With house prices expected to slow in 2017, with uncertainty on the rise, you may be starting to think of other ways to improve the value of your home. If you still have single glazing, improving to double glazing will have a positive impact – but is it really good value for money?
A report by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors that looked at house price expectations has revealed that next year may see a small 3% increase compared to 6% for 2016. This has been compounded by decreases in mortgage lending with a 20% fall during the latter part of 2016. So how on earth do you improve the value of your home when you have these obstacles in your way?
The benefits of double glazing
Double glazing really could save the day. As well as the improvements in your own energy costs which are estimated to be as much as £160 per year when you choose “A” rated windows, you can also expect that the improvement to your property will push up the value of your home if you were to sell.
There are a few reasons why. A huge part of selling your home is the way it looks from the street. Double glazing will instantly update the look of your home, giving it a fresh and clean feel that will appeal to buyers. Additionally, the fact that your home feels warm and cosy, with no cold rooms or draughts, will reassure buyers that they will not need to spend a fortune on heating costs. Your home will also be healthier with less condensation and mould, which can cause huge problems for children and the elderly and make your home much less desirable.
How much will double glazing add to the value of my home?
A report released by the Nationwide in recent years has indicated that energy efficiency is a huge factor in house prices and this is highly influenced by the type of glazing you have. With 65% of homes now rated between A and D, it is important that your home competes favourably with those other homes on the market. The report also shows that 79% of homes now have double glazing, leaving your home at a disadvantage if you are yet to take that step.
Is double glazing good value for money?
The cost of your double glazing will depend on a number of factors, most obviously, the number of windows you have and how large they are. If you have patio doors and also want to replace your front and back doors you will incur additional costs. If you live in a conservation area or if you have sash windows you can expect your double glazing to cost more. But most people can expect to spend around £2,000 to £3,000 to have their home fully double glazed.
With most double glazing lasting longer than 20 years, you will make your money back on your investment – just in energy savings alone. When you add in the improved value on your home, it is clear that double glazing is a great investment.
Your home deserves to look its best and to be the preferable choice for buyers. When you are competing in a tight market, you want the best possible return on your investment and double glazing will add to the great package that is your home.