Although commercial and residential property valuations use different criteria to come up with a final figure, there are some common denominators which can be applicable to both.
Here Maunder Taylor, who provide property valuation services in Whetstone and the surrounding area in North London, look at some of the key ways of ensuring you get full value for for home or business premises if you are either selling it, getting in new tenants, or are disposing of it for other reasons – such as taxation, litigation or probate.
Think About Kerb Appeal
First impressions count for a great deal, whether you are talking about a home or a business.
This means the front door or entrance should always look pristine; even a new doorknob or house number may help improve first impressions of the property. Also, in commercial situations, it may be worth creating a small garden if there is any available green space or putting secure fencing around a manufacturing plant.
Basically, whatever makes the property stand out from the neighbours’ will help raise its kerb appeal and will potentially lead to a higher valuation.
Go Green(er)
There is legislation in place regarding the energy efficiency of buildings in the form of Energy Performance Certificates; these measure how much it costs to heat your home or business.
Effective from April 2018, all rental properties being let or sold in England and Wales were required to have an EPC with a rating of Grade E or above; in 2020 this was extended to all existing tenancies – and this may become more stringent in the years ahead as energy efficiency becomes a higher priority nationwide.
Therefore, it’s in your best interests to ensure your home or business is as energy efficient as possible as this will help its value – and also cut down on your utility bills – so it may be worth investing in better insulation, for instance.
Anything which moves you up a band in EPC terms could add thousands of pounds to your sale price; similarly, smart technology which allows you to operate your heating/lighting remotely is also an advantage.
Landlords can also invest in Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology certificate. This shows tenants that you are dedicated to making a building more sustainable and environmentally friendly. In purely commercial terms, it might also help your business attract more quality staff.
Fix Any Minor Problems
While this is unlikely to be a major factor in any house sale or business valuation, it is worthwhile spending a few pounds on superficial problems which can easily be fixed.
This means ensuring you don’t have any dripping taps and also includes quick tasks such as oiling door hinges, so they don’t squeak, replacing any broken or defective lightbulbs, and getting the brushes out if you have any peeling paint.
It may not be worth completely redecorating, particularly in the case of a house sale; your preferred colour may not be to the new owner or tenant’s taste. If you do, choose a neutral colour such as white. Also, don’t try to cover up major issues such as damp, as these may be revealed by a survey later on – it’s much better to fix them completely prior to selling or letting the property.
Invest in Major Projects
Some improvements will almost certainly improve your property’s value – and won’t just be a matter of taste. New bathrooms (including ensuite facilities) and kitchens are particularly good ideas for improving property value. It doesn’t have to be a complete redesign – just some new cupboards and countertops can be a good idea. At least make sure everything is clean and tidy, whichever room you are looking to renovate.
In the case of both the residential and commercial sectors, generally speaking the bigger the property the more it will be worth. In the case of the latter, more floorspace means more footfall or more room for production facilities.
However, be sure to check with the local authority that there aren’t any planning requirements and whether or not you need to make a formal application for any renovations you are planning.
Don’t Forget the Garden
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, if you have a front garden, spend some time tidying it up or planting some new flowers; this is an important element of kerb appeal. In the back garden, trim borders and edges, and (if you haven’t already) think about adding some extra features – whether it’s a patio, a summerhouse, or even a home office.
One particular problem plant to watch out for is Japanese Knotweed – this is an invasive species which can grow into expansion joints in concrete, cavity walls, and exploit weaknesses in the broken mortar between paving slabs or bricks and can also damage drains and sewers. Its presence has been known to see some potential purchases fall through. It’s worth getting a specialist survey done in advance of any valuation if you think it’s in your garden; and you may need to get professionals in to get rid of it.
Property Valuation in Whetstone from Maunder Taylor
To learn more about our property valuation services, whether you’re looking to sell a house in Cheshunt or commercial lets in Totteridge, follow this link. If you want to put your home or business on the market, call us on 020 8446 0011 or email us at enquiries@maundertaylor.co.uk.