Part of the joy of owning your own home is being able to fix it up into the perfect abode; whether for you that means a large undertaking such as building a bedroom extension or something small such as furnishing the living room to suit your particular tastes. There are lots of ways in which you can put money into your own home, which will reap returns when you come to sell on. Here on some tips for investing in your property:

-       Don’t just go for improving the kitchen and bathrooms. Many people think overhauling these areas will sell their house, and whilst it’s true that a good kitchen and bathroom can make a difference, the expense that will go into improving these will not necessarily be matched by an equivalent increase in property value.

-       Sometimes the small things can make all the difference – a neatly manicured front and back garden needn’t cost too much in time or money but these can give a great first impression to prospective buyers.

-       Don’t sell too soon; typically the longer you hold on to the house after making home improvements, the greater value the house can command.

-       A garage is always more desirable than on-road parking; if you can create a parking space or garage on the property, this should add considerable value.

-       Building an extension can work if it is done in keeping with the overall character of the original house and adds extra functionality i.e. a conservatory could be a great and relatively low cost addition if the house is low on shared communal spaces. However, consider carefully the value you want to add compared to the cost of building the extension – will you really be able to command another £30,000 on the asking price?

If you do manage to sell your house at a greater price than what you paid for it, consider how you want to invest that extra money. Many people do ‘upgrade’ their houses in the hope of doing the same thing again but dependent on the housing market you might want to try other investment methods. Corporate bonds can be even more reliable forms of investment than property as they provide fixed income on your initial investment until the bond matures. Reputable companies such as Legal & General offer some attractive rates on corporate bonds – take a look at their site for more details. If you’re an experienced investor, you could try your hand at investing in shares on the stock market. In the end, it may be wiser to enjoy your house as a home rather than an investment.