Remodelling for sale: which interventions increase home value?

You have decided to sell your house or are considering it soon. Of course you want to get a nice price for it. But do you need to invest in a renovation first? And if so: which modifications will actually yield something when selling? Because it's a waste to put money into something buyers barely notice. In this article, we dive into the smart choices that will make your home more attractive and valuable.

Think from the buyer's point of view: what stands out?

Anyone putting their home on the market should actually switch hats for a while: from owner to buyer. Ask yourself: what would you look for in a property? Many buyers pay attention to the kitchen, bathroom, insulation and light. The latter is still often underestimated, while light and space evoke crucial emotions. A dark room? That feels smaller, more unsociable and therefore less valuable.

That is why a relatively simple adjustment, such as installing a Luxlight skylight, can make an immediate difference. Especially in an extension, kitchen or living room, it creates a totally different atmosphere and therefore a better sales experience.

A new kitchen? Only if you avoid this mistake

A brand new kitchen sounds appealing, but beware: tastes differ. If you are selling your home, it is smarter to make the kitchen fresh and neutral, rather than completely new. Think new fronts, handles and a well-functioning lighting plan.

Rather, invest in elements that are universally appreciated, such as more natural light in the kitchen, for example via a skylight or extra window. This will make any kitchen more attractive, whether classic or modern.

Don't make your bathroom a bottleneck

Like the kitchen, the bathroom is a room that buyers pay immediate attention to. But here too, don't remodel for yourself, but for the market. A luxurious steam room or red mosaic tiles can be great for some, but a turn-off for others.

What does work? A fresh, hygienic and neutral look. Consider replacing an outdated washbasin cabinet, new kit edges, well-functioning ventilation and possibly a tight wall over old tiling.

Energy-efficient interventions: attractive and smart

More and more homebuyers are paying attention to the energy label. Especially with rising energy costs, an energy-efficient house is simply more attractive. You really don't have to install solar panels right away, but there are smaller interventions that have a lot of impact:

• Cavity wall insulation

• Floor insulation

• HR++ glass

• An efficient central heating boiler or heat pump

• Good roof insulation

These measures are relatively affordable, lower the buyer's monthly costs and lift the energy label. And that translates to a higher selling price. Do you show the buyer immediately how much energy they save? Then make it extra concrete.

More metres means more value

Adding an extension or dormer sounds tempting, because extra living space often means a higher value. But beware: these are larger investments that are not always recouped one-to-one. It pays off especially if you are already in the process of remodelling, or if your home feels really small.

Flooring, paint and finishes: the eye wants something too

Many homebuyers have no desire to spend months doing odd jobs after buying. A home that feels 'finished' therefore scores better. You really don't have to create a designer interior, but a few simple interventions make a world of difference:

• A neutral floor (e.g. laminate or PVC)

• Clean walls in muted colours

• Elimination of cracks or stains

• New light switches or door handles

Details like these give a well-kept impression. And that makes a property sell faster, often at a better price.

Don't forget the outside

The first impression starts outside. A messy garden or broken drainpipe can make buyers give up even before they are inside. So pay attention too:

• A tidy front garden or driveway

• Well-maintained window frames and doors

• Clean windows and a well-kept facade

• Functioning exterior lighting

Especially if your house falls in the middle segment, the exterior can make just the difference between 'yes' or 'no' to a viewing.