How to refresh your home in 2024: tips for renovating, moving and downsizing

New Year's resolutions usually focus on making changes to our well-being and lifestyle.

After all, what better time to think about quitting smoking, losing weight, or leaving an unfulfilling relationship?

But as we start 2024, this could also be the time to think about sprucing up our homes, doing some overdue renovations or even moving.

We asked leading experts for the one solution we should take when it comes to our property…

1, use under used space

Danny Campbell, leading architect at HOKO architecture, believes now is the time to unlock the potential of our home – by finding a way to use unused space.

“For example, hallways can often take up valuable square footage without serving a practical purpose,” he says. 'By reconfiguring the layout and opening up the space, you can maximize the usable area.'

2. Remove cold drafts

Oliver Novakovic, technical and innovation director at Barratt Developments, thinks now is the time to consider cutting energy bills – by making your home as airtight as possible.

“The best thing you can do is walk around and look for where there is notable draft,” he says. 'You can do cost-effective things like using metal or plastic.

3. Make sure your affairs are in order

Michelle Niziol, director and owner of IMS Property Group, suggests that the new year is the perfect time to get all your property-related documentation in order.

“Review and update your property insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects your investment and assets,” she says. 'Consider liability insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events.

And make time to organize and digitize property documents so they are easily accessible and easy to manage.”

4. Do your research

Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, believes now is the time to make sure you're up to date on property research.

He says: 'Whether you're a first-time buyer wondering what your monthly mortgage payments will be or you're considering moving to a new area, it's important to understand what you can afford, because you may be pleasantly surprised. can be because of what an area has to offer,

'Tools on Zoopla, such as the mortgage calculator and our regional guides covering a number of cities across the country, can provide you with the information that can make a decision about buying a house next year a little easier.'

5. Tip-top boilers

Andy Kerr from BOXT suggests that the new year is a time to give your boiler some loving care.

“Make sure 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 pays for itself quite quickly. 'Make sure your boiler is also serviced.

A service ensures that your manufacturer's warranty remains intact and your Gas Safe registered engineer can identify any risks before they cause damage.

You can also take out home cover for your boiler, so you can spread the costs of annual maintenance and ensure you don't forget about it.'

6. Go outside green

Sarah Walker, founder of Lessons in Lettings, says now is the time to focus on creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly outdoor space.

She says: 'This may include planting drought-resistant vegetation that requires minimal water, such as lavender, sedum, hebe and fescue, as well as using organic fertilizers and pesticides.'

7. Start building

Antony Antoniou, CEO of real estate and investment specialist Robert Irving Burns, says if you're thinking of completing construction work in 2024, the sooner the better, before the spring rush.

He adds: 'It's essential to research who you're using and choose someone recommended by a friend, neighbor or trusted professional review site; There are more and more rogue traders and cowboy builders, so you have to be vigilant.'

8. Know your worth

Chris Dietz, of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, recommends knowing how much your home is worth.

He says: 'For most people, their home is their most important financial asset, so all homeowners need to be clear about the current value of their home and the conditions of their local market.

'Given the recent economic fluctuations and uncertainty surrounding interest rates, this is best achieved in consultation with a local real estate agent and in consultation with the house price data available online.

With this knowledge, the homeowner can best assess how the property fits into their short- and long-term financial strategy.”

9. Put on a show

Charlie Warner, partner at Heaton & Partners, says that when you're selling, it's important to think about home staging – where sellers work with design experts to add furnishings and accessories to make the home more attractive to buyers.

He adds: 'We are at a crucial stage in a changing market; many buyers worry about homes that require a lot of work and can be the equivalent of signing a blank check.

“Home staging is a great way for sellers to show the dream, even if the bones of a house aren't working so well or its condition isn't perfect.

“It could be money well spent as a seller, as many buyers can't see past poor initial presentations.”

10. Keep the weather out

Jonathan Rolande, of the National Association of Property Buyers, believes a key commitment should be to weatherproof your home.

'In many months of 2023, rainfall was double or even triple the average; and instead of the traditional English drizzle we now seem to be getting heavier and more frequent rain showers.

'Prepare your home for 2024 by regularly clearing gutters 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 later.'