Do you want to increase the price of your home before selling? Research conducted by The Advisory reveals the top factors which can positively and negatively affect your house value.

Many homeowners are on the hunt for smart ways to increase the value of their home without breaking the bank. From changing your house number to a name, to maintaining a well-kept garden, there are many factors which can affect your property value in a positive way.

But on the flip side, there are also many factors which can deter buyers and decrease your property value, from Japanese knotweed to having water damage in the home.

If you're interested in selling your property or looking for somewhere new to move, these are the features to look out for...


9 factors that add value to your house

1. Names and numbers

The name of the road the property is located on can increase the house value by 73 per cent. Properties located on 'Warrens' is at the top of the list, but 'streets', 'courts' and 'terraces' are the lowest. Elsewhere, 'King' and 'Prince' related roads are worth more than those with 'Queen' or 'Princess.' The royal roads with the most value are those with 'Elizabeth' in their name.

Giving your house a name, instead of a number, also has the potential to add value to your home. Before you choose your name, make sure you write to your local council first. They will then consult with the Royal Mail to ensure it hasn't been already taken.

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2. Kerb appeal

Many studies have previously shown that tree-lined streets can add up to 15 per cent value to homes, but having trees surrounding your home also been proven to contribute to the wellbeing of the neighbourhood, too. Wisteria growing up the property can also add up to five per cent onto your value.

3. Blue Plaque

Blue Plaques, often celebrating notable figures of the past and presentm can give your property a three to five per cent increase in value.

4. Energy efficiency

The top energy efficiency bracket could add an additional 14 per cent to the value of your home. Time to check your energy supplier...

5. Local food and beverage amenities

Living close to a Michelin-star restaurant can put property prices up 50 per cent more than the regional average. Plus, anyone living near the Italian restaurant Carluccio's could also see around 18 per cent added to their property value.

Do you live near to a Waitrose? Having one on your door step can add almost £40,000 on the average property, while a Marks & Spencer's can also add nine per cent value. But it's not just high-end supermarkets adding value: having an Aldi close by can also add £5,000 to your property.

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6. Faster broadband

A study of 3,000 would-be buyers found that they would be more interested in a property with faster broadband. With more of us than ever before working remotely at home, this is now one of the main needs of a potential buyer.

7. Schools

The research also shows that parents in England are willing to pay around £52,000 to buy a home which secures their children a spot at one of the UK's top schools, instead of moving near a school with an Ofsted Grade 3.

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8. Fishing rights

A waterfront property has long been known as one that can instantly increase value. But new research reveals that if your home also has the right to cast a fishing line into the water you could see the price of your property rocket between 10 - 15 per cent.

9. Community and culture

Living in close proximity to sporting venues can also make a huge difference to how much your property is worth when you come to sell it. Areas such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Wembley, Ascot, Sandown Park and Stratford can perform up to 10 percent better than neighbouring boroughs because they have renowned arenas and racecourses nearby.


16 factors that negatively affect house value

1. Japanese knotweed

One of the UK's most destructive plants, Japanese knotweed has wiped almost £20 billion off UK house prices, new research shows. The presence of Japanese knotweed can dramatically diminish house prices by 10 per cent, creating an average loss of £22,670 to property owners. Do you have the invasive plant growing in your garden? Find out everything you need to know and do in our helpful guide.

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2. Superstition

With many of us avoiding the number 13, it's no wonder house hunters steer clear of the superstitious number when it comes to hunting for a new home. In fact, according to a study, homeowners trying to sell a property with the number 13 are often forced to accept offers significantly lower than usual. On average, they can expect to receive 4.1 per cent less when selling their home.

3. Unpleasant history

Bad history in the past such as hauntings, murder and even divorce can put people off buying a property. Research found that a property valuation returned an asking price of nearly £100,000 less than average property prices in the area due to its past.

4. McDonald's and Primark

Do you live close to a McDonald's or Primark? A recent investigation found that living near the fast food chain can knock 24 per cent off your property value, while anyone situated close to a Primark can also lose 23 per cent in value.

5. Crime

Almost half of the 2,000 Brits surveyed explained that they would research crime statistics in potential neighbourhoods, while 47 per cent said they would not buy a property in an area with a high crime rate.

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6. Nuisance neighbours

Living close to nuisance neighbours can reduce the average property value by up to £31,000.

7. Proximity to wind farms, power lines or mobile phone towers

Experts believe that new wind farms are reducing local property prices by 13 per cent if it's within 1.2 miles, and by three per cent if it's within 2.5 miles. Plus, many people will avoid living near power lines or mobile phone towers, especially if they are visible from a property.

8. Air and noise pollution

Buyers with children are often more concerned about the air and noise pollution of a potential property — and could easily be put off if they felt concerned about the air their children were breathing. Asking prices might also be reduced if a property is situated close to a motorway or busy railway line.

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9. Increased traffic

If you live close to a busy road with heavy traffic it could also devalue your property.

10. Known flood plain

As well as often creating a fear of flooding, purchasing a home on a flood plain can often result in expensive insurance — and this too can put off potential buyers. The cost of a flood-damaged property can cost up to around £20,000 (and add hundreds to the already-high insurance).

11. Improvements without permission

Illegal extensions and home improvements can have a significant impact on the price when it comes to selling your home. Plus, it will mean any ongoing legal issues will become the responsibility of the new owners — something no one wants to take on with a new house move.

12. Niche improvements or over-improving

Niche improvements such as gothic decorative recesses or stone-cladding can be unappealing to many potential buyers and may result in you having to reduce your asking price. Similarly, spoiling the proportions of your home and carrying out the wrong type of improvements can also deter potential buyers.

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13. Structural or water damage

Cracks in the building's foundation or signs of damp can also put buyers off from wanting to purchase your property.

14. Poor property maintenance, dirt and clutter

According to the experts, house hunters take just 10 seconds to decide if they like a property. If your home is dirty, full of mess or has bad smells, this can quickly put off any potential buyers.

15. Economic trends and nationwide issues

The Advisory findings revealed that some 32 per cent of properties on the market have been reduced by 8.4 per cent due to the property value being negatively affected by broad economic trends. Other considerations include base rates (which can affect mortgage rates offered by banks), and government regulations.

16. Changing neighbourhood demographics

The types of buyers interested in a neighbourhood will significantly impact which homes are in the highest demand. For example, if your area attracts mainly couples with young children, you may struggle to sell a one-bedroom flat at a high price. It's worth keeping an eye on the types of homes achieving high sale prices in your local area.

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New home gifts: 17 best housewarming gifts for 2023
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The Peace Lily
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      Headshot of Lisa Joyner
      Lisa Joyner
      Senior Digital Writer, House Beautiful and Country Living

       Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.