What Actually Adds Value Before You Sell and What Doesn’t
Thinking about selling your home? You’re probably wondering “What should I fix first?” or “Is it worth spending money before we list?”
Short answer: yes, some things really do add value, but others are just expensive distractions.
I see sellers waste thousands on upgrades they think buyers want, while overlooking small, affordable changes that genuinely make a difference. Let’s break it down so you can spend smart, not big.
✅ What Does Add Value Before You Sell
These are the improvements that tend to pay off. Either by increasing your sale price, attracting more buyers, or helping your home sell faster.
1. First Impressions Matter (A Lot)
Buyers decide how they feel about your home within seconds of arriving.
Worth doing:
Tidy the front garden
Pressure wash paths or driveways
Clean windows
Freshen up the front door (paint or polish)
Replace broken fencing or gates
This doesn’t have to cost much, but it sets the tone for the entire viewing.
2. Fresh Paint = Instant Upgrade
One of the best returns on investment, hands down.
Stick to:
Neutral colours
Light, bright tones
Clean, scuff-free walls
You’re not showing off your personality. You’re giving buyers a blank canvas they can imagine themselves in.
3. Decluttering (Yes, It Counts!)
This one’s free and incredibly powerful.
Decluttering:
Makes rooms feel bigger
Lets natural light shine through
Helps buyers focus on the space, not your stuff
If you’re not ready to part with things, consider temporary storage. It’s often worth it.
4. Minor Repairs You’ve Learned to Ignore
That dripping tap. The door that sticks. The cracked socket cover.
Buyers always notice these things even if they don’t say it. Small repairs signal that the home has been well looked after and reduce reasons for buyers to negotiate later.
5. Kitchens & Bathrooms (Within Reason)
You don’t need a full renovation. But small updates help.
Good value tweaks:
New cupboard handles
Re-sealing around sinks and baths
Replacing tired taps
Deep professional clean
Clean, functional, and neutral beats “brand new but over personalised” every time.
❌ What Doesn’t Add Value (And Often Wastes Money)
Now for the tough love. (sorry)
1. Full Renovations Right Before Selling
A brand new kitchen or bathroom sounds appealing but you’re unlikely to get your full spend back.
Why?
Buyers may not like your choices
They’ll still factor in “what they’d change”
Over-improving can price you out of your local market
If it’s functional, clean, and presentable. stop there!
2. High-End, Personalised Features
Things like:
Bespoke shelving
Bold feature walls
Designer light fittings
Niche built-ins
These might suit you, but they don’t always translate to broad buyer appeal and sometimes put people off.
3. Over-Landscaping the Garden
A neat, usable garden sells well. A high maintenance masterpiece? Not always.
Buyers often think:
“This looks expensive to maintain…”
Simple, tidy, and low effort is the goal.
4. Fixing Things No One Will Notice
If buyers can’t see it or feel it, it rarely adds value.
Examples:
Replacing a perfectly good boiler just because it’s “old”
Upgrading insulation without visible benefits
Swapping out internal wiring with no issues
Important for living, but not always for selling.
The Golden Rule: Spend Like a Buyer Thinks
Before spending money, ask:
Will this make the home look better in photos?
Will it help a buyer imagine living here?
Will it remove a reason to negotiate?
If the answer’s no it’s probably not worth it.
My Honest Advice?
Before you start booking trades or buying paint, speak to your estate agent first. A good agent will tell you:
What buyers in your area actually care about
What’s worth doing for your specific home
What you can confidently leave alone
Sometimes the best move is spending £500 wisely, not £15,000 unnecessarily.
If you’re thinking of selling and want tailored advice, I’m always happy to take a look and point you in the right direction, no pressure, no wasted spend.