What are the best home improvements to add value to your home?

If you are a homeowner, your home is likely to be the biggest asset that you own. So, whether you intend to stay there for a very long time, or are perhaps thinking of selling in the next couple of years or so, it makes sense to keep it in as good condition as possible.

And if moving may be on the cards, it also makes sense to focus on those home improvements that would also add value to your home. But what are these improvements?

As with anything, opinions on this topic vary enormously. However, there are some improvements that are recurring themes on any kind of property website. So in this article we take a look at five of those home improvements.

Inevitably, any kind of major home improvement does not come cheap! In this case you may need to weigh up whether it is worth stretching yourself to get that work done, for example by taking out a personal loan, to improve your home for your family and for potential future buyers. 

But for each improvement we’ve also included a budget option, to give you some ideas as to how you could do a partial improvement without the hefty price tag.

So, here are five of the best home improvements to add value to your home in 2025:

Extensions and conversions

• The full works

Major projects like loft conversions, basement conversions, adding a conservatory or converting a garage are huge projects which can cost thousands of pounds, even though they could potentially add up to 15% to the value of your home. Any of these add more floor space to your home, which is particularly valuable if you live in a town or city.

• The cheaper option

Most of the above kinds of projects need planning permission. So if you are thinking of selling your home, it could be worth sorting out the planning permission for one or more of them even if you have no intention of actually getting the work done. Whilst you would have to spend money on producing designs and getting a survey, it could be a very big incentive to a future buyer if they know that there is already planning permission for major alterations. 

New kitchen

• The full works

A new kitchen is a real asset when it comes to selling your home, and can add 15% to its value. But it doesn’t come cheap. Depending on the size of your kitchen and the extent of the changes you are getting made, it could cost over £40,000.

• The cheaper option

For a much smaller budget, there is a lot you can do to improve the look and feel of your kitchen. For example, replacing either your kitchen cabinets or even just your kitchen cabinet doors can make a huge difference. You could also add new work surfaces and splashbacks as needed. If you have dead space in your kitchen you could make good use of this by installing either a kitchen island or extra seating,

For the finishing touch to any of the above, add a new coat of paint, and/or a little extra tiling, and your kitchen would be much improved at a fraction of the cost of a total refurbishment.

New bathroom

• The full works

A new bathroom doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. Much depends on whether you want to change the current layout of your bathroom. If you do this, it is likely to involve moving pipes and installing new plumbing so the price can start to climb dramatically.

It’s also worth noting that it’s not really worth spending a small fortune on an amazing new bathroom if the rest of the house is not up to the same standard. For a solid investment, the bathroom needs to fit into the general style and ambiance of the rest of the home. But if you get it right, a new bathroom could potentially add 3-5% to the value of your home.

• The cheaper option

You can greatly reduce the cost of a new bathroom by keeping the existing layout and plumbing, and just replacing some or all of the bathroom furniture i.e sink, toilet, bath or shower. Even just replacing accessories such as taps, then giving it a deep clean and perhaps a fresh coat of paint can make a bathroom look considerably better.

Off-road parking

• The full works

In cities and large towns, off-street parking could add substantial value to your home, possibly as much as £50,000 if you live in a major UK city. But most suburban and rural buyers also see off-street parking as essential. Some estate agents claim that off-road parking can make or break a sale.

The cost of converting a garden to a parking space can be expensive, especially if it involves local council regulations related to issues such as dropping the kerb and/or reinforcing the pavement. And also if you then decide to lay down a driveway that will cost even more. But it could be well worth doing, both for your convenience and any future sale.

• The cheaper option

If you already have a dropped kerb outside your property, it shouldn’t be too expensive to clear part of your front garden and put gravel down instead, to create a basic parking area. It’s always worth checking with your local Council as to whether any particular permission is needed to do this, but it could be a quick win.

Kerb appeal

• The full works

As well as off-road parking, one thing that many buyers look for is instant kerb appeal. No matter how lovely your home is inside, if it looks shabby from the outside that will put a lot of people off. 

The full works on maximising kerb appeal could include some or all of the following:

• Repainting the exterior of your home;
• Painting or replacing the front door;
• Replacing the windows if they need attention;
• Adding hanging baskets and other decorative features;
• Landscaping any front garden area;
• Painting or replacing the garage door, if applicable;
• Ensuring any fences or walls are in good condition.

Also bear in mind that if you have a fabulous front garden then buyers will also expect something pretty good at the back. So your kerb appeal project could end up encompassing your back garden too.

• The cheaper option

Make sure the outside of your home looks clean and uncluttered. If your front door has seen better days but you can’t afford to replace it, give it a fresh coat of paint, and replace some of the accessories such as doorknob, letter box and house number or name. 

Ensure that any front garden area is cleared and add a few plants in pots for a bit of colour. Similarly, do what you can to tidy up your back garden. Make sure it is free of rubbish and clutter, and that patios, fences and decking are all clean and in good condition. Add a few small enhancements such as garden lighting, a BBQ or firepit, and comfy seating. All of these will make it look better and buyers will be able to see its potential for outdoor living.

We hope that the above information helps you to decide on which home improvements to prioritise during 2025. And if at any stage you need some extra money to pay for your improvements, remember that Loans 2 Go offer a range of personal loans – including online loans – that may be able to help.