New year resolutions usually focus on making changes to our wellbeing and lifestyle.
After all, what better time to think about giving up smoking, losing weight or junking an unfulfilling relationship?
But as we start 2024, this may also be the time to think about refreshing our homes, carrying out some long overdue renovations or even moving house.
We asked leading experts about the one resolution we should make when it comes to our property…
As we start 2024, this may also be the time to think about refreshing our homes, carrying out some long overdue renovations or even moving house
1, Utilise under used space
Danny Campbell, leading architect at HOKO architecture, believes this is the time to unlock our home’s potential — by finding a way to use unutilised space.
‘Corridors, for example, can often take up valuable square footage without serving a practical purpose, ‘ he says. ‘By reconfiguring the layout and opening the space, you can maximize the usable area.’
2. Cut out chilly draughts
Oliver Novakovic, technical and innovation director at Barratt Developments, thinks this is the time to consider cutting energy bills — by making your home as airtight as possible.
‘The best thing that you can do is to walk around and find where there are notable draughts, ‘ he says. ‘You can do cost-effective things such as using metal or plastic.
3. Get your affairs in order
Michelle Niziol, director and owner of IMS Property Group, suggests that the new year is the perfect time to get all your home-related documentation in order.
‘Review and update your property insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects your investment and belongings, ‘ she says. ‘Consider liability insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events.
And make time to organise and digitise property documents for easy access and management.’
Oliver Novakovic, technical and innovation director at Barratt Developments, thinks this is the time to consider cutting energy bills — by making your home as airtight as possible
4. Do your research
Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, believes this is the time to ensure you’re on top of property research.
He says: ‘Regardless of whether you’re a first-time buyer, wondering what your monthly mortgage payments will be or if you’re considering moving to a new area, it’s important to understand what you can afford because you may be pleasantly surprised by what an area can offer,
‘Tools on Zoopla such as the mortgage calculator and our area guides on a range of cities across the country can arm you with the information that may make a homebuying decision a little easier next year.’
5. Tip-top boilers
Andy Kerr, at BOXT, suggests that the new year is a time to give your boiler some loving care.
‘Ensure you have the best boiler for your home, ‘ he says. ‘An A-rated one can save you up to £630 a year on your energy bills, so it starts paying for itself rather quickly. ‘Be sure to have your boiler serviced, too.
A service will keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact, and your Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to catch any potential risks before they cause damage.
You can also get home cover for your boiler to spread the cost of your annual service and help ensure you don’t forget about it.’
Andy Kerr, at BOXT, suggests that the new year is a time to give your boiler some loving care
6. Going green outdoors
Sarah Walker, founder of Lessons in Lettings, says now is the time to focus on creating a sustainable and ecofriendly outdoor space.
She says: ‘This may involve planting drought-resistant vegetation that requires minimal water such as lavender, sedum, hebe and fescue grass, as well as utilising organic fertilisers and pesticides.’
7. Start building
Antony Antoniou, chief executive of property and investment specialists Robert Irving Burns, says that if you’re thinking about getting building work done in 2024, then the earlier the better, before the spring rush.
He adds: ‘It is vital to research who you use and choose someone recommended by a friend, neighbour or trusted professional review site; there are a growing number of rogue traders and cowboy builders so you must be vigilant.’
8. Know your worth
Chris Dietz, of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, advises knowing how much your home is worth.
He says: ‘For most people, their home is their most significant financial asset, so all homeowners should be clear on the current value of their home and conditions in their local market.
‘With recent economic fluctuations and interest rate uncertainty, this is best achieved in consultation with a local estate agent and house price data available online.
With this knowledge, the homeowner can best assess how the property plays into their short and long-term financial strategy.’
9. Put on a show
Charlie Warner, partner at Heaton & Partners, says that if you’re selling, it is important to think about home staging — where sellers work with design experts to add furnishings and accessories to make the home more appealing to buyers.
He adds: ‘We are at a crucial stage in a changing market — many purchasers are concerned about houses that require a lot of work and could be the equivalent of signing a blank cheque.
‘Home staging is a good way for sellers to showcase the dream even if the bones of a house don’t work very well or if its condition is less than perfect.
‘It could be money well spent as a seller, because a lot of buyers can’t see past poor initial presentations.’
Charlie Warner, partner at Heaton & Partners, says that if you’re selling, it is important to think about home staging — where sellers work with design experts to add furnishings and accessories to make the home more appealing to buyers
10. Keep the weather out
Jonathan Rolande, from the National Association of Property Buyers, believes a key pledge should be to make your home weather-proof.
‘In many months of 2023 rainfall was double or even triple the average; and rather than traditional English drizzle, we now seem to be getting heavier and more frequent rainstorms.
‘Prepare your property for 2024 with regular gutter clearance and inspecting roofs, chimneys and chimney flashings for signs of damage or blockage.
‘Very often a quick and easy repair can prevent a much more expensive job further down the line.’
