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Increase Your House Value: Assessing Your Neighbourhood Before Renovating

Discover how assessing your neighbourhood's aesthetics, norms, and property values can guide your home renovation decisions

London Neighbourhood Street with houses

Written by

Preeti

Published on

August 10, 2023

When considering home renovations, it's crucial to look beyond your own four walls and take a close look at your neighbourhood. By observing the characteristics, styles, and trends in the surrounding area, both offline and online, you can make informed decisions that will increase your house's value. In this blog post, we will explore why it's essential to examine your neighbourhood before embarking on any renovation projects and highlight key factors to consider. Let's jump into the 4walls insights.

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Assessing Aesthetics and Quality

Start by taking a walk around your neighbourhood and observing the homes that stand out and have excellent curb appeal. Pay attention to the overall aesthetics, architectural styles, and quality that are more likely to be valued by potential buyers. Understanding the design preferences and standards of your neighbourhood can guide your renovation choices to align with market expectations.

Consider Neighbourhood Norms

Renovations that align with neighbourhood standards generally have a higher likelihood of providing a good return on investment. Over-improving your home relative to the neighbourhood may not allow you to recoup the full cost of the renovation when it comes time to sell. By considering market norms, such as the types of renovations commonly seen in the area, you can make informed decisions about which projects are likely to offer the best return on investment for your specific location.

Planning Permission

Explore what planning permissions have been granted to homes in your neighbourhood. This will give you insights into the types of renovations and additions that are likely to get approved. Understanding the limitations and possibilities within your neighbourhood can help you plan your renovation project more effectively.

Interior Design and Layout

Research the interior designs that are increasing the value of similar houses with the same square footage. Look for trends in layout, such as the number of bathrooms, bedrooms, or additional features like offices or annexes. Analysing what buyers value in terms of the look and feel of a house can inform your renovation decisions, ensuring that you invest in areas that will increase your house value.

Price per Square Foot and Unique Layouts

Consider the average price per square foot of properties in your neighbourhood. Additionally, pay attention to the layout and features of homes that command higher prices. Does a specific layout or unique feature contribute to the increased value? Understanding these factors can help you identify opportunities to enhance your home's layout and amenities.

architectural house plan drawing with spirit level

Conclusion

Before diving into any renovation project, take the time to observe and research your neighbourhood. By examining the characteristics, styles, planning permissions, interior designs, and pricing trends, you can make informed decisions to increase your house value. Remember, this valuable information is readily available, both offline and online, and can guide you towards renovations that will not only improve your living space but also prove to be a wise investment. Take advantage of these insights to create a home that stands out and fits seamlessly within your neighbourhood, ensuring you reap the rewards when it comes time to sell.

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