Improve your property - Cheap Mortgage Deals

Investing in property is becoming very popular for people who are cautious about the performance of pension funds and are seeking alternative use of capital for their future needs. Improving property wisely will without doubt make it more attractive to buyers and increase the value but certain alterations can have the opposite effect and decrease the value.

To get an overall view, unless you have use of air surveillance, think of the property as an onion! Start peeling from the outside and work in. Take a good look at fencing and gates, the garage door, the guttering, the front garden and path are they all in good repair - is it easy to see your house number? Clear out the garage and put the car away - a plus for families with several cars. Windows can have a huge effect on a house, are they in keeping with the age of the property and do they have good locks. This is where kerb appeal can determine if a potential buyer will be hot footing to the front door or looking through other write-ups given to them by the estate agent.

The hall should be bright and give the impression of space so coats and shoes out of sight. If you have a downstairs cloakroom it should be appealing and fresh. The kitchen is one room that can sell a house. If it needs updating it is possible to change doors and handles on units and tiles and flooring can be improved at low cost. A small table and a couple of chairs will instantly be seen as good for breakfast. Keep work tops clear and cooking appliances clean – make sure all storage space is shown including the utility room. The living room should be in keeping with the size of the house, so an extention for more bedrooms with a small lounge may not work.

Decorating and colours should be adaptable for buyers who could envisage their furniture in situ without the concern of having to change vibrant colours as soon as they move in. Moving house is expensive and completely redecorating may put them off. Good lighting, tasteful pictures, and soft furnishings can make a room look inviting. A separate dining room is a plus and number of reception rooms looks good on paper. Creating a feeling of space is easy if DVD's, toys and numerous ornaments are out of sight. Going upstairs the master bedroom with good wardrobes and en suite bathroom and soft lighting and a well dressed bed with throw and cushions can provide the wow factor.

Childrens' rooms should be tidy and a bedroom used as a study should have space for a bed. The bathroom should be up to date with good fittings and matching towels etc - most buyers look for white suites now. Any building work must comply with Building Regulations or there will be problems when a survey is carried out for purchase.

Come down to the garden, if small this can appear bigger with careful paving or decking and a few potted plants and small garden furniture. A large garden should have neat lawns and an area for relaxing and entertaining. Ponds and water features should be child safe - the new buyers may have a young family. Exterior lighting is always a plus as the property may be viewed at night.

Baking bread and fresh coffee brewing are said to sell homes, but gleaming windows, shiny taps and clean clear space for all the family will also help to clinch a sale.