Cheap Ways to Increase the Value of Your Spanish Home

If you’re thinking about putting your home in Spain on the market in the near future, it’s a good idea to think now about how you could increase its value without breaking the bank. Get started with our useful tips.

Don’t opt for a major renovation without doing the numbers

Whether it’s a new kitchen, converting an unused attic or basement, installing a swimming pool or other major work, get a rough idea of the cost and then crunch the numbers.

Depending on the type of renovation it could add between 3% to 6% to the value of your home. However, it makes little sense to spend 10,000€ if the value of your home will only increase by half that amount.

But this doesn’t mean that you can’t carry out other smaller jobs, either yourself or hiring a professional. Make a list of all the ways you could spruce up your home and the cost of each. Then check your budget to see just how far through the list you could get.

Remember that first impressions count when your home is on the market, so it may be a good idea to tackle those areas that a potential buyer will see first. Once you have them interested, they may be more willing to overlook other flaws.

Cheap ways to update or improve your home

Kitchen

People love to congregate in the kitchen. If your kitchen is looking a little unloved or outdated, make it one of the top jobs on your list.

Head to your local DIY store and source a new tap and sink for an instant upgrade. Cupboards can be painted, or varnished, and handles changed too.

Bring in more light by fitting LED strip lights under the kitchen cabinets. These can just be stuck on, so there’s no ugly wiring to worry about or any need to install more sockets. Check out your options at Ikea or Leroy Merlin.

Make sure that the oven and extractor hood are clean and that the counter tops are free from excess clutter.

Bathroom

Don’t worry too much if your bathroom fittings are old fashioned, however tackle any dirty grouting and shower screens for an instant improvement. You may be able to borrow or rent a professional steam cleaner to make the job easier, or get someone in for a day to do the job.

Carry out a major clear-out of half-empty gel, shampoo and other containers – less clutter means more space. You could also consider a few strategically placed tea lights or reed diffusors to add warmth and aroma.

Windows and blinds

Don’t consider changing your windows and frames as this can be very expensive. However, do fix any broken latches, locks or blinds.

If your curtains need updating, take a look at ready-made options or venetian blinds available from most big stores rather than paying for made-to-measure.

Doors

Spruce up your doors with a coat of varnish and new handles. Also make sure that they all close correctly and, if not, take a look at the hinges.

Inside walls

It’s probably a good idea when decorating to stick with neutral colours. Although this may not be your personal preference, it does make it easier for a potential buyer to imagine putting their own palette on the property.

Lighting

Now’s the time to invest in new lightbulbs to be able to show off your home to its best advantage. Remember that it won’t always be sunny when you’re taking a potential buyer through the different rooms; good lighting avoids rooms looking dark and small.

Garden or patio

If you live in a house rather than a flat, you’ll also need to think about the garden or the patio. Make sure that it’s neat and tidy and add some cheap and cheerful garden furniture (there’s plenty to choose from at Bauhaus or Ikea). Also buy a few potted plants and flowers to add more colour.

Putting your house up for sale

Before taking your own photos to publish on your For Sale ad, make sure to:

Avoid photos of any areas that still require minor DIY jobs.
Clean and tidy each room to make your home appear larger.
Move some furniture out of any room if it looks crowded before taking photos.
Make sure each room is well lit, either take photos on a bright sunny day or take not of our tip about investing in some new lightbulbs.

To find out what you should avoid, look at estate agent photos online and see what you find off-putting. If you don’t trust your own judgement, get help from a friend who you know will be honest with you.

Bear in mind

Everyone is looking for something different that will make a house their home. Due to this you need to consider any possible renovation project carefully beforehand.

Get ready to hear some negative comments about your home from visitors, but remember that any one of them could actually be the person who buys your home so it’s a good idea not to take any of these comments to heart.

Take the time to check out all the facilities that are nearby but maybe you don’t use that could be of interest to a potential buyer. What about the schools and sports installations? Access to public transport? Nearby airports? Reassess the area you live in and think how it could meet the needs of different types of families.