Top tips on how to add value to your home

Adding value to your home isn't just about increasing the valuation in your Home Report, it’s about enhancing appeal and perceived value to potential buyers. Properties that feel clean, fresh and move-in ready tend to achieve a higher asking price and sell more quickly.

While different factors such as local demand, economic trends and kerb appeal all play a part, first impressions count, and making the right changes can lead to a more desirable property and a better selling price. Our guide on how to add value to your home offers cost-effective tips and insights on everything from planning permission to energy efficiency, helping you attract buyers and get the most from the sale of your property.

Small home improvements to quickly add value to your home

Enhancing your home doesn’t have to mean a major investment. Small, cost-effective updates can make a big difference to its overall appeal. Superficial defects might seem insignificant, or even go unnoticed if you’ve lived with them for a while, but many buyers see them as signs of neglect or potential future issues. A clean, well-presented home suggests it has been properly maintained, helping to build buyer confidence.

Declutter, depersonalise and deep clean

Before diving into any DIY or cosmetic upgrades, start by giving your property a proper refresh. Decluttering your home, removing broken or bulky furniture, and giving each room a deep clean can instantly enhance its appeal.

A tidy, organised space helps potential buyers visualise how they could use the rooms, while also making areas appear more spacious and functional. Clear surfaces, clean windows and freshly hoovered carpets help showcase your property in the best light.

If possible, store excess furniture off-site to highlight your available floor space, especially important in smaller properties where space is at a premium.

These simple but effective steps cost very little and can add significant perceived value to your home. For more advice on presentation and staging, explore our guide on getting your home ready to sell.

Low-cost quick wins (1–2 hours each)

Fixing small defects can make a big difference to your home’s presentation. These quick, low-cost tasks each take just a couple of hours but can go a long way in freshening up your property and creating a well-cared-for impression:

• Touch up paintwork on ceilings, walls, doors, skirting boards, and window frames to give tired areas a clean, well-maintained look
• Replace broken light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives to brighten your home and boost its energy efficiency
• Fix dripping taps and tighten plumbing fixtures to reduce noise and give a sense of quality maintenance
• Refresh mouldy sealant around showers, baths, and sinks for a cleaner bathroom and kitchen
• Clean limescale from bathroom and kitchen fittings to make them sparkle like new
• Deep clean carpets with a carpet cleaner to eliminate stains and freshen up your rooms
• Oil squeaky door hinges, repair squeaky floors or stairs to reduce distracting noises
• Tidy up exposed cables or wires using clips or covers to create a neater appearance
• Wash windows inside and out for a lighter, more appealing space
• Trim overgrown hedges or shrubs especially those in the front garden to improve kerb appeal

More substantial investments (a day or more)

If you're ready to invest more time and money, larger home improvements can significantly boost your property's appeal. While not all upgrades increase the home report value or asking price, they can improve saleability and attract more buyers.

The value added to your home depends on its current condition, local demand, and how it compares to similar properties. These larger projects could be worthwhile, depending on your home’s presentation:

• Repaint interior rooms in neutral colours to appeal to most buyers
• Update kitchen cabinets with new worktops, cabinet doors or handles for a fresh look
• Repair or replace flooring such as chipped tiles, tired carpets, or dated laminate
• Board and insulate the loft to create valuable storage space
• Install double glazed windows and doors for better insulation and energy efficiency
• Install a log burner to add warmth, charm and a focal point, especially in period homes.
• Enhance the exterior by refreshing front doors, exterior paint, garage doors, driveways, and rainwater goods

If your home has original period features, consider restoring rather than replacing them. Buyers in Edinburgh often appreciate homes that retain their character, especially when updates are carried out in a style that’s sympathetic to the property’s era. Restoring original flooring, cornicing, or window shutters can add charm and demonstrate thoughtful care – key factors in helping add value to your home.

Significant home improvements to add maximum value to your home

For homeowners looking to add significant value to their property, major upgrades such as extensions or conversions can deliver substantial returns, but only if carefully planned. These larger projects often come with high costs, longer timescales and added complexity. It’s important to weigh up the potential value added against the cost, while also factoring in whether planning permission or compliance with local building regulations is required.

Open plan living spaces

Open-plan layouts are a brilliant way to create a greater sense of space and bring in more natural light - both highly sought-after features in Edinburgh’s property market. You don’t need an extension to achieve this. Simply removing non-load-bearing walls can help you connect your kitchen, dining area and lounge into one cohesive, inviting living space. Just be sure to check local building regulations and get any necessary approvals before starting work.

Adding value with extensions and conversions

When well-designed and professionally executed, an extension or conversion can be one of the most impactful ways to add value to your property and are particularly attractive to buyers looking for more space, or extra bedrooms.

• Single-storey extensions
  Ideal for creating open plan living spaces, larger kitchens, offices, or additional bedrooms.
  Cons: Can reduce garden space and may require temporary disruption to key areas like the kitchen.
• Multi-storey extensions
  Provide substantial extra floor space, perfect for adding multiple rooms like pantries, bathrooms, or even a master bedroom suite.
  Pros: May add significant value by increasing both bedroom count and living space.
  Cons: Higher installation costs and longer build times; likely to require planning permission and building regulations approval.
• Loft conversions
  A smart way to maximise unused vertical space, common in Edinburgh's period properties. Ideal for a new bedroom, en suite, or home office. Always make sure titles allow this in tenement properties.
  Pros: Makes use of existing dead space; often increases the asking price significantly.
  Cons: May require a new staircase and structural reinforcement; access options and head height can be restrictive.
• Basement/cellar conversions
  An effective way to unlock hidden square footage, especially in Edinburgh’s older homes with existing cellars. Perfect for a utility room, storage room or even a home cinema.
  Pros: Utilises otherwise dark and damp space; can significantly expand living area without altering the building’s profile.
  Cons: Can be costly due to damp-proofing, ventilation, and structural work.
• Garage conversions
  Turn underused garages into practical spaces such as offices, gyms, or extra bedrooms.
  Pros: One of the most cost-effective home improvement projects; typically avoids planning permission.
  Cons: Can limit off-street parking, which may affect value in certain areas.

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades

Kitchens and bathrooms are often key decision-making areas for potential buyers, and well-planned upgrades can add value to your home. Whether you're making small updates or undertaking a full renovation, quality matters, poor finishes can undermine the investment and reduce buyer confidence. If your improvements involve plumbing, layout changes or structural work, be sure to check whether approval is needed, especially in flats or listed buildings.

• Renovate the kitchen
  A full kitchen makeover can really boost your home’s appeal, especially with a modern layout, energy-efficient appliances and smart storage.
  Pros: Buyers love stylish, functional kitchens, and it can really lift your asking price.
  Cons: It’s a big investment, and poor workmanship or poor choice of design can end up doing more harm than good.
• Refresh instead of replacing
  If a full renovation isn’t within budget, consider updating cabinet doors or handles, or fitting a new worktop. You could also wrap the existing tabletop with heat-resistant vinyl for a budget-friendly refresh, or add stylish lighting to give the space a new look.
  Pros: Budget-friendly and quick to complete with minimal disruption.
  Cons: Cosmetic only, won’t solve layout or structural issues.
• Modernise the bathroom
  Upgrading fittings, replacing tiles, resealing, or installing a new vanity can help make a bathroom feel clean, contemporary and ready to move into.
  Pros: Improves overall presentation and buyer confidence.
  Cons: Limited impact if ventilation or layout issues remain unresolved.
• Add an en suite bathroom
  A highly desirable feature, especially in family homes or properties with multiple bedrooms. It adds privacy, functionality and appeal especially in a master bedroom.
  Pros: Adds convenience and value, especially in larger properties.
  Cons: Space and plumbing access can be limiting, and building regulations approval may be required.

Outdoor improvements

In Edinburgh, outdoor space can be a real asset, especially in areas where private gardens are less common. If you have access to a garden or balcony, presenting it at its best can add significant value to your home and set your property apart in a competitive property market. From traditional townhouses in Marchmont to modern flats with balconies in The Shore, even modest improvements can have a big impact.

• Revamp your front garden
  A tidy, well-designed front garden instantly improves first impressions. Use clean borders, seasonal planting, and attractive paving to enhance visual appeal.
• Install a new driveway
• Off-street parking is a major bonus in many parts of Edinburgh. A professionally laid new driveway can increase your home’s kerb appeal and boost your properties value.
• Create more green space
  Replace hard landscaping or clutter with lawn, shrubs, or flower beds. Adding green space makes gardens more usable and desirable for potential buyers.
• Tidy overgrown trees and bushes
  Pruning or removing overgrown greenery helps open up space and lets in more light, both indoors and out.
• Update outdoor seating areas
  Create inviting spots for relaxing or entertaining. A simple deck or patio can help buyers envision how they’d use the space.
• Add a garden room or summerhouse
  A garden room offers valuable useable space for home working, dining, hobbies or extra relaxation, ideal for year-round use in the Scottish climate.
• Maintain fences, walls and boundaries
  Fresh paint or minor repairs show the home is well cared for and ready to move into.
• Install subtle garden lighting
  Lighting improves safety and highlights the garden’s best features, especially during long winter evenings.

Energy efficiency improvements

With energy costs remaining high and efficiency a key concern for many buyers, energy-saving upgrades can be a smart investment. This is particularly true in parts of Edinburgh, where older homes often lack modern insulation and heating. Enhancing your home’s energy performance can lower running costs, improve comfort and increase your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, all of which can help add value to your home.

Key upgrades to consider include:

• Installing solar panels to provide cheaper electricity and reduce utility bills
• Upgrading to double glazed windows and doors for better insulation and noise reduction
• Improving loft and wall insulation to cut heat loss
• Replacing outdated boilers or installing smart heating controls to appeal to modern buyers
• Sealing draughts around windows, doors and floorboards for a more comfortable living space

If you're planning energy efficiency upgrades, check if you're eligible for the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan or the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme, both funded by the Scottish Government. These offer grants and interest-free loans for improvements like solar panels, double glazing and insulation. Warmer Homes Scotland also provides free energy-saving measures for qualifying households. If you're considering a loan, be mindful of the repayment terms, especially if you're planning to sell your property soon.

Home improvements that don’t always add value

Not every home improvement adds value to your home, some can even make it harder to sell. It’s important to think about what most buyers are looking for and how your home compares to others in your area.

Here are some common projects that don’t always raise your property value:

• Swimming pools and hot tubs
  In Edinburgh’s climate, pools are rarely seen as practical and can be expensive to maintain. Buyers may see them as more hassle than benefit.
• Unusual décor or layouts
  Bright colours, themed rooms or bold design choices can put off buyers. Many buyers prefer neutral colours and rooms they can easily picture using.
• High-end finishes in modest homes
  Luxury upgrades like marble worktops or designer taps won’t always increase value, especially if the rest of the home doesn’t match that standard or similar properties nearby are more modest.
• Over-converting space
  Turning a bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe or a garage into a gym might suit your needs, but it could reduce buyer interest. Consider whether potential buyers may want extra bedrooms or parking.
• Doing more than your area supports
  Large upgrades like double storey extensions or high-spec kitchens don’t always add enough value if they push your home above the average price in your area.
• DIY jobs done badly
  Poor finishes or half-done repairs can put buyers off and indicate other potentially hidden problems. Always ensure work is done to a good standard and complies with building regulations.
• Niche features
  Items like built-in bars, media rooms or home cinemas may appeal to a few, but many buyers would rather have flexible space or better storage.

Before starting a big project, speak to your local estate agent to understand which improvements are most likely to add value to your home and attract more potential buyers.

Creating a budget for your project

Creating a clear and realistic budget is a crucial first step in any home improvement project. Begin by detailing all improvements you intend to make, along with expected costs, from materials and labour to planning permission fees. Explore your financing options too, whether that’s savings, grants or loans, to find the most suitable solution for your situation. Make sure to include a contingency fund to cover any unexpected costs along the way.

Just as importantly, think about the potential return on investment, will the improvements add enough value to your home to justify the expense? It’s also wise to consider what you’ll do if the market doesn’t deliver the value or offers you’re aiming for.

The impact of home improvements on home report valuations

Once you’ve planned and budgeted for your home improvements, it’s important to consider when to arrange your home report.

A legal requirement when selling a property in Scotland, the home report includes a professional valuation that can directly influence your asking price and how many buyers you attract. Making improvements before this valuation is carried out can help ensure your home is presented in the best possible light.

Even small upgrades like repairing superficial defects or applying a fresh coat of paint can make a difference to your home’s valuation. First impressions count, and a well-presented home will often secure a higher market value and encourage more interest from potential buyers.

For more information on what's included in a home report, see our guide to home reports in Scotland.

Final tips for adding value and preparing to sell your home

Adding value is about more than just raising the sale price. It's about creating a great first impression and appealing to the right buyers. From a fresh coat of paint to larger projects, the right improvements can make a big difference.

Once you've made thoughtful home improvements, it's important to understand where your property stands in the local market. A professional estate agent can help you assess how much value your upgrades have added, offer advice on buyer expectations and set a realistic asking price.

Estate agents also play a vital role in helping your home stand out. Through professional photography, well-written property descriptions and listings on the right platforms, they ensure your home reaches the right audience. When done well, this marketing will increase visibility of your property and strengthen its position in the market, helping to attract stronger offers.

Before starting any home improvement project, always consider whether the potential return is worth the investment of time, cost and effort. For tailored advice on maximising the value of your property, contact our knowledgeable Edinburgh estate agents.