What renovations add the most value?

Step 1. Look beyond cosmetic issues

It's easy to be distracted by old carpets, colourful wallpaper or outdated kitchens, but these are often some of the simplest things to change. Cosmetic improvements are usually far less expensive than structural repairs and can completely transform how a property feels.

Don't be put off by:

• Dated décor
• Worn carpets
• Old light fittings
• Tired kitchens
• Faded paintwork

Instead, pay close attention to bigger issues such as damp, structural movement, roof problems or outdated electrics, as these can be much more expensive to fix.

Step 2. Start with a fresh coat of paint

Painting is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to make a home feel clean, bright and modern. Neutral colours also help rooms feel larger and allow you to put your own stamp on the property over time.

Focus on:

• Walls and ceilings
• Skirting boards
• Doors
• Window frames where needed

Fresh paint instantly lifts tired spaces and gives you a clean canvas before tackling bigger projects.

Nestee tips:

• Choose light neutral colours to maximise natural light and keep the same colour throughout most of the house. This helps the house ‘flow’ better.
• Use polyfiller or equivalent to repair cracks and holes before painting. Just remember to sand it down before painting.
• If you are short on time or juggling pets, children or both it could be worth the investment paying someone to help with this part. The combination of wet paint, children and pets might not be ideal after you've just been through a stressful property purchase!
  

Step 3. Refresh the kitchen without replacing it

A dated kitchen doesn't always need ripping out. In many cases, a few affordable updates can make it look almost new while saving a significant amount of money.

Simple upgrades include:

• Replacing cupboard doors or handles.
• Installing new worktops
• Updating the tap to a more modern version
• Adding new lighting. Think pendant lights or subtle strip lighting under cupboards.
• Repainting cabinets if they are made from solid wood. If the cabinets are made of MDF make sure to fully prep them before painting.

Living with a refreshed kitchen for a few years also gives you time to understand how you use the space before committing to a full renovation.

Step 4. Modernise the bathroom

Bathrooms can often be improved without a complete refit. Small changes can make the room feel cleaner, brighter and much more inviting.

Having been through this ourselves, here are some things to consider:

• Replacing taps and shower fittings. Brass and black fixtures look great, but compared to chrome they can be difficult to keep clean and are more susceptible to scratches.
• Installing a new mirror to make a small bathroom feel bigger.
• Purchasing some pot plants to add colour and vibrancy. The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) has a selection of humidity proof plants to choose from.
• Re-grouting tiles. Or freshen up existing ones by mixing 120 ml (1/2 cup) of white vinegar with 4 litres (1 gallon) of warm water - you'll be amazed at the results!
• Porcelain, glazed ceramic, and glass are the best tile materials for bathrooms that do not need any ongoing sealing or special chemical treatments.
• Updating flooring with modern tiles. Or use stick on tiles to see how a new design might look before committing to a full overhaul. Etsy, Dunelm and Victorian Plumbing have some good stick on tile options.
• Replacing an old toilet seat
• Re-painting the walls and ceiling
• Updating lighting to be more efficient and modern looking

These improvements are relatively inexpensive, but can have a surprisingly big impact on how refreshed the room feels.

Step 5. Don't be fooled into paying for expensive materials

This is particularly important if this isn't your 'forever' home. There is little point painting a room in expensive Farrow and Ball or paying for Sanderson curtains if this is your first home and you only plan on living in the property for a few years. Spend money on the things you can take with you to your next place. If you love the Farrow and Ball colours, but don't have the budget for them, you can colour match the paint at specialist shops like Brewers. If you like the look of wooden floors, there are plenty of engineered wood equivalents which look very similar, for a fraction of the price.

Our other suggestions include:

• spending money on cushions to brighten up a room and make it feel more luxurious. Well known brands such as OKA, John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Zara Home have numerous options to choose from and Etsy is great for more quirky designs.
• replacing the harsh overhead glare from ceiling lights with the soft, layered pools of light from lamps to create a more homely feel. Coloured or patterned lampshades are a subtle way to add interest to a room and make it feel expensive.
• spending money on good quality items you will spend a lot of time using - your back will thank you for it! For example your mattress, bed frame, sofas and dining room chairs.
• hanging pictures, art or photos to brighten walls. Great finds can be found at antique markets and shops if you are looking for a vintage feel, whereas Etsy, Posterscape and Desenio are brilliant for more modern designs. John Lewis, M&S, La Radoute, Zara Home and Habitat have the best options for frames.

Step 6. Improve kerb appeal

First impressions aren't just important when selling, they matter every time you come home. A few simple improvements outside can make the whole property feel more welcoming.

Easy wins include:

• Paint the front door or replace it entirely if you also need new locks, as doing both together can often be more cost-effective.
• Tidying the garden, if you have one
• Pressure washing paths and driveways
• Replacing broken fences or gates
• Adding subtle outdoor solar lighting
• Adding some low maintenance potted plants either side of the front door to add some colour

Many of these jobs can be completed over a weekend and immediately improve the property's appearance.

Step 7. Live in the property before making major changes

It can be tempting to plan extensions or knock through walls before you've even collected the keys. However, living in the property for a while often changes your priorities.

You might discover:

• The layout works better than expected.
• You need more storage rather than more space.
• Natural light changes how rooms are used.
• Certain renovations become less important over time.

The majority of homeowners find their renovation plans evolve once they've lived in the property. Starting with smaller improvements allows you to spread the cost while making informed decisions about any larger projects later.

Before making an offer, it's also worth remembering that not every renovation opportunity is visible during a viewing. Issues hidden behind freshly painted walls or beneath new flooring can quickly become expensive surprises. That's why hiring a surveyor and understanding as much as possible about the property's condition before you buy is just as important as planning the improvements afterwards.

Final thoughts

Buying a home that needs some work doesn't have to be daunting. In fact, it can be one of the best ways to add value while creating a home that suits your lifestyle. By focusing on affordable cosmetic improvements first, improving energy efficiency and tackling larger projects only when they're truly needed, you can spread the cost of renovation without feeling overwhelmed.

The best renovation projects improve both how a home feels to live in and its long-term value. Just remember that there's a big difference between a property that's cosmetically tired and one that's hiding expensive problems. Before you make an offer, check the property with Nestee so you can go into your purchase with confidence, understand any potential risks and make sure your renovation budget is spent adding value—not dealing with unexpected surprises.