Grab the opportunity to put your own stamp on this Art Deco house in Surrey. Photo: James Gifford
Upgrading a home is an almost failsafe way of boosting its value. If you’re after a fixer-upper, it’s important to know what to look out for when viewing.
"Ask the agent if there are other properties in the area that are higher in value and already renovated that can be used for comparison," advises Russell Hill, board of management partner at William H Brown, Norwich.
"Next, think about what sort of work needs to be done: simple redecoration, a new kitchen and bathroom, or extending? Looking ahead at the cost of the work and budgeting this correctly is key."
These houses for sale offer scope for improvement — and maximising eventual returns.
1. Lower Stondon, Henlow, Bedfordshire, £460,000
Converting the loft will liberate extra space in this three-bedroom bungalow. Photo: Taylors
A buyer hoping to extend this three-bedroom, semi-detached bungalow in Henlow, Bedfordshire, is likely to be inspired by the loft conversion in the identical neighbouring property.
Even before adding extra space, this light-filled home is a good size, with three double bedrooms, a 25-foot living/dining room leading into a conservatory, a kitchen and family bathroom. It occupies a large plot and there’s a double garage at the rear. Through Taylors.
2. Trinity, Edinburgh, offers over £540,000
Ideal for a buyer after a project, this house requires complete modernisation. Photo: Connell & Connell/ESPC
Investing some time and money into restoring this four-bedroom mid-terrace villa could well be worth your while as similar, done up houses nearby have sold for over £900,000.
The stone-built house, in a leafy suburb a couple of miles from Edinburgh city centre, incorporates a bay-windowed lounge, a dining room, kitchen, conservatory, utility and shower room on the ground floor, three bedrooms on the first floor and a fourth bedroom and bathroom on the second. By Connell & Connell via ESPC.
This charming listed cottage needs a kitchen and bathroom refit. Photo: Knight Frank
Grade II-listed The Thatched Cottage sits in a conservation area overlooking the green in a delightful village three miles from the centre of Stratford.
Once two houses, it includes four first floor bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sitting room, dining room and kitchen along with original features such as exposed timber beams and an inglenook fireplace. These are believed to date back to the 1600s or even earlier.
A utility, cloakroom and garage are in an L-shaped wing added at the end of the 20th century and the roof was re-thatched in 2020.
New kitchen and bathroom fittings would be the finishing touch. Through Knight Frank.
4. Ermington, Ivybridge, Devon, £625,000
The four-bedroom house benefits from wonderful rural views. Photo: Marchand Petit
Work has already started on upgrading Budlake, a dated detached house on the edge of a sought-after South Hams village.
It comprises a sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, four bedrooms, a bathroom and cloakroom, and a big wraparound garden. Many rooms enjoy sweeping views across a valley. Find out more from Marchand Petit.
5. Braunstone, Rutland, £750,000
Planning permission is in place to transform this former pub into four houses. Photo: Moores Estate Agents
This former pub comes with full planning permission to create four houses with private gardens and parking.
The pub is to be converted into one four-bedroom and one three-bedroom house, and two new homes will be built in the grounds.
Do your maths right and you can look forward to a decent profit, though some previous development experience won’t go amiss. Get in touch with Moores Estate Agents.
Period features can be found throughout this four-storey house. Photo: Winkworth
On the market for the first time in 50 years, this large Grade II-listed semi-detached house has been well maintained with many period features retained, but now requires modernisation.
Accommodation is arranged over four floors and includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms, three reception rooms and a kitchen/diner, and there’s a roof terrace and a 130-foot garden. The new owner will have the opportunity to create secure off street parking at the back of the house or build a double garage, as some of the neighbours have done. Contact Winkworth.
This substantial Art Deco house boasts many interesting features. Photo: James Gifford
With cosmetic updates and tweaks to the layout, this unique Art Deco home could achieve its full potential.
It has five bedrooms, a kitchen/breakfast room and dining and living rooms that open to create a vast entertaining area overlooking the garden and outdoor pool.
Curved walls, geometric windows and strking balustrades on the staircase and landing are among its outstanding architectural features. For further information contact Melanie Attwater.
8. Apperley, Gloucestershire, £1.8m
There's already plenty of room in this elegant country house, but more could be adding by converting the outbuildings. Photo: Fine & Country
One of the joys of moving into Apperley House, a Grade II-listed 7,000 square foot, seven-bedroom country retreat is that it’s been beautifully enhanced by the current owners.
You'll be able to live here in style and comfort while focusing on converting the extensive outbuildings. Planning permission has been granted to develop the coach house, stables, brick barn, and build a new triple garage. Available from Fine & Country.
9. Chelsea, London SW3, £2.7m
Mansard roof and side return extensions would boost space and value. Photo: Strutt & Parker ·Strutt & Parker
Hunting for a central London abode that’s convenient for shops and restaurants? Then check out this pretty Victorian terraced house, on a quiet street a short walk from Knightsbridge and Sloane Square.
It includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a double reception room and a courtyard garden and it could be expanded with mansard roof and side return extensions, subject to obtaining planning consent. Through Strutt & Parker.
