"Buying an ugly duckling property can be a fantastic way of getting good value. Properties that don’t have that ‘main picture’ appeal can be as much as 20% cheaper than a similarly sized property that’s got classic looks"
- Anto Clay - Stacks Property Search
In a market where enthusiasm for major renovations has waned, properties with smaller, value-adding opportunities are in demand. Buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that need minor work but offer meaningful returns.
James Greenwood of Stacks Property Search explains: “In the current market, buyers’ appetites for big renovation projects are small, but many buyers are looking for a property that offers good value due to its potential for improvement; small projects that will make a big difference.”
Identifying this kind of potential involves looking beyond surface appearance and focusing on how a property functions. One key area is layout. According to Greenwood, reconfiguring internal spaces can often deliver returns comparable to adding square footage, but at a much lower cost.
“Less costly, but almost as beneficial as increasing the size, is improving the layout of a property to make it more ergonomic, appealing, or practical,” he says.
Among the most effective layout changes:
Combining small, separate kitchen and living rooms into one larger space
Adding a downstairs cloakroom if one is missing
Improving the bathroom-to-bedroom ratio by adding an en suite or second bathroom
Connecting kitchens or dining rooms directly to outdoor areas
Converting an integral garage into living space, and replacing storage with a shed
However, Greenwood advises checking for any restrictions before making plans. “Crucially, check whether the property is Listed or in a Conservation Area – both of which will affect what you are and aren’t allowed to do.”
External appearance can also influence both perceived and actual value. Anto Clay, also of Stacks Property Search, points out that properties lacking immediate visual appeal can offer excellent opportunities.
“Buying an ugly duckling property can be a fantastic way of getting good value,” he says. “Properties that don’t have that ‘main picture’ appeal can be as much as 20% cheaper than a similarly sized property that’s got classic looks. It really is possible to turn a duckling into a swan without a huge investment.”
Low-cost visual fixes include:
Growing climbers to disguise unattractive walls
Adding planting to soften hard landscaping
Concealing bins with dedicated structures
Using trellises or willow lattice screens to block less appealing views
More substantial improvements might include repainting or resurfacing pebble-dash, re-pointing brickwork, or updating unsightly windows.
Rachel Johnston, another adviser from Stacks, highlights the impact of awkward or impractical layouts. “Some properties are blighted by a flaw in their layout,” she says. “For example, lack of easy access to the garden can lead to a property being lower value; check whether the problem can be fixed, either turning a window into double doors to give access from living areas; or by opening-up the back of an attached garage and integrating some or all of the garage into the living space. Blending inside and outside will always pay dividends both in terms of lifestyle and future sale value.”
Johnston also recommends creating utility space, especially in homes lacking both utility rooms and downstairs toilets. “Creating utility space is another game-changer, especially if it can be combined with a downstairs cloakroom when neither space exists. Floor plans will give you an idea of whether there’s spare downstairs space that can be ‘stolen’ from another room to create such a valuable asset.”
Another area to explore is legal limitations. Greenwood notes that restrictions like covenants may not always be as problematic as they appear.
“Putting legwork into investigating old covenants is an exercise that can pay tremendous dividends. Buyers are frightened off by restrictive covenants, and they can devalue a property significantly. Some old covenants are no longer enforceable due to ambiguity, lapse of time, or changes in surrounding land use.”
Finally, Greenwood also highlights loft conversions as a smart investment when done with care.
“Loft conversions are a fantastic way of adding value, but you need to be clever if you’re to squeeze every last drop out of the space. A specialist loft company is generally the best option. I sometimes get my clients to talk to a boat builder or campervan designer who has fantastic design solutions for small spaces.”
Spotting a property with good potential often comes down to recognising the small changes that can have an outsized impact. While not all homes will offer every opportunity, a careful eye for layout, design, and legal flexibility can uncover significant value.
