Latest news with #DanielCopley
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Struggling to sell your house? Boost your property price by £80k with 5 features buyers want, from as little as 55p
Cheap DIY jobs that add value fast – and help attract serious buyers HOME HACKS Struggling to sell your house? Boost your property price by £46k with 5 features buyers want, from as little as 55p Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) If your home's stuck on the market, small DIY tweaks could be the key to unlocking serious value – up to £80,000 in some cases – and you don't need a huge budget to get started. Across the UK, homeowners are turning to budget-friendly upgrades to help attract buyers and push up asking prices. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 With the average cost of moving house rising and the market still unpredictable, homeowners are getting creative Credit: Getty From kitchen fixes to kerb appeal, these clever features are proving popular with house-hunters – and small upgrades, like new cupboard handles starting at just 55p, can make a big difference. Kitchens sell homes – and you don't need a full refit to impress. Just swapping out tired cupboard handles or giving walls a lick of paint could work wonders. Upgrade your kitchen Daniel Copley, Consumer Spokesperson at Zoopla, said: "The explosion of DIY trends on TikTok over the past year has undoubtedly led to an increase in people doing budget renovations. "We know kitchens are a key selling point for many buyers – and the centre of activity in many households – so DIY projects are often focussed on this space. Read more on DI-WOW I gave my council house kitchen a total transformation - my hack saved me thousands "Getting this right can add value and make your home more appealing.' He added in an interview with Magnet: 'Superficial touches, such as replacing broken handles or treating worktops, could give your kitchen a quick update and improve your chances of adding value.' Even updating taps, resealing tiles, or adding stick-on splashbacks can bring your space up to date – and make it stand out in online listings. Swapping out an old kitchen tap can cost as little as £15–£30, depending on the style and finish. Resealing tiles with fresh silicone is another quick win, with sealant tubes priced at around £5–£10 each. For a more noticeable upgrade, stick-on splashbacks – including marble, tile-effect, or stainless steel designs – typically range from £10 to £30, and can completely transform tired kitchen walls in under an hour. Add panelling Panelling is one of the easiest ways to give a room a luxury feel without blowing the budget. Self-adhesive MDF or foam wall panels are widely available and cost between £12 and £60 per wall, depending on size and design. Popular choices include shaker-style and fluted timber-effect panels, often seen in hallways or bedrooms. You'll also need basic tools like a level, saw and adhesive – available from around £5 to £10 – making this one of the most affordable DIY upgrades that adds instant style. Popular in bedrooms and hallways, these DIY kits are now widely available and easy to install. Tool and DIY expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades explained: 'We're seeing a big shift toward cosmetic DIY this year, simple jobs that make your home feel more stylish, secure and ready to sell. I turned a derelict, rotten garage that people used as a loo into a stunning two-bedroom home "Many people are surprised how far a small spend can go when you've got the right tools and materials to do it yourself.'pan It's not just for the experts either. Many panels come pre-cut and self-adhesive, meaning you don't need power tools or professional help. Just a spirit level and a spare afternoon. Swap out light switches They're small, but buyers notice them. Old, yellowing switches can instantly date a home, while sleek flatplate alternatives make it feel more modern and put-together. Updating your light switches is a quick, low-effort job with high visual impact. Flatplate designs in black, brushed steel or brass start from just £4–£10 per switch, and are widely stocked by retailers like Toolstation and B&Q. Replacing a handful of tired switches throughout the home can give it a polished, contemporary edge that buyers instantly notice. Glen Peskett continued: "A quick aesthetic win. Swapping out dated white switches for flatplate, black or brushed brass alternatives instantly modernises interiors. "You'd be amazed how much sleeker a space feels with updated switches. It's the kind of detail buyers notice.' This is a quick fix that takes minutes and can be done room-by-room, keeping costs down while freshening up your interiors. EV charging points With more drivers going electric, homes with a charging point are increasingly attractive to buyers. The typical cost to install an electric car charger at home in the UK ranges from £800 to £1200, and whilst the upfront cost might seem steep, the potential payoff is worth it, especially in suburban or commuter areas. A 7kW charger is most common for households, with faster 22kW options costing more. Government grants may also be available to help with installation, depending on your location. Adding an EV point doesn't just future-proof your property – it makes it more desirable to eco-conscious and tech-savvy buyers. Up front cost: £800-1200 House price boost: £3,000 to £5,000 according to the National Association of Property Buyers. Boost curb appeal Cleaning windows, repainting your front door, and adding greenery with potted plants or hanging baskets can make your home more inviting from the moment buyers arrive. Curb appeal, or how your home looks from the street, can increase value by as much as 11 per cent, according to property experts. And you don't need a gardener – even just trimming hedges and clearing the path can make a noticeable difference. In competitive markets, a well-kept exterior can tip the scales in your favour and secure a quicker sale. With the average cost of moving house rising and the market still unpredictable, homeowners are getting creative. These simple, affordable improvements don't just add polish – they could also make or break your sale. And while you don't need to splash out on all five at once, even picking one or two could help your home stand out from the crowd.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Struggling to sell your house? Boost your property price by £46k with 5 features buyers want, from as little as 55p
If your home's stuck on the market, small DIY tweaks could be the key to unlocking serious value – up to £80,000 in some cases – and you don't need a huge budget to get started. Across the UK, homeowners are turning to budget-friendly upgrades to help attract buyers and push up asking prices. From kitchen fixes to kerb appeal, these clever features are proving popular with house-hunters – and small upgrades, like new cupboard handles starting at just 55p, can make a big difference. Kitchens sell homes – and you don't need a full refit to impress. Just swapping out tired cupboard handles or giving walls a lick of paint could work wonders. Upgrade your kitchen Daniel Copley, Consumer Spokesperson at Zoopla, said: "The explosion of DIY trends on TikTok over the past year has undoubtedly led to an increase in people doing budget renovations. "We know kitchens are a key selling point for many buyers – and the centre of activity in many households – so DIY projects are often focussed on this space. "Getting this right can add value and make your home more appealing.' He added in an interview with Magnet: 'Superficial touches, such as replacing broken handles or treating worktops, could give your kitchen a quick update and improve your chances of adding value.' Even updating taps, resealing tiles, or adding stick-on splashbacks can bring your space up to date – and make it stand out in online listings. Swapping out an old kitchen tap can cost as little as £15–£30, depending on the style and finish. Resealing tiles with fresh silicone is another quick win, with sealant tubes priced at around £5–£10 each. For a more noticeable upgrade, stick-on splashbacks – including marble, tile-effect, or stainless steel designs – typically range from £10 to £30, and can completely transform tired kitchen walls in under an hour. Add panelling Panelling is one of the easiest ways to give a room a luxury feel without blowing the budget. Self-adhesive MDF or foam wall panels are widely available and cost between £12 and £60 per wall, depending on size and design. Popular choices include shaker-style and fluted timber-effect panels, often seen in hallways or bedrooms. You'll also need basic tools like a level, saw and adhesive – available from around £5 to £10 – making this one of the most affordable DIY upgrades that adds instant style. Popular in bedrooms and hallways, these DIY kits are now widely available and easy to install. Tool and DIY expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades explained: 'We're seeing a big shift toward cosmetic DIY this year, simple jobs that make your home feel more stylish, secure and ready to sell. I turned a derelict, rotten garage that people used as a loo into a stunning two-bedroom home "Many people are surprised how far a small spend can go when you've got the right tools and materials to do it yourself.'pan It's not just for the experts either. Many panels come pre-cut and self-adhesive, meaning you don't need power tools or professional help. Just a spirit level and a spare afternoon. Swap out light switches They're small, but buyers notice them. Old, yellowing switches can instantly date a home, while sleek flatplate alternatives make it feel more modern and put-together. Updating your light switches is a quick, low-effort job with high visual impact. Flatplate designs in black, brushed steel or brass start from just £4–£10 per switch, and are widely stocked by retailers like Toolstation and B&Q. Replacing a handful of tired switches throughout the home can give it a polished, contemporary edge that buyers instantly notice. Glen Peskett continued: "A quick aesthetic win. Swapping out dated white switches for flatplate, black or brushed brass alternatives instantly modernises interiors. "You'd be amazed how much sleeker a space feels with updated switches. It's the kind of detail buyers notice.' This is a quick fix that takes minutes and can be done room-by-room, keeping costs down while freshening up your interiors. EV charging points With more drivers going electric, homes with a charging point are increasingly attractive to buyers. The typical cost to install an electric car charger at home in the UK ranges from £800 to £1200, and whilst the upfront cost might seem steep, the potential payoff is worth it, especially in suburban or commuter areas. A 7kW charger is most common for households, with faster 22kW options costing more. Government grants may also be available to help with installation, depending on your location. Adding an EV point doesn't just future-proof your property – it makes it more desirable to eco-conscious and tech-savvy buyers. Up front cost: £800-1200 House price boost: £3,000 to £5,000 according to the National Association of Property Buyers. Boost curb appeal Cleaning windows, repainting your front door, and adding greenery with potted plants or hanging baskets can make your home more inviting from the moment buyers arrive. Curb appeal, or how your home looks from the street, can increase value by as much as 11 per cent, according to property experts. And you don't need a gardener – even just trimming hedges and clearing the path can make a noticeable difference. In competitive markets, a well-kept exterior can tip the scales in your favour and secure a quicker sale. With the average cost of moving house rising and the market still unpredictable, homeowners are getting creative. These simple, affordable improvements don't just add polish – they could also make or break your sale. And while you don't need to splash out on all five at once, even picking one or two could help your home stand out from the crowd. 2
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Three areas where property values have doubled in two decades
UK house prices have increased by 74 per cent in the last 20 years, adding more than £150,000 to the average property value, according to Zoopla. London has seen the biggest increase, with average house prices more than doubling (119 per cent) in the last 20 years, while the North East of England saw a more modest rise of 39 per cent. In Kensington and Chelsea, Elmbridge, and St Albans, average property values have more than doubled in the past two decades. Zoopla 's research indicates that more than half (52 per cent) of people would consider moving back to where they grew up, but rising prices, especially in the South East and eastern England, make it financially challenging for many. Consumer expert Daniel Copley from Zoopla notes that while some areas have seen dramatic increases, house prices in northern regions have risen more slowly, potentially making a return to their roots more attainable for some. How much house prices have risen over 20 years revealed – as one area jumps 124%
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Average first-time buyers in London need almost £140,000 for a deposit
A small fortune separates what first-time buyers think they need for a deposit from reality. In London, this gap is almost £100,000. Nationally, the typical deposit for a first-time buyer stands at £56,700 based on an average property price of £259,700. However, would-be homeowners expect to save just £27,600 — less than half the actual amount required, figures from property site Zoopla show. In London, where property values are the highest in the country, the divide is particularly stark. First-time buyers believe they need a deposit of £39,800, yet the true figure is closer to £138,800 — a £99,000 disparity. Read more: Elizabeth Line drives rents up 31% in three years The South East follows a similar trend. Buyers in the region expect to put down £22,800 — a shortfall of £45,600. Northern Ireland stands out as the only part of the UK where perceptions actually exceed reality. Here, first-time buyers estimate a deposit of £42,000, compared to the actual average of £39,000. Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: 'Home ownership clearly plays an important role in the aspirations of UK adults. However, achieving this ambition is challenging due to the considerable affordability gap, with our data highlighting the significant disconnect between what first-time buyers believe they need to save for a deposit and the actual amount required. "This underscores that affordability is a central pillar in people's home-buying decision-making process. Aspiring homeowners should engage with a qualified mortgage broker early on. "They can provide essential guidance on deposit requirements, affordability thresholds and available financing options, ensuring buyers are well-informed as they embark on their property journey." Read more: More interest rate cuts in doubt after surprise inflation surge The affordability crisis is most acute in southern England, where homes in eight of ten towns are valued at more than four times average annual incomes. In contrast, the outlook is more optimistic in northern regions, where 43% of respondents said they believe homeownership is achievable within five years, compared with just 34% in the South. Despite a strong cultural emphasis on homeownership, financial pressure continues to dampen ambition. Nationwide, 73% of those surveyed said that the cost of buying a home in their region makes it harder to prioritise ownership. That figure rises to 77% in the West Midlands and 82% in London. Among millennials, only 9% believe they can realistically prioritise homeownership in their area. Meanwhile, some first-time buyers had more than £50,000 to put towards the cost of their property in 2022-23 after saving into Lifetime Isas, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) figures. Lifetime Isas, or Lisas, were launched to help people get a foot on the housing ladder or help them save for later life. Read more: Rachel Reeves rules out cutting ISA limit but remains vague on cash savings A freedom of information (FOI) request made to HMRC by money app Plum found that the top 25 Lisa withdrawals made to buy a home in the financial year 2022-23 averaged £51,000. People can save up to £4,000 per year into an Isa up to the age of 50, and the government will add a 25% bonus to savings, up to £1,000 per year. Savers making withdrawals for any other reason than buying their first home or saving for later life face a withdrawal charge of 25%. If someone is using a Lisa for their first home, the property must cost £450,000 or in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
UK hotspots with highest demand for homes with garages
Analysis by property portal Zoopla has revealed the areas in the UK experiencing the highest demand for homes with a garages, along with the average asking prices for these properties. Zoopla highlighted that garage was the second most searched keyword on its platform in both 2023 and 2024, with the keyword "double garage" entering the top §five terms for the first time last year. "This sustained level of interest suggests that a garage is not just a desirable feature but a significant priority for the vast majority of home buyers," Zoopla said. Despite the expansion of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2023 — where a daily charge is applied to vehicles that don't meet certain emissions standards to drive in the zone — four of the city's boroughs featured in the top 10 UK areas where demand for a garage is the highest. "Parking is often restricted in bigger cities like London, making garages a valuable asset for homeowners in the capital," Zoopla said. "Additionally, in a city where space comes at a premium, some homeowners may see an opportunity to utilise garages for extra storage or additional living and work areas." Read more: Rightmove and Nationwide launch property lending checker Zoopla found that the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is experiencing the highest demand across the UK for homes with a garage. The average asking price in the borough for a home with a garage is £500,000, compared to £371,000 for a typical property in this area. Leicester, in the East Midlands, saw the second highest demand in the UK. The average asking price for a home with a garage in Leicester is £325,000, compared with £262,000 for a typical home in the area. For those looking to buy homes with a garage for less of a premium, Zoopla also highlighted the areas where these types of property are the cheapest in each region. Hull, in Yorkshire and the Humber, topped the list, with the average asking price for a home with a garage in this area standing at £180,000 — £30,000 more than the asking price of a typical property. This was closely followed by Blackpool, in the North West, where the average asking price for a home with a garage is £185,000, compared to an asking price of £139,500 for the typical property. Read more: UK house prices rise for the first time since January Barking and Dagenham and the borough of Bexley were both found to be the areas with the cheapest average asking prices for homes with a garage, at £500,000. However, Zoopla found that demand for these types of homes in Bexley was lower and the asking price of a typical home in the borough was £450,000. Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said: "Our data paints a clear picture: for many homebuyers, a garage isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a serious priority, consistently ranking as one of the most sought-after features on Zoopla." "The intense demand we're seeing in areas like Barking and Dagenham, and Leicester, very much underscores the premium buyers are willing to pay for that secure parking or extra space, particularly in densely populated urban centres where parking is often a headache." Toby Leek, president of estate agents' professional body NAEA Propertymark, said: "There is a continued increase in people looking for garages and parking spaces as the number of drivers on the road rises, and trends such as having space for electric vehicle charging at home grows in popularity. "Alongside this, the surge in desire for outside space post-pandemic is pushing more buyers to pursue larger properties with driveways, garages and gardens, moving away from apartments and flats." Read more: Pension funds deal to back £50bn of investment for UK private markets and infrastructure Bank of England interest rate-setters want inflation down before more cuts Why it's important to plan for retirement with your partnerSign in to access your portfolio
