With summer in full swing, homeowners keen to move will be looking ahead to the traditionally busier autumn selling season and using this quieter time to refresh, update and invest in their existing properties to get them in the best position for the market.
Now is an ideal time to carry out home improvements that can help secure a quicker sale, and a better price, when properties hit the market in September. Whether it’s boosting curb appeal or enhancing usable space, the right renovation can significantly increase both marketability and sale price.
That being said, it’s vital that homeowners plan properly and explore all their funding options to ensure renovations deliver a real return and budgets aren’t overspent or under calculated for.
To kick off my top tips for all homeowners looking to take on at-home improvements and DIY jobs this summer - I wouldn’t start anything whatsoever without first carefully planning a realistic budget.
Setting a budget might seem obvious, but many renovation projects go off track due to overly optimistic assumptions or underestimating hidden costs. Start with a comprehensive plan that includes all major line items, from materials and labour to planning permissions and contractor availability, whilst making sure to always factor in a 10–15% contingency fund.
Even simple refreshes like repainting or landscaping can run over budget if unexpected issues arise. From supply chain delays to weather interruptions or unforeseen structural repairs, there are dozens of reasons a project can cost more than you think. Building in a buffer from day one means you’re more likely to finish on time and with your finances intact.
Changing your mind halfway through can lead to duplicated costs or worse, delays that push your property’s listing into a quieter market window. Define what you want to achieve, get multiple quotes, and map out your timeline backwards from an ideal autumn listing date.
While many homeowners naturally turn to savings when planning home upgrades, it is key to explore broader financing options, especially for improvements that could meaningfully increase resale value, such as kitchen extensions, loft conversions, or energy-efficiency upgrades.
Using savings alone can potentially limit what you’re able to achieve. You also don’t want to run the risk of depleting your savings you might need for future projects or other important savings goals and responsibilities. That’s why it is well worth considering other lending products out there like second charge mortgages, which can support those homeowners who already have a good deal on their first mortgage but need access to additional funds to cover renovation projects. On the other hand, bridging loans are well-suited to those who need a short-term, fact-access to finance and are ideal for time-sensitive or large-scale projects. Finally, remortgaging is typically suited to those who want to refinance their main mortgage to release equity. This route is often used for more substantial home improvements like energy-efficiency upgrades. Each type of finance has its own advantages depending on the homeowner’s situation, the scope of the project and the speed at which they need the financing so it’s best to speak to a mortgage professional before deciding which route to take.
Specialist lenders like Together can offer more options for those who don’t fit the ‘one-size-fits-all’ model offered by mainstream banks, particularly for borrowers with complex income or self-employed status. For example, our latest Residential Property Market Report found a fifth (22%) of rejected mortgage applicants who would be classed as ‘non-standard’ were rejected because they were self-employed and 10% said this was due to having sporadic income. But, by working with a more flexible lender and/or broker, homeowners can access bespoke products that fit their individual circumstances, potentially unlocking funding options they weren’t previously aware of.
If your home has risen in value, or if you’ve built up equity over the years, you may be able to leverage that to finance renovations with long-term impact. A well-timed investment of £10,000–£20,000 into the right parts of your home can often result in a significantly higher sale price and a quicker sale.
When preparing a home for the market, it is important to renovate with the buyer’s mindset in focus. That means investing in improvements that deliver both visual and functional impact, especially upgrades that improve light, space, and energy efficiency.
Buyers are looking for homes that feel move-in ready, even if they’re not perfect. Focusing on smart, high-impact changes like improving natural light, opening up floorplans, or modernising dated bathrooms will be key.
Smaller updates can also make a big difference. Homeowners should spend wisely on items that enhance the tactile experience of the home such as taps, door handles, and light switches which can elevate the perceived quality of the entire space. Meanwhile, more decorative items like wallpaper, paint, or tiles can be sourced cost-effectively without compromising style.
There’s a psychological effect when a buyer sees quality materials in key touchpoints. It sets the tone for the rest of the property, even if the doors or fixtures around them are more basic.
Curb appeal also matters more than many sellers realise. First impressions count. Simple touches like a freshly painted front door, well-kept garden or modern outdoor lighting can signal a well-maintained property which can influence the viewing before the front door even opens.
The key to getting ready for the post-summer selling season is to act strategically, make thoughtful, buyer-focus improvements and work with the right and most effective financial support available. Done right, summer renovations don’t just enhance a home but drive better offers, shorten the time spent on the market and help reduce the emotional and financial stress of selling.
