How to prepare your property for a house valuation 

Key Takeaways

  • Clean and declutter your property so the valuer can see its full extent without distractions.
  • Make a good external impression by tidying the garden, repainting the front door, and clearing leaves to show outdoor space is usable.
  • Address structural faults beforehand: fix leaks, damp, missing roof tiles, and let the valuer know about improvements you’ve made.
  • Refresh interiors with basic touches like a coat of paint, repairing cracks or faulty latches to improve perceived condition.
  • Improve energy-efficiency features: ensure windows insulate well, use good carpets, check your boiler is in good order, and ensure you have a current EPC.

 

Deal with structural issues  

During the walk around it is worthwhile to let the valuer know of any improvements and alterations that you have made to the property since you bought it. Before the visit, make sure you tackle any structural issues such as dampness, leaking or missing roof tiles. 

A fresh coat of paint makes all the difference 

A quick way to update your property before a house valuation is to decorate it. Peeling paint will look unappealing to valuers and prospective buyers so repaint any rooms that are looking old, regrout the bathroom, fix door latches that don’t work and fix cracks on ceilings and walls.  

Add built-in storage 

Built-in storage such as wardrobes and cupboards can be a real selling point for prospective buyers. Make use of every unused bit of space you have such as under the stairs, space in the cellar or attic that can be upgraded, as well as unused wall space for shelving. 

Consider energy efficiency  

All homes in Scotland now must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC provides valuers and prospective buyers with information on how energy efficient a building is and how it could be improved. EPCs rate the property’s energy efficiency from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient) and offer recommendations for improvements, with no obligation for sellers to carry these out. 

If you want some quick ways to improve the EPC rating of your home before it is valued, then make sure windows are of high quality to increase insulation. Carpets are also excellent thermal insulators and can retain as much as 10% of a room’s heat. If possible, arrange rooms so that bedrooms and bathrooms face north (with less sun) and kitchens and living rooms face the sunnier south. 

You could also consider investing in solar panels to maximise energy efficiency. 

Update the boiler 

If you have been having issues with your boiler one of the best home improvements you can do is to add a new one as it will be more energy efficient and save the new homeowners money in the long run. It’s common for prospective buyers to ask how old a boiler is during viewings.  

Most modern boilers come with an extended warranty of between 5-12 years and this warranty will usually be registered against the property so it can be transferred to the new owner of the house. 

Arrange a house valuation through ESPC 

ESPC solicitor estate agents cover areas across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, the Scottish Borders, central and west of Scotland, and Dumfries and Galloway. So, whether you live in areas around Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfries or Dunfermline, you can get a free property valuation with ESPC. 

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