Value-boosting home improvements every investor should know

The following are the home improvements I think every serious investor ought to know about – and consider integrating into their real estate when the conditions are ripe. This isn’t just a smoothing over of rough edges; this is a high-yield upgrade that means something to buyers and tenants. And yes, some of them might even surprise you.

The underrated power of a brick fireplace

Let us begin with one feature entirely neglected by the modern refurb project. A brick fireplace.

Too many investors look at an old fireplace and think “liability” – something to box in, board up or, worse, rip out completely. But when it’s done right, a brick fireplace can be just the charm asset that makes a space. Not to mention, it brings warmth (literally and metaphorically) and a sense of permanence to homes that buyers value. Particularly with a period property, keeping – or restoring – a fireplace can be the difference that makes your property stand out in an already saturated market.

The trick? Scrub it, and if the brick is unsightly, grab some brick paint. Painting a brick fireplace is one of the easiest ways to modernise without losing all the old character. A white painted or candle-soot blackened brick fireplace can look sleek, modern, and cosy. It’s a budget-friendly transformation that has major wow-appeal.

Bathroom upgrades that aren’t bland

Let’s be honest: Most investor-renovated bathrooms resemble a spreadsheet. Beige tiles, chrome fixtures, one miserable shelf, and a mirror. Functional? Sure. Memorable? Never.

But few rooms in the home are as emotionally motivated as a bathroom. It’s where people begin and end their days, and buyers want to feel as if they’re upgrading their lifestyle, not just the plumbing.

This is the one area where I always recommend just splurging that teensy bit more. Replace ordinary metro tiles with large-format stone-effect ones. Add a rainfall showerhead, a niche for toiletries and wall-hung storage for that hotel feel. A brushed brass tap or matte black handle will cost a few pounds more than chrome, but instantly look more expensive.

Open-plan – but not at any cost

The cult of open-plan living has been long established and still attracts many keen devotees, but it’s no longer quite the answer to our design prayers. Investors frequently race to knock down every supporting wall in sight, assuming bigger is always better. It isn’t.

Think carefully before you knock through to create a kitchen-diner or lounge. Is there any wall space left for furniture? Can heat be kept in well? In some cases, leaving partial walls or creating broken-plan zones with archways or crittall-style partitions actually adds more value than a totally open box of a room.

Be strategic. Shoppers crave flow, yes – but they also seek function and comfort.

Kerb appeal: Still criminally overlooked

An investor’s first (and lasting) impression is the front of a property. Still, it’s amazing how many investors ignore it. A bleary front door, peeling paint, broken paving, or a jungle out back all send a message: “cheap reno inside”.

And it’s usually right.

Even a small investment in kerb appeal can be one of the highest return changes you can make. Paint the front door a bold, confident colour. A tasteful house number, a modern outdoor light, and a neat path. If you can afford to, replace old windows or clean them professionally. Not glamorous work, but it builds trust.

Flooring that feels intentional

You can usually tell when decisions were made about flooring with price – not people – in mind. If there is cheap laminate or other low-quality finishing between rooms, it will actively turn buyers off.

Instead, consider flooring as the thread that binds the entire home together. A continuous floor of wood or LVT (luxury vinyl tile) throughout the main living spaces lends a sense of flow and cohesion to the residence. It feels premium, even if it never was in the price.

For bathrooms and kitchens, opt for neutral yet contemporary colours for tile or waterproof flooring. And if you can’t resist carpet in bedrooms, make it a plush, textured version in a warm grey or gentle taupe. Perhaps not exciting, but reassuring in a way that is much more useful.

Lighting: The silent dealbreaker

This is one of those upgrades that few people will tell you to do, but I think lighting is a make-or-break detail. Under bad light, everything seems wrong: small, cold, sad.

Start with ceiling lights. Swap the pendant for flush LEDs or statement fittings to eliminate any overhang. Warm light (not those harsh blue-tinted bulbs) is a must to make the space inviting. Undercabinet lighting instantly makes a space feel more luxurious in kitchens and baths.

Remember exterior lighting. A basic motion-sensor light at the entrance is practical and comforting for viewers who stop by in the evening.

Storage that sells

Buyers and renters alike are consumed with storage – and for good reason. And yet so many homes here fall flat in this area – empty voids beneath stairs or wardrobes that seem tacked on.

What you won’t see is where the design truly shines: hidden storage is the secret weapon of smart renovations. Bench seating with hidden storage in a hallway, alcove cupboards around a fireplace, and tall cupboards in dead corners – all these can help a small property feel more liveable and luxurious.

Final thought: Think beyond the obvious

Here’s the thing most new investors get wrong: they think value-adding is about throwing in high-gloss kitchens or greige walls and hoping for the best. But today’s buyers are savvier. They want a home that feels considered, not cookie-cutter.

The upgrades I’ve listed aren’t necessarily the most expensive, but they are deliberate. They show care, taste, and a bit of vision – all of which translate to trust. And trust is the fastest way to sell, or rent, at a premium.

So next time you’re planning a refurb, resist the urge to follow the same formula as everyone else. Paint the brick fireplace. Add lighting with intention. Build in the storage. Invest in the details that matter.

Because ultimately, value doesn’t come from what you spend – it comes from what buyers feel when they walk through the door.