Ahead of putting your home on the market, there are a few strategic upgrades you can make to increase the value and make your property more appealing to potential buyers.

Homeowners today want modern, stylish kitchens that are practical and luxurious in equal measure. There are several ways you can update your own kitchen to meet this demand and boost the market price. From basic repairs to unique features that make your home more desirable to buyers, here’s how you can unlock the potential in your kitchen before listing it.

Make Careful Luxury Choices

If you’re planning on selling up, it’s unlikely you’ll want to spend your entire budget on luxury extras. But a few strategic upgrades can have a big impact. For example, a glass splashback instead of a standard tiled or steel option adds an elegant touch to your kitchen, especially if you extend it along the entire stretch of wall.

Similarly, worktops are an area of the room that benefits from investment—whether it’s for yourself or a future owner. As one luxury kitchen supplier states “marble and granite worktops are the epitome of luxury that offer classic elegance for traditional kitchens and blend seamlessly into modern designs”.

Choose a Functional Layout

Functionality is incredibly important in kitchen design. Not only do you want your kitchen layout to look appealing, but it also needs to be practical. As one design consultant explains, “ergonomics is about adapting the kitchen to the user’s physical reach and comfort, making the placement of cabinets essential. Optimal height prevents strain by minimising the need to reach too high or stoop too low, accommodating people of different heights and abilities”.

Buyers need to be able to picture themselves using the space and how it will suit their lifestyle, so an ergonomic layout is the best choice to work for everyone. Make sure the layout is smooth and flows well when you’re cooking, keep the space organised and free from clutter on work surfaces, and consider if there’s scope for extending or opening up the room. Maybe there’s a connecting wall that could open up the kitchen into the living room for a larger kitchen-diner. Or perhaps you can extend outwards with a rear extension that will add value to the home.

Install Recognisable Appliances

Buying branded items isn’t always necessary, but familiarity with a brand can encourage confidence in the quality of the appliances and the home as a whole. If you’re installing new appliances in your kitchen before resale, it’s a good idea to opt for well-known brands that provide reliability and quality.

That doesn’t mean you have to blow the budget on the most expensive items—a mid-range appliance with positive reviews can be a great choice, compared to an unknown cheaper brand. A brand that buyers are familiar with can encourage them that you’ve invested in quality items that are built to last.

Get the Lighting Right

A dark, dingy kitchen can be really off-putting to viewers, especially when you consider that our kitchens today are often multi-functional spaces. The kitchen evolves constantly as a space to cook in, a place for dining and entertaining, and as a home office and homework spot. This means we need a mixture of task lighting, accent lights and ambient background lights that create the right atmosphere for the moment. This might mean switching out the singular ceiling light for spot lighting, under cabinet lights or statement lights that brighten up the room and make it more practical. 

Consider Energy Efficiency

Homeowners increasingly value eco-friendly features, and this extends to the kitchen too. Whether you’re planning on putting your home on the market immediately or in the near future, energy-efficient appliances are beneficial for all, saving you or future owners money on energy bills and also benefitting the environment. An A+ rated oven will consume significantly less energy than a B-rated oven, so even small differences can add up.

Opt for Fitted Cabinetry

Fitted kitchens, which means the units are secured to the walls and floors, gives the kitchen a cleaner and more durable feel. An added benefit is that fitted cabinetry tends to be more cost-effective than custom designs, so you can upgrade your kitchen for less. Installing cabinets in your kitchen provides ample storage for your buyers, which keeps the same clutter-free and organised. Fitting them to the space also means that awkward nooks or sloping eaves don’t need to go unused.

Keep to Neutral Tones

For modern and contemporary kitchens, neutral hues are the way forward. From cream and beige to pale grey, taupe or soft white, neutral colours are timeless, elegant and chic. They can be styled in myriad ways with virtually any other colour to add personality and uniqueness to the space, which makes your home easier to sell on because it means the kitchen will appeal to a wider group of people. An added benefit of neutral shades is that they can brighten up a dark or small kitchen, making it feel airy and spacious.

A well-designed, stylish kitchen can completely transform your home, making it more appealing to buyers and increasing the value you can receive. From small changes to big renovations, think about the elements your current kitchen is lacking so you can make the right changes that will appeal to potential buyers.

For many, the first point in a house move journey is to understand the value of their current home. Whether you want a quick, instant online valuation indication or a more robust specific and individual valuation, we would be delighted to help—click here to get your online valuation.

Did you know that 2025 marks 50 years since women in the UK were first legally allowed to apply for a mortgage without a male guarantor? 

But has the dream of homeownership truly become equal, or are new challenges emerging?

On International Women's Day, mortgage broker Mojo Mortgages’ analysis of internal data reveals a mixed picture, highlighting both significant progress and persistent hurdles that female homebuyers still face.

Read their full report online > https://mojomortgages.com/mortgage-guides/women-and-mortgages 

50 Years After It Became Legal: Celebrate Rising Female Homeownership 

Mojo Mortgages’ internal data has revealed that:

• A Look Back: Prior to the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975, women faced significant obstacles in accessing mortgages, often requiring male guarantors. This landmark legislation paved the way for independent female homeownership.
• More Women Applying Solo: Over the past five years, Mojo Mortgages has seen a 14% increase in the proportion of sole female mortgage applicants, showing real progress for solo homeowners. 
• Women's Share is Growing: Women now make up a larger part of Mojo Mortgages’ applications, accounting for 41% of all applicants in 2024, up from 36% in 2020. This growing market share demonstrates the increasing economic power and influence of women homebuyers.
• Prime Buying Years: Women aged 25-34 are still a key group, making up 58% of female first-time buyer applications. 

However, There Are Still Challenges That Remain For Women...

Mojo Mortgages’ internal data has uncovered that the overall number of solo female first-time buyers has dipped in recent years. In 2024, just 12% of female applicants were first-time buyers, compared to 19% in 2020. 

But what’s the root cause?

• The Gender Pay Gap: Women typically earn less than men, significantly impacting their borrowing power. According to ONS, the average man earns £2,568 per month (post-tax) whereas women earn £2,146. This is a difference of £422 per month. 
• The Long Slog to Saving a Deposit: With a lower average income, it naturally takes women longer to save up for a deposit. In fact, our research found that women need an extra 8 years and 9 months to save for a deposit compared to men. Not only is this due to having a smaller salary (and, therefore, less disposable income) but as many mortgage lenders will only allow you to borrow 4.5 times your salary, the lower salary of a woman means they often have to save a higher deposit.
• Sky-High House Prices: The average house price in the UK currently stands at £289,707. So, with an average deposit size of 15% and a 4.5x mortgage-to-income ratio, a single woman would have to earn around £54,722 to get her foot on the property ladder. That’s over £20,000 more than the average female salary.
• Buying Less Expensive Properties: The percentage of women applying for a mortgage for properties up to £800,000 is much lower when compared to men. For example, 61% of men have applied for a mortgage for the property value of £400,001-£800,000 in the last five years. However, slighlty more than half (34%) of women have. For properties over £800,001, the split is even more distinctive - 23% of women versus 71% of men. 

As Mojo Mortgages are committed to helping women overcome these challenges, they've shared six tips to help more women secure a mortgage.

Source:MOJO Mortgages

There’s a comforting feeling that comes from knowing how appealing your home is on the market—whether you're dreaming of a move to sunny Portugal or simply craving a change of scenery. Selling your home can be a bit daunting, and you might be left wondering just how much your property would achieve right now on the open market.

Let’s dive into the heart of this article—saleability. We’ll explore some key factors you should consider, along with an exciting saleability quiz designed to help you assess just how market-ready your home is.

How Saleable Is Your Home?

Before we start, let’s look at what makes your home ready for sale. Every home has potential buyers, but to secure the best price for your cherished abode, consider these factors:

1.       What is the neighbourhood like?

2.       Where is your home located?

3.       What is the size of your home?

4.       What condition is your home in?

Keep reading to discover how each factor influences saleability. While these aren’t exhaustive criteria (so don’t panic), they’re definitely worth pondering.

What Is the Neighbourhood Like?

It’s no surprise that homes in desirable neighbourhoods tend to sell for more. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for quality schools, appealing local amenities and great transport links.

If you’re fortunate enough to live in a lovely neighbourhood, your home's saleability is boosted. If not, don’t worry; there are plenty of other elements that will also come into play.

Where Is Your Home Located?

Alongside neighbourhood quality, location is crucial.

Is your home near a motorway? Close to local attractions? Or perhaps you’re nestled in the countryside but just a short drive from shops?

Location significantly impacts both value and how attractive your listing appears online. While you can’t physically relocate your home, understanding how its location affects pricing and appeal is invaluable.

What Is the Size of Your Home?

The size of your property directly influences its valuation—how many bedrooms and bathrooms does it offer?

Buyers often assess price per square foot, but this varies greatly depending on location; a four-bedroom house in a city centre will often command a much higher price than one in rural areas. Ultimately, liveable space matters most—the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms are all key selling points.

What Condition Is Your Home In?

A well-maintained home typically performs better on the market.

Most buyers prefer homes that feel inviting and lived-in. A fresh coat of paint and some thoughtful touches can showcase what makes your home special.

As a rule of thumb, it’s wise to tidy up and tackle any necessary repairs before seeking a valuation. This means sorting out those messy wires, repainting skirting boards, and fixing any lingering issues (like that extractor fan—nobody appreciates mould!).

A little effort can significantly boost your home's value, so don’t overlook those quick fixes.

Saleability Quiz

Remember, it's not just about your home's physical condition (though that's essential); several other factors contribute to its saleability:

·       Your estate agent

·       Your brochure

·       Your online advert

·       The asking price

·       How well you prepare for viewings

It doesn’t stop there! Regular communication with your estate agent is vital; ensure your brochure highlights your home's best features and prepare it beautifully for viewings—all while keeping your asking price realistic.

Combine these elements, and you'll have a truly saleable property!

Take our SAWDYE & HARRIS SALEABILITY QUIZ to find out just how appealing your home really is!

If the results aren’t what you hoped for after completing the quiz, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or email me at hello@sawdyeandharris.co.uk and we will respond promptly with tailored advice.

Our expert team will provide insights on what needs addressing for a successful sale—paired with a personalised marketing strategy; we’re confident you’ll find success in today’s market.

Let us assist you in selling your home—it’s what we do best!

Feel free to email us for your own SALEABILITY QUIZ checklist - just click here 

Saleability Quiz Instructions

Consider each question carefully and take an objective look at your marketing materials and how your home presents itself. Score each area from 1 to 5 based on the following elements:

1.       Your Estate Agent

a.       Do they contact you regularly with news and updates?

b.       Do they accompany every viewing?

c.       Do they provide detailed feedback after each viewing?

d.       Have they suggested ways to increase viewings besides lowering the price?

2.       Your Brochure

a.       Digital or print, does it attractively represent your home?

b.       Are photographs professional and lifestyle-oriented?

c.       Is the written description engaging and rich with emotive language?

d.       Does it include dimensions and overall floor area?

3.       Your Online Advert

a.       Does the main photograph capture attention?

b.       Is there an eye-catching headline?

c.       Is the description concise yet compelling?

d.       Are there quality images of the floorplan available?

4.       The Price

a.       Is your asking price rounded, e.g., £500,000, rather than £499,999?

b.       Does it appear prominently in searches within its price range?

c.       Are you aware of how it compares per square foot with similar homes?

d.       Have you been flexible with your asking price, according to feedback and market conditions?

5.       Preparing Your Home for Viewings

a.       Do you maintain an attractive exterior?

b.       Are fresh flowers displayed indoors?

c.       Are all beds made with fresh, neutral bedding

d.       Do you create a welcoming atmosphere with lamps lit and perhaps some baking aromas wafting through?

Now tally up your points.

If you've scored over 80 points—fantastic! This suggests both you and your agent are well-prepared for selling success! Just keep an eye on areas needing improvement.

If you're between 50 and 80 points, there are likely several aspects where enhancements could be made—good news! With some adjustments to marketing strategies, interest should increase.

However, if you're below 50 points, consider a complete marketing revamp. If your current agent hasn’t addressed these issues yet, it might be time to switch to someone more proactive. We’re here to help whenever you're ready.

After welcoming in 2025, you might now be contemplating your next property move or be poised to sell a property. Typically, following the quieter festive season, the market springs into action ready to be shaped by lifestyle choices, advances in smart home technology, and ongoing preferences for sustainable solutions. 

Whether you're actively house-hunting or preparing to sell, knowing what features are the most desirable can prove invaluable if you want to achieve a realistic asking price and enjoy a smooth sale. The earliest months of any year can be an exciting time in the housing market with new listings and opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. This article explores what a winning home in 2025 looks like and some of the must-have factors that are expected to stay in vogue this year and beyond.

Preferences With Perennial Importance

Traditionally, while housing preferences and design choices continue to change year-on-year, there are certain features in any type of home that remain important to residents. In most cases, if a property is hugely attractive on the outside, unsightly bathrooms, cloakrooms, and kitchens or food preparation areas can be instantly off-putting. Too much clutter and mess can also put interested buyers off. 

Therefore, ensure that any wetrooms are as clean and as presentable as possible. The state of bathrooms can significantly influence buying decisions and today’s focus has shifted from the functionality to wellness, serene, and luxury bathroom designs. Modern buyers want spa-like features, such as walk-in showers, healthy ventilation, and energy-efficient heating solutions. 

Similarly, a fully-equipped, clean and functional kitchen maintains its status as the heart of the home, with buyers increasingly seeking kitchen designs that blend functionality with the potential to entertain. A contemporary kitchen/dining layout is one that merges the indoors with natural features that lead out to outdoor entertaining zones, chic patios, decking or plush seating areas. 

Open-plan, light and airy kitchens are in vogue with layouts heavily influenced by biophilic designs. These can be achieved with bi-fold doors that spill out into landscaped gardens or patio areas, and internal breakfast bars or informal dining areas. This reflects an ongoing preference for house hunters to eat and entertain inside or outside, and in stylish settings. 

Evolving Lifestyles At Home 

Another of 2025's prominent trends is expected to see a continued demand for adaptable and larger living spaces. When surveyed, 46% of respondents agreed that the size of internal living rooms, particularly downstairs, is the most valuable feature to have in a home. This is due to an increasing desire to have multi-functional spaces in addition to those private external zones for dining in and entertaining guests. The new era remains all about enhanced lifestyles, with an emphasis on wanting extra spaces to adapt and configure to a variety of different purposes, pursuits, and people. 

Multi-Generational Shared Spaces

The rise of multi-generational, shared living is another of this year’s significant trends that is expected to keep shaping the market. Properties that can accommodate extended families with converted lofts, renovated annexes, garden rooms, or other adaptable living spaces. Reconfiguring living environments in general is experiencing a growth in demand across the housing spectrum and this trend reflects economic pressures and changing social arrangements towards family living. 

People today have a different relationship with their properties mainly due to their need to work from home, have larger areas for exercise equipment or to accommodate growing families and those living together. This might include couples with grown-up children, also known as the ’boomerang generation’ with a reported 40% of 18-34 year olds moving home. They are returning home after university or with their own young family, to live back with parents and save up for a deposit to put down on their own home. 

Therefore, modern buyers are prioritising properties that can accommodate multiple functions too, with unique features a real plus point and open-plan layouts remaining popular. The twist this year is that buyers now look for property floor plans and layouts that already have different zones or the feasibility to be renovated to incorporate new spaces. People want to have existing clever solutions or the opportunity to partition rooms to allow spaces to be divided and changed as and when required.

Valuable Gardens And Sought-After Locations

According to recent reports, the most highly-sought after features in a house are the gardens and external spaces, retaining their heightened importance with 43% of those asked adding gardens to the top of the list. Garden rooms and home offices situated in the garden continue to attract premium valuations, offering the perfect solution for hybrid working arrangements. However, there's a notable shift towards low-maintenance outdoor spaces, particularly among younger buyers and downsizers who prioritise leisure time over garden upkeep.

While property features remain important, location considerations have evolved. Proximity to green spaces, local amenities, and transport links continues to matter, but there's increased emphasis on being close to great community facilities. Buyers are more likely to investigate the local community groups, parks, leisure facilities, and local cafes rather than just the surrounding area.

Smart Home Integration And Sustainability

Homes with high EPC ratings, effective insulation, and renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels or heat pumps are expected to attract continued interest. This trend reflects both environmental consciousness and practical financial considerations in today’s house hunters. 

Smart technology integration within homes has also moved from being a luxury to a necessity and today's house-hunters increasingly expect properties to feature smart home capabilities. These might include basic security systems to sophisticated energy management solutions, plus, with energy costs remaining a concern, buyers are increasingly focused on a property's energy performance. 

Therefore, properties that have a range of smart home gadgets, renewable-energy features, and advanced tech solutions are popular. If your home has pre-installed smart heating controls, security cameras, or high-speed broadband it can expect to achieve a premium that reflects buyers' growing reliance on connected and smart home living in 2025 and beyond.

Storage Solutions

With so many of you continuing to work flexibly from home and wanting zones in the property for exercise equipment and entertaining, clever storage solutions have become a more important factor to consider than ever before. 

Buyers are particularly drawn to properties offering utility rooms, built-in wardrobes and loft spaces. The ability to maintain a clutter-free living environment while accommodating necessary items has become a key selling point.

Looking Ahead

It's clear that house-hunters progressing through 2025 are seeking homes that offer a mix of unique, traditional, and contemporary designs. Today's buyers want properties that can adapt to their changing needs, support their lifestyle choices, and provide long-term sustainability and home security. Whether you're buying or selling, understanding these priorities can help you make more informed property decisions.

For sellers, focusing on these key areas could help maximise your property's appeal and add value. For buyers, being clear about which features matter most to you can help streamline your search and ensure your new home meets both your current and future needs. For expert advice on getting ahead early on in 2025, contact us today. 

Winter is upon us but many homes in the UK aren’t ready for the dip in temperature that this season brings. It’s important that the cosiness we try to evoke during this time of year is kept in the home, rather than leeching outside in the form of draughts and unwanted leaks.

Investing in getting your home ready for the winter chill is always time and money well-spent, and it offers the additional benefit of boosting the value of your home too. So, whether it’s heavy rain, frost and snow, or harsh winds, here’s what you can do to prepare your home for the winter weather and keep your energy costs down in the process.

How to Make Energy-Efficient Changes

Insulate the Home

Insulation is lacking in many homes, but it’s crucial for energy efficiency. Adding thicker insulation to walls, floors and loft spaces can make all the difference to reduce heat transfer and lower your energy expenses.

While it’s an upfront expense, cavity wall and loft insulation could potentially save you hundreds of pounds annually in utility costs. Don’t forget about connecting spaces like garages – choose an insulated garage door made from a material like GRP which has low thermal conductivity to prevent heat loss.

Swap Out Your Classic Fireplace

Modern homeowners are increasingly turning to energy-efficient fireplace alternatives that eliminate fossil fuel dependence. Modern gas fires are among the most energy efficient heating appliances you can buy today, while electric fireplaces with advanced heat pump technology and bioethanol units offer clean heating solutions that produce minimal emissions compared to traditional wood or gas fireplaces.

These options provide attractive, zero-carbon heat sources and eliminate the need for chimney maintenance, so they can easily be integrated into existing living spaces. Moreover, these modern fireplace solutions come in diverse design styles—from sleek minimalist models to classic aesthetic reproductions—ensuring that energy efficiency doesn't compromise interior design preferences.

Upgrade Your Windows

Investing in double glazing might seem like a significant expense at first, but it can lead to considerable savings over time and it’s an upgrade you’ll be glad you made when it comes to the winter season. Double, or triple, glazing retains more heat during the colder months, which can lower your energy bills, and offers the additional benefit of blocking out more noise which is great news during bad weather.

To maximise these benefits, pair your glazed windows with thermal energy-saving blinds or curtains to create an additional barrier against heat escape, ensuring your property stays warmer for longer. These specialised textiles act as an effective insulator, keeping the heat inside your home during the winter and maintaining a cooler interior during the summer.

Incorporate Smart Devices

Smart devices are highly in demand, and one of the features that buyers look for in a property. They’re ideal for improving sustainability efforts, but they’re also perfect for the winter season because you can control the likes of lighting and thermostats much more easily, enabling you (or a buyer) to maintain a comfortable home.

For buyers, the presence of smart technology adds a layer of sophistication and future-proofing to a property, making it a more appealing investment. Whether you’re staying put for now or planning to sell in the near future, integrating smart devices can enhance daily living and significantly boost your home's market value

Make Changes to Bathrooms

Your bathroom may not be the first area you think of when it comes to optimising for energy efficiency, but there are several changes you can make to reduce utility costs. For example, low-flow showerheads and water-efficient toilets can help to minimise water waste, while LED lighting keeps your electricity consumption down and makes sure your bathroom is well-lit in the darker winter months. If you’re looking to make a bigger change, why not add in underfloor heating that enhances the sustainability of the room, and provides convenience and comfort.

Green Your Roof

You might be surprised to learn that a green roof is one of the eco-friendliest changes you can make and that it’s a great addition to your property in the winter. Not only does a green roof boost the kerb appeal of the property, but combining vegetation with solar panels can improve the insulation and temperature regulation. Plants on the roof also help to soak up a significant amount of water, which avoids the risk of blocked guttering and leaks—common issues in the colder months.

Install a Steel Front Door

Replacing your front door with a high-quality steel option provides superior insulation, enhanced security, and long-term durability for your home. Contemporary steel doors feature advanced thermal breaks and high-performance seals, which minimises draughts and heat loss. Their robust construction offers improved home protection while contributing to overall energy efficiency and potentially reducing insurance premiums

Make Changes Now in Preparation for Winter

Making proactive home upgrades before winter can protect you from unnecessary financial strain when it comes to energy bills. Investing in improvements now helps you create a resilient property that can withstand the cold months. It’s a strategic approach that transforms a potential financial burden into an opportunity for long-term savings and a quicker sale.

The property market increasingly values sustainability, with eco-conscious buyers looking for homes that balance environmental responsibility and economic efficiency. Energy-efficient properties aren't just a trend—they're a smart investment. So, homeowners who prioritise green upgrades can expect to command higher sale prices while offering potential buyers a property that promises reduced running costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

If you're looking for expert guidance on staying ahead in the property market and making your home ready for sale, don't hesitate to reach out to Katie Griffin at katie@sawdyeandharris.co.uk or call 01364 652652.