Property is a lucrative venture, but the most successful investors are those who add value to their home. From reimagining a tired building, to breathing life into a new space, Cornwall-based architects, Märraum, have listed the top ways to increase your property’s value and turn your labour of love into a profitable asset.

#1 Create outdoor space with a garage conversion

Aside from housing vehicles, garages normally form the main storage area for sports equipment, DIY tools and other household essentials. Put a new perspective on the space, and add another living area to the home, with a conversion. Garage conversions don’t have to be dark or basic – you can create a light, modern and inspiring room that brings life to a little-used space.

#2 Enquire about planning permission

A home that has approval for future building work is incredibly valuable to potential homeowners. Enquiring about planning permission means you can be confident in your pitch to homeowners, and allows future buyers to fully-realise the property’s potential when deciding to invest.

#3 Gain extra space with an extension

Creating another room, or expanding an existing one, gives vital living space for homeowners. Building an extension gives you the opportunity to create an interesting and dynamic space that has endless possibilities for the new homeowners – allowing them to integrate work, life and family seamlessly.

#4 Extend upwards with a loft conversion

Create an extra bedroom, or storage space, with a converted loft. Extending into the loft gives you the opportunity to create a large room that, in some cases, benefits from as much as the same square footage as an entire floor. Large skylight windows can be incorporated into the designs to allow light to flood in and create a beautiful space.

#5 Build an additional bathroom

Additional bathrooms can add value to your home – particularly if your existing property has no bathroom upstairs, or if adding a bathroom would create a master-ensuite.

#6 Highlight your building’s original features

Authentic features are sought-after in properties today, particularly if they are part of a building with rich history. Restoring features like period fireplaces, original panels, and revealing concealed timber beams, can help you create a unique dwelling with character and add value to your property.

#7 Update your heating system

Energy efficiency is a significant factor in the valuation of a house, both for environmental purposes and the long-term running costs for future owners. Sustainable design practices focus on key elements like energy conservation, meaning a professional architect can incorporate a modern, high quality heating system into your property with a clean design and minimal disruption.

#8 Reimagine your space

Opening up your living space can create an airy and spacious environment and, with modern open-plan homes on trend, you could benefit from knocking through two or more rooms and combining them into one big area. Reworking the inside of your house to transform multiple, smaller rooms into one airy, open-plan area can add significant value to your property and make it appealing to potential buyers.

#9 Renovate your kitchen

For many families, there’s no space more important that the kitchen. A modern, fully-equipped kitchen can mean the difference between a successful sale or not. Upgrading your kitchen is a good way to create a stand-out focal point for your listing, and add value to your home.

#10 Give Your Home Kerb Appeal

First impressions are important and can help entice potential buyers. Ensure that your home’s external spaces and outer appearance are up to scratch – just a bit of paint and tidying the garden can be definitely worth it to achieve your top asking price!