When it comes to adding value to a home, many people automatically think of large, expensive projects like a conservatory or an additional bedroom.
While these will undoubtedly add value to your property in Purley, Croydon & Greater London, it’s not always as much as people think, and in some cases, it can be far more cost-effective to repurpose an existing room than to build a whole new one.
Below are nine of the best room upgrades you can carry out to add the most value to your property in Purley, Croydon & Greater London.
The heating system is an essential part of every home, and it’s vital to have radiators that emit enough heat.
Therefore, it may be a good idea to upgrade your radiators, perhaps getting bigger ones that will heat the room more effectively or ones that can double up as a towel rail for example. A stylish radiator can also improve the appearance of a room and become part of the design.
If you have the space to add one, then a kitchen island can be worth its weight in gold.
Not only can it create an extra seating area, but it can also provide additional storage space for pots, pans, and appliances. And when it comes to kitchens, you can never have enough cupboard space.
Although en-suite bathrooms are more common than they used to be, there’s still an element of luxury about them, and many buyers now see them as a must-have.
Despite being one of the more expensive room upgrades you can opt for, they can be a very worthwhile investment when it comes to selling your property.
You may also be interested to read Will Renovating my Bathroom Add Value?
If you’ve got enough space in the master bedroom then a walk-in wardrobe is an ideal way to add value.
It also adds a touch of luxury and uniqueness to a property, which can help it stand out when the time comes to sell.
This is probably the most expensive option on the list, but it may give your home the biggest boost in terms of value.
Any way that you can use existing space to make it more effective is likely to have a positive impact on your property’s value, and converting the loft to make an extra room is a prime example.
A garage conversion is another of the more expensive options, but again it’s one of the more effective ones.
If you already have a driveway and your garage is being used for storage then conversion to another room is a great way to make it work better for you.
It’s also likely to be a big positive for any future buyers, given the significant increase in people working from home in recent years. In many cases, a home office is of far more use than a garage for buyers.
If your windows are damaged or drafty then it’s worth having them replaced solely for the fact it will make your home warmer. The added benefit is the savings you’ll make on heating bills as your home is doing a better job of keeping the warmth in.
Add in the fact that new windows can be a key selling point for buyers, and you’ll find that this is a great way of adding value to your home. A lot of buyers will have used most, if not all, of their savings on buying the house, so any big, expensive upgrades like new windows or a new boiler are a way of attracting potential buyers who won’t have that extra cost to consider.
Adding a fireplace can be an inexpensive, attractive way of boosting your home’s value.
It’s the sort of feature that can make a home feel cosier in the winter months, and it can make a great centrepiece in the living room. Compared with other room upgrades, it’s quite a reasonably priced and cost-effective way to boost the value of your home.
Homes traditionally would only come with a bath! But in today’s world, a shower is essential, particularly for people with little time on their hands to take a long soak.
Adding a shower above the bath can be quite a simple, inexpensive job if you have a tiled bathroom already in place. If not, it becomes a little more expensive, but it’s still a great add-on for potential buyers when they come to view, and it boosts a property’s value.
After exploring the top nine upgrades that can lift your home’s appeal, it’s worth knowing which improvements deliver the biggest returns — and which offer great impact on a smaller budget.
If you’re ready to invest more substantially, certain upgrades don’t just change how your home looks; they can significantly increase its value too. Projects that expand usable space or improve layout tend to deliver the strongest rewards when done well.
Extensions: According to Ideal Home and Checkatrade, a single-storey rear or side extension can add around 5–8% to your property’s value, while a well-designed double-storey or loft extension might increase it by 10–20%, depending on design quality and local market limits.
Open-plan layouts: Removing an internal wall to create a spacious kitchen/diner or family area adds a modern touch and boosts desirability. Including roof lanterns for extra light and wall-to-wall bifold or sliding doors to open up the garden can further enhance appeal.
Garage conversions: Turning an attached or integral garage into living space can add roughly 5–15% to your home’s value (Federation of Master Builders). It’s often a cost-effective way to gain an office, playroom or utility area, though it’s wise to consider whether losing parking could affect resale value.
These projects demand higher budgets but often provide the biggest uplift in both value and liveability.
Not every improvement needs a major investment. Presentation and practicality can make just as much difference when it comes to attracting buyers and avoiding last-minute price drops.
Declutter and stage each room so buyers can visualise the space and potential.
Fresh paintwork inside and out gives a clean, well-maintained look.
Add a ground-floor WC if space allows as it’s one of the most desirable family features.
Tidy the exterior and create or improve off-street parking if possible — still one of the most requested buyer preferences.
Finishing touches like crisp white bedding, clean windows, and neat gardens make rooms feel lighter, fresher, and move-in ready.
These smaller steps might not add tens of thousands to the price tag, but they can improve saleability and ensure you secure the best offer possible.
Homemovers in Purley, Croydon & Greater London often ask us “what improvements will increase the value of my home?” and our team at Shinerocks know exactly how to answer this!
Call us on 020 8660 2010 or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk to find out the best improvements you can make to your Purley, Croydon & Greater London property.
In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about home improvements.
Kitchen and bathroom renovations are generally considered to offer the highest return on investment. However, other improvements, like adding a garage conversion or enhancing kerb appeal, can also increase your home's value.
The amount you should spend depends on your budget and the potential return on investment. Consider the average property prices in your area and the likely impact of improvements on the selling price.
The planning permission requirements vary depending on the type of improvement. Extensions, structural changes, and certain external alterations may require planning permission. It's essential to check with your local planning authority.
You can potentially save money by doing some of the work yourself, but it's essential to assess your skills and consider the complexity of the project. Hiring professionals for specialised tasks like plumbing or electrical work will ensure quality and safety.
Use the form to send us your questions and we'll respond as quickly as possible.
You can also call us on 020 8660 2010, or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.
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