When you’re considering making changes to your home, it’s worth thinking about the impact that those changes might have on its value. This is true whether you’re looking to sell in the near future, or if you’re simply trying to protect your assets and your wealth.

Generally speaking, the changes that result in the greatest improvement in value are the ones that are desired by the broadest range of potential buyers. This means that some investments will yield a greater uptick in value than others. If you’re financing your investment through a secured loan, then analysing the costs and benefits is particularly crucial.

Let’s take a look at a few classic upgrades, and consider their potential returns:

Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations

A new kitchen or bathroom will tend to produce a considerable improvement in value, especially if you’re building up from a low base. Both rooms are considered important by potential buyers.

It’s worth noting, however, that some features are considered more desirable than others. If you install an expensive granite countertop in an inexpensive flat, then the resulting improvement in value will probably not be commensurate with the amount you’ve invested. Similarly, if your new bathroom doesn’t have a bath, then it might not appeal to buyers who might want to take a bath.

Energy-Efficient Enhancements

The cheaper a given home is to run, the more worthwhile a purchase will be. Buying new energy-efficient doors and windows will help, here – as will insulation in the loft and cavity walls. The changes you make here might be reflected in the Energy Performance Certificate handed to new buyers.

This will ultimately make your home more desirable. The same might be said of boiler upgrades, heat pumps, and (to a lesser extent) LED light fixtures.

Adding Extra Living Space

The more space there is available in your home, the more desirable it will be. If you’re able to add extra living space in an extension, conservatory, or conversion of the loft or garage, then this will tend to be reflected in the market value. If you’re adding a new bedroom, then you might make it more appealing straight away – you’ll be able to describe it as a four-bed rather than a three-bed, for example.

Boosting Kerb Appeal

Kerb appeal matters. If your home doesn’t look good from the outside, then you might struggle to get the best possible price for it. For this reason, beautifying the front of the property can be more than worthwhile. It can help you to create the right first impression on would-be buyers who come to visit, and you’ll make the listing for the property more appealing, too.

Upgrades to the drive, porch, and front garden can all do this. In the case of the drive, you might be able to increase the number of vehicles that can be accommodated off-road, which, in certain high-traffic parts of the country, is hugely desirable.