Marylebone estate agents offer advice on adding value
Marylebone estate agents see a variety of property for sale and over the years they have been able to measure what really adds value in the upper echelons of the London property market. Property for sale in Marylebone needs to tick the right boxes for buyers - and the audience in W1 and NW1 is as diverse and discerning as they come.
Anyone thinking of selling their London property should speak with a Marylebone estate agent before they embark on any ambitious renovations or improvement plans. However, the general consensus among property professionals is to be measured with any actions. Areas to be considered include:
Security
Apartments for sale in Marylebone are usually sold with a degree of security provided - be it a porter, a concierge, video entry or CCTV. Security is more of an issue when it comes to houses for sale in Marylebone. While there is a good chance any buyer might be an internationally-recognised public figure, security in Marylebone is more commonly connected to a 'lock up and leave' mentality. Whether a buyer divides their time between two UK properties, has a holiday home overseas or travels extensively for business, Marylebone estate agents say buyers look for top-notch security so they can leave the property securely uninhabited for extended periods. Electronically controlled gates, a monitored alarm system and CCTV, garaging or underground parking for vehicles and perimeter fencing are all wise additions to high-value homes. Panic rooms and vaults, although glamourised, do not necessarily add value.
Gardens
Outdoor space is prized in central London and any inch of garden that gets the sun should be maximised. Apartments for sale in Marylebone that generate lots of interest include those with roof terraces. Those properties lucky enough to have access to such space should ensure the area is well kept, safe and adorned with space-enhancing plants. Purchasers of houses for sale in Marylebone are increasing looking for low-maintenance, high-style gardens, say Central London estate agents. A professionally landscaped garden is a must - especially if the property's interior has been interior designed. Consider a low maintenance garden with plants that need little or no pruning, high quality materials under foot designed to withstand harsh British weather and a programmable irrigation system are advised. Swimming pools, although a great status symbol, are high-maintenance and will not always prove popular among families with very young children. Any pool added needs to be heated, be easy to service and come complete with a quality cover. Adding an outbuilding or summer house is a great selling point as long as the building has power, heat and adequate insulation.
Internal remodelling
One of the quickest ways to add value to any property for sale in Marylebone is to re-craft the internal floor plan to maximise the space. A four-bedroom house for sale in Marylebone will always fetch more than a three-bedroom one, so consult with an architect about repositioning internal walls and reorganising the space to create extra rooms. Ideally, each bedroom should have an en-suite so this may mean making a bedroom smaller in order to create a bathroom in the same room. Likewise, a re-apportioning of space to provide accommodation for a nanny, au pair or staff is a good addition for very large houses or property in the catchment area of private and exceptional state schools.
Finishing touches
Buyers of property for sale in Marylebone will expect a minimum standard of living. A log burner is flavour of the month, although any fireplace should be clean and in good working order. Bathrooms should have power showers and heated towel rails, while kitchens are at their best with integrated appliances, unless there are statement white goods, such as an American fridge freezer or an Aga. If a new kitchen is to be installed, integrated coffee machines, wine coolers and steam ovens will impress although not necessarily become deal breakers. Marylebone estate agents also comment that while underfloor heating, automated lighting systems and whirlpool baths are appreciated by buyers, many are looking for skilful preservation of original features, pre-wiring for broadband/satellite television and ample storage.
Planning permissions: all of the advantages, none of the hard work
Marylebone estate agents do have astute buyers who prefer to add value themselves and this type of purchaser will be attracted to a different set of property features. A flat or house for sale with planning permission already granted for alterations will generate interest. Whether it's for a basement, a large extension or an annexe, a vendor who has commissioned architectural plans and has planning permission granted will be in a strong selling position.
Anyone thinking of selling their London property should speak with a Marylebone estate agent before they embark on any ambitious renovations or improvement plans. However, the general consensus among property professionals is to be measured with any actions. Areas to be considered include:
Security
Apartments for sale in Marylebone are usually sold with a degree of security provided - be it a porter, a concierge, video entry or CCTV. Security is more of an issue when it comes to houses for sale in Marylebone. While there is a good chance any buyer might be an internationally-recognised public figure, security in Marylebone is more commonly connected to a 'lock up and leave' mentality. Whether a buyer divides their time between two UK properties, has a holiday home overseas or travels extensively for business, Marylebone estate agents say buyers look for top-notch security so they can leave the property securely uninhabited for extended periods. Electronically controlled gates, a monitored alarm system and CCTV, garaging or underground parking for vehicles and perimeter fencing are all wise additions to high-value homes. Panic rooms and vaults, although glamourised, do not necessarily add value.
Gardens
Outdoor space is prized in central London and any inch of garden that gets the sun should be maximised. Apartments for sale in Marylebone that generate lots of interest include those with roof terraces. Those properties lucky enough to have access to such space should ensure the area is well kept, safe and adorned with space-enhancing plants. Purchasers of houses for sale in Marylebone are increasing looking for low-maintenance, high-style gardens, say Central London estate agents. A professionally landscaped garden is a must - especially if the property's interior has been interior designed. Consider a low maintenance garden with plants that need little or no pruning, high quality materials under foot designed to withstand harsh British weather and a programmable irrigation system are advised. Swimming pools, although a great status symbol, are high-maintenance and will not always prove popular among families with very young children. Any pool added needs to be heated, be easy to service and come complete with a quality cover. Adding an outbuilding or summer house is a great selling point as long as the building has power, heat and adequate insulation.
Internal remodelling
One of the quickest ways to add value to any property for sale in Marylebone is to re-craft the internal floor plan to maximise the space. A four-bedroom house for sale in Marylebone will always fetch more than a three-bedroom one, so consult with an architect about repositioning internal walls and reorganising the space to create extra rooms. Ideally, each bedroom should have an en-suite so this may mean making a bedroom smaller in order to create a bathroom in the same room. Likewise, a re-apportioning of space to provide accommodation for a nanny, au pair or staff is a good addition for very large houses or property in the catchment area of private and exceptional state schools.
Finishing touches
Buyers of property for sale in Marylebone will expect a minimum standard of living. A log burner is flavour of the month, although any fireplace should be clean and in good working order. Bathrooms should have power showers and heated towel rails, while kitchens are at their best with integrated appliances, unless there are statement white goods, such as an American fridge freezer or an Aga. If a new kitchen is to be installed, integrated coffee machines, wine coolers and steam ovens will impress although not necessarily become deal breakers. Marylebone estate agents also comment that while underfloor heating, automated lighting systems and whirlpool baths are appreciated by buyers, many are looking for skilful preservation of original features, pre-wiring for broadband/satellite television and ample storage.
Planning permissions: all of the advantages, none of the hard work
Marylebone estate agents do have astute buyers who prefer to add value themselves and this type of purchaser will be attracted to a different set of property features. A flat or house for sale with planning permission already granted for alterations will generate interest. Whether it's for a basement, a large extension or an annexe, a vendor who has commissioned architectural plans and has planning permission granted will be in a strong selling position.