FEATURE: DOORS & WINDOWS
RESEARCH REVEALS THE SURPRISING FEATURE THAT SELLS HOMES
Think kitchens sell homes? Think again. A recent study conducted by Shutterly Fabulous reveals that 71 per cent of homeowners say well-kept windows are the top feature influencing buyers, even above kitchens or bathrooms. First impressions start at the kerb, with buyers also noting roofs, front gardens, and small details like hidden wheelie bins. Steven Dempsey, style consultant at Shutterly Fabulous, shares his practical tips to add value on any budget.
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recent study conducted by Shutterly Fabulous highlights the home features that instantly attract
buyers, and those that turn them away, offering clear guidance on where sellers should focus their budget to maximise profit. Well-kept windows are the number one feature influencing a buyer’s first impression, with over two-thirds of homeowners ranking them as the top kerb appeal selling point, according to new research. First impressions begin long
before a buyer steps inside, making kerb appeal a crucial part of the selling process. Beyond windows, over two-thirds of buyers (68%) also pay close attention to the condition of the roof and the tidiness of the front garden (67%). Even touches as simple as having wheelie bins hidden from the street would leave a positive impression for over a third of buyers (36%). Bringing buyers through the door is just the start; what they see next matters just as much. Having a tidy, functional, and modern interior is crucial when selling – but renovating and adding value come at a cost. With almost a third of homeowners (32%) struggling to stick to a budget when renovating a home to be sold, Steven Dempsey dives deeper into how homeowners can add value to their home, whether they have £100 or £10,000 to spend.
Affordable fixes – range: £0-£1,000
It can feel as though only major renovations add any value to the home, but many homeowners will be surprised at the small tweaks that can have an impact. The first and most important improvement is making any necessary maintenance
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when you first painted, or you can pick up a fresh tub for a reasonable price.
repairs, such as leaks and damage. Most of the time, they are relatively affordable, and buyers will have peace of mind knowing the home is in good condition. Similarly, de-cluttering and deep cleaning can make a noticeable difference as it allows buyers to visualise the space for themselves. A nice-smelling space evokes a sense of joy and positivity, so incorporate candles and diffusers when carrying out viewings – you can pick them up for around £10. Finally, touching up the paintwork around the home has a huge visual impact. That doesn’t mean changing the colour scheme entirely, but covering any marks and scratches makes paintwork look fresh and clean. You might already have leftover product from
Mid-range improvements – range: £1-£10,000 In the mid-range, there are several home improvements that boost value without requiring major renovations, though they do come with a slightly higher price tag. One of the more recent additions to the housing market is solar panels, and they can be a huge selling point for buyers. They’ll cost around £5-8k to install, and you’re guaranteed to reap the benefits when you put your house on the market.
For many buyers, vehicle security is non-negotiable, making off-road parking a top priority. If you have garden space at the front of your house, this is a welcome opportunity to create a private driveway. A couple of thousand pounds can transform an empty garden into a beautiful, paved parking spot that ensures maximum security when at home and adds significant value. It may be the word homeowners
dread, but a new boiler is a powerful draw for buyers. Most people will
turn away from a home that has a boiler at risk of breaking, which is why installing a new one before selling can not only add value to your home but also keep buyers interested.
Big budget spends – range: £10k+
While it’s not necessary to go all in on renovations, doing so can help you turn a hefty profit – and there’s plenty to invest in. While not a quick project, loft conversions are a great way to increase the value of your home by maximising existing space. Turning an unused attic into an extra bedroom or home office can completely transform a space and impress buyers. EPC ratings are often overlooked because they don’t add a visual element to the home, but a higher rating is highly sought after. The cost of improving an EPC can massively vary depending on the size of your home and what the existing rating is, ranging anywhere between £5k and £ 15k. You’ll need to consider improvements such as insulation, double glazing, and switching to LED lighting. If you’re able to make a huge investment, extensions that add additional rooms to the home will inevitably increase the value of your property. While you can be looking at as much as £100,000 to extend, you can create sought-after spaces such as utility rooms, office spaces, and extra bedrooms with en-suites. Even a small front-porch extension can add worthwhile value to your property when the time comes to sell.
• For more information on the surprising home selling points that add value, please visit www.
shutterlyfabulous.com/blog/ surprising-home-selling-points- that-add-value.
JANUARY 2026 DIY WEEK 15
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