase your asking price significantly.
• DIY work done to a poor standard: Visible issues can raise red flags during surveys and reduce offers or delay sales.

The key is to focus on improvements that are widely appealing, add usable space, or increase energy efficiency — rather than niche or personal upgrades that don’t match the expectations of the average buyer.

When in doubt, speak to an estate agent or valuation expert before committing to big projects. And remember: if you do go ahead with home improvements, always hire a professional. You can find reliable, vetted tradespeople through BookaBuilderUK.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

When preparing your home for sale, it’s natural to consider tackling some jobs yourself to save money. And for certain tasks, that can be a smart move. However, there’s a fine line between a well-done DIY job and one that risks putting off potential buyers — or worse, causing issues during a property survey.

When DIY is Suitable

DIY can be a good choice for smaller, cosmetic improvements that don't require specialist skills. These include:

• Painting and decorating (if done neatly)
• Gardening and general tidying up
• Replacing handles, knobs, and fixtures
• Cleaning grout or resealing bathrooms
• Decluttering and staging rooms

When to Hire a Professional

For any work involving plumbing, electrics, structural changes, or building regulations, hiring a qualified professional is essential. Not only does it ensure the work is safe and compliant, but it also gives buyers confidence that the home has been properly maintained.

Hire a professional if you're considering:

• Electrical rewiring or new circuits
• Plumbing installations or bathroom fitting
• Loft conversions or structural alterations
• New kitchens or flooring
• Window replacements or insulation upgrades

DIY shortcuts can lead to issues flagged during a buyer’s survey, which may reduce your asking price or result in a collapsed sale. To ensure a professional finish and peace of mind, use BookaBuilderUK to find trusted local tradespeople for jobs big or small.

How to Prioritise Improvements Based on Budget

Not every seller has the time or budget to carry out a full home makeover — and the good news is, you don’t need to. By prioritising the right improvements, you can make your property more appealing and boost its value without spending more than necessary.

Start with the Essentials

Begin by addressing anything that could cause concern for buyers or come up during a survey. These are typically classed as “must-do” improvements:

• Fix leaks, damp, or mould
• Repair damaged roofing or guttering
• Ensure all electrical and plumbing systems are safe and functional
• Resolve structural cracks or uneven flooring

Next, Focus on Cosmetic Updates

If your home is in good condition structurally, shift your attention to upgrades that improve first impressions:

• Fresh paint and decorating
• New flooring in key areas like hallways or living rooms
• Updating the kitchen and bathroom fixtures
• Boosting kerb appeal with landscaping or a clean exterior

Finally, Consider “Nice-to-Have” Additions

If you still have budget left over, you might consider optional upgrades that make your home stand out but aren’t strictly necessary:

• Adding built-in storage or wardrobes
• Smart home features like thermostats or lighting
• Upgrading insulation or fitting new windows

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Work out how much you can reasonably invest in improvements based on your property’s current value and target sale price. Try not to overcapitalise — your upgrades should help you sell faster or for more money, not just spend more for the sake of it.

Need help getting quotes or prioritising trades? BookaBuilderUK lets you compare local professionals so you can find the right expert at the right price.

FAQs

What adds the most value to a home before selling in the UK?

Some of the most value-adding improvements include kitchen and bathroom upgrades, loft conversions, energy efficiency improvements (like insulation and double glazing), and enhanced kerb appeal through garden landscaping. These changes can significantly increase both the perceived and actual value of your home.

Is it worth renovating before selling a house?

Yes — as long as the renovations are cost-effective and target areas buyers care about. Strategic upgrades can help your home sell faster and for a higher price. Focus on areas like kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and energy efficiency, and avoid over-personalised or luxury updates that might not suit every buyer.

Should I fix cosmetic issues before listing my home?

Absolutely. Small cosmetic flaws like scuffed paint, cracked tiles, or old carpet can create a negative first impression. Buyers may assume deeper problems exist, even if the home is structurally sound. Quick cosmetic fixes can offer a strong return on a small investment.

How much should I spend on improvements before selling?

It depends on your property’s value, condition, and local market. As a general rule, avoid spending more than 5–10% of your home’s value on upgrades. Prioritise repairs, followed by cost-effective cosmetic updates. If you're unsure, speak to a local estate agent or get quotes from trusted tradespeople through BookaBuilderUK.

Can I do the improvements myself?

For basic tasks like painting or gardening, DIY is fine. But for anything involving plumbing, electrics, or structural work, it’s best to hire a professional. Poor workmanship can lower your home's value or delay a sale. BookaBuilderUK helps you find qualified, reviewed local tradespeople for every type of job.

Final Thoughts

Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul or breaking the bank. By focusing on high-impact, value-boosting improvements — like updating kitchens and bathrooms, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing kerb appeal — you can make your property more attractive to buyers and increase your chances of a quicker, more profitable sale.

Equally important is knowing where to draw the line. Avoid over-investing in luxury upgrades or tackling risky DIY jobs that could affect your property's value. Prioritise essential repairs, fresh finishes, and features that appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you're updating a tired kitchen or need help installing new flooring, BookaBuilderUK connects you with trusted, vetted tradespeople across the UK. Get multiple quotes, read reviews, and choose the right professional for your home improvement project — all in one place.

Ready to get started? Find your local expert today at BookaBuilderUK.com.