Can you add value to a new build?

If you’re considering purchasing a new build home – or you’ve already made the plunge – you’re probably wondering one thing. Can you add value to a new build? Here, we’ll reveal all.

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Can you add value to a new build?

Yes! You can certainly add value to a new build if you make the right changes to it.

Unfortunately, houses that are newly built – by which we mean ones that have never been lived in before – are often sold at a premium to reflect the fact that they are brand new. This means that if you’ve only lived in your new build for a short time, you might find that it’s now worth less than what you bought it for. This is especially the case if you haven’t made any changes and there are other similar new build properties on the market in your area.

In order to make back the money you bought it for – or even make a profit – you’ll have two options. You can either wait until house prices rise enough to cover the difference before putting it on the market. Or you can make some value-adding changes to your property.

How much value could I add to a new build?

The amount of value you could add to a new build will depend on lots of different things, including the scope that your property offers and your local housing market. For instance, you could add a decent amount of value by adding an extra bedroom, but not all new builds will have scope for you to extend.

How to add value to a new build

Here are some ideas for how to add value to a new build home.

Extensions or conversions

New builds are typically fairly small, and extensions or conversions can offer more space. So, it’s only natural that they can help to boost your property price. For instance, adding an extension to a 3-bedroom house to create an extra double bedroom and en-suite could add up to 10-12% to the value of your home!

Here are some other examples.

• A loft conversion could add up to 20%

• A new conservatory could add up to 7%

• A garage conversion that creates a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom could add up to a whopping 20%

• Building an annexe could add 20-30%

• A single-storey extension could add 5-8%

• A double-storey extension could add up to 12%

Just make sure to factor in the cost of an extension or conversion first, to make sure you would be able to add enough value to make it worthwhile. Our guide on how to add value to your home goes into more detail.

Presentation

It sounds simple, but making your new build look presentable is one of the best ways you can make a good impression on homebuyers and therefore make your property more saleable.

• Declutter. If you have lots of clutter around your house, it will make it look smaller and could cause homebuyers to worry that there isn’t enough storage

• Add storage. Options such as shelves, bookcases and built-in wardrobes can help you to keep your home tidy and can be attractive to storage-loving homebuyers

• Carry out fixes. Fixing any issues with your home will give homebuyers as little as possible to worry about. This could be anything from fixing a broken kitchen cabinet door to repairing a leak

• Clean it. Homebuyers tend to be most attracted to homes that have been well looked after. Cleaning your home thoroughly will help to make it more appealing

Outdoor space

One of the places where you’ll have the most scope to add value to your new build is likely outdoors. New builds tend to come with small, boxy gardens that lack character, so providing something more interesting can be a happy surprise for homebuyers.

• Maintain it. Treat your outdoor space like any other room in the house – keeping it clean and well-maintained will make it more attractive to homebuyers

• Stage it. Staging your garden, courtyard or balcony can help homebuyers to imagine themselves using the space more easily. This can be as simple as adding seating and plants

• Add decking or a patio area. Making your outdoor space more useable will make it feel like another room of the house. This might include adding decking, extending an existing patio or creating a new seating area in the sunniest spot of the garden

Just remember that every house will have a ceiling price. So, it’s important to understand the market conditions where you live before spending money on your property, especially if you’re doing so purely to add value.

Find a professional

If you’re ready to carry out some value-adding improvements to your home, be sure to find a professional to turn your ideas into a reality. A builder near you will be able to help with loft conversions or extensions. Or, if you’d like to carry out some smaller improvements around the home, simply get the help of a local handyperson by entering your postcode below.