Energy improvements 'add most value to home'

13/07/2009

Improvements to a home's energy efficiency are perceived to be the best improvements to make, according to new research.

The study, which forms part of the Halifax home improvement survey, revealed that energy-saving improvements were seen to add the most value when compared to the cost spent.

Respondents suggested that £4,327 would be added to a property's value on average, at an average cost of £1,722 - resulting in a 251 per cent mark-up.

Home security was the second best performer, with a 241 per cent value-to-cost ratio.

"This research has shown that it is often the low-cost, straightforward home improvements that are perceived to add the most monetary value to a home," said Stephen Noakes, commercial director at Lloyds Banking Group.

"These can be simply carried out at minimum expense and without the need for specialised tools or materials."

Adding an extension to a property was found to be the improvement which would add the most value, at £25,590, however it was also seen to be the most expensive - £19,922 on average - meaning it did not reach the top five improvements when judged on return on investment.

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills,

• Share
• 
• 
• Store
• 
• Follow
•