Add value to your home with Malbrook

THE TIME has never been better to improve your home with a Malbrook conservatory, orangery or garden room. In the face of high moving costs many homeowners have welcomed government plans to relax planning laws, and invest in "improving, not moving".

Augmenting key living space – such as through a conservatory, orangery or garden room - can dramatically increase your property’s value by up to 25 per cent, according to a study by Nationwide Building Society. This is a view shared by the Daily Telegraph, which stated even during the peak of the recession, property values could considerably increase with a conservatory - in central London, Kay & Co. calculated a lift in value of between £800 - £1,500 per square foot.

“Adding the right conservatory, orangery or garden room could see a big return on the investment,” Neil Arding, managing director of Malbrook, said.“Increasing your square-footage, creating a new kitchen or dining room, or installing a roof lantern, are all ways to add space, light and precious value to your home ... with today’s market we’ve seen many people choose to maximise their property’s potential instead of facing the headache and cost of moving.”

Industry experts agree the downturn is a good time for home extensions, with a stagnating property market and increasingly high costs of moving house. After disincentivised sellers have covered surveys, solicitors’ fees, mortgage valuations, loan arrangement fees, council searches, removal costs and potential multiple agency fees (up to 3.5 per cent), they are left with stamp duty – now running at 1 per cent on homes from £125,000-£250,000, 3 per cent from £250,000 to £500,000, and 4 per cent on homes from £500,000 to £1 million. Houses exceeding £1 million face a stamp duty of 5 per cent, increasing to 7 per cent on those selling in excess of £2 million.

“It’s all about making the right addition,” Mr Arding added. “Poor advice and design with cheaper materials can lower your home’s value whilst also costing more in maintenance and overheads ... adding value is partly to do with correct advice to start with. Choosing a bespoke hardwood timber orangery or conservatory that fits with the style, size and natural lines of your home complements not just your lifestyle and vision, but your investment decision in the long run.”