It has been suggested that people who are planning to build their own house may want to pay special attention to their kitchen if they want to increase the value of the property.
Recent research from Halifax Estate Agents showed that more than a quarter of those surveyed believe a modern new kitchen is the home improvement likely to attract buyers.
Other popular home improvements that are seen as attractive to potential buyers, and which homebuilders may want to focus on, include energy-saving measures (14 percent), a good central heating system (10 percent) and double glazing. (eight percent).
A fifth of homeowners also said that the kitchen is the room they would most like to change if given the chance.
“Our research shows that most people are influenced by the kitchen when buying a home,” said Gordon Edwards, managing director of Halifax Estate Agents.
People planning to expand their own kitchen may want to heed the advice of Melanie Griffiths, assistant editor of Homebuilding and Renovating magazine, who recently said that the appearance of nearby properties should be considered before changing a home’s exterior.
The kitchen and the bathroom are the two main rooms that increase the value of a property, says an expert in the sector.
Homebuilders currently working on a project may like to know that a good-quality kitchen could add thousands of pounds to the value of the home and increase the property’s chance of sale, suggests the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC). , for its acronym in English).
The role of the kitchen has replaced that of the dining room as a social venue, which is why good quality craftsmanship can add value to a property, said Andrew Leech, a technical consultant with the NHIC.
Mr. Leech added: “The kitchen is definitely the kind of place that needs updating. The kitchen these days is becoming more and more of a place where you meet people, rather than a lounge.”
Research published by the building society Nationwide in May 2006 indicated that while location remains key to home value, bedrooms and bathrooms can add more than five percent to property value.