If your home’s stuck on the market, small DIY tweaks could be the key to unlocking serious value – up to £80,000 in some cases – and you don’t need a huge budget to get started.
Across the UK, homeowners are turning to budget-friendly upgrades to help attract buyers and push up asking prices.
From kitchen fixes to kerb appeal, these clever features are proving popular with house-hunters – and small upgrades, like new cupboard handles starting at just 55p, can make a big difference.
Kitchens sell homes – and you don’t need a full refit to impress. Just swapping out tired cupboard handles or giving walls a lick of paint could work wonders.
Upgrade your kitchen
Daniel Copley, Consumer Spokesperson at Zoopla, said: “The explosion of DIY trends on TikTok over the past year has undoubtedly led to an increase in people doing budget renovations.
“We know kitchens are a key selling point for many buyers – and the centre of activity in many households – so DIY projects are often focussed on this space.
“Getting this right can add value and make your home more appealing.”
He added in an interview with Magnet: “Superficial touches, such as replacing broken handles or treating worktops, could give your kitchen a quick update and improve your chances of adding value.”
Even updating taps, resealing tiles, or adding stick-on splashbacks can bring your space up to date – and make it stand out in online listings.
Swapping out an old kitchen tap can cost as little as £15–£30, depending on the style and finish.
Resealing tiles with fresh silicone is another quick win, with sealant tubes priced at around £5–£10 each.
For a more noticeable upgrade, stick-on splashbacks – including marble, tile-effect, or stainless steel designs – typically range from £10 to £30, and can completely transform tired kitchen walls in under an hour.
Add panelling
Panelling is one of the easiest ways to give a room a luxury feel without blowing the budget.
Self-adhesive MDF or foam wall panels are widely available and cost between £12 and £60 per wall, depending on size and design.
Popular choices include shaker-style and fluted timber-effect panels, often seen in hallways or bedrooms.
You’ll also need basic tools like a level, saw and adhesive – available from around £5 to £10 – making this one of the most affordable DIY upgrades that adds instant style.
Popular in bedrooms and hallways, these DIY kits are now widely available and easy to install.
Tool and DIY expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades explained:
“We’re seeing a big shift toward cosmetic DIY this year, simple jobs that make your home feel more stylish, secure and ready to sell.
“Many people are surprised how far a small spend can go when you’ve got the right tools and materials to do it yourself.”pan
It’s not just for the experts either.
Many panels come pre-cut and self-adhesive, meaning you don’t need power tools or professional help. Just a spirit level and a spare afternoon.
Swap out light switches
They’re small, but buyers notice them. Old, yellowing switches can instantly date a home, while sleek flatplate alternatives make it feel more modern and put-together.
Updating your light switches is a quick, low-effort job with high visual impact.
Flatplate designs in black, brushed steel or brass start from just £4–£10 per switch, and are widely stocked by retailers like Toolstation and B&Q.
Replacing a handful of tired switches throughout the home can give it a polished, contemporary edge that buyers instantly notice.
Glen Peskett continued: “A quick aesthetic win. Swapping out dated white switches for flatplate, black or brushed brass alternatives instantly modernises interiors.
“You’d be amazed how much sleeker a space feels with updated switches. It’s the kind of detail buyers notice.”
This is a quick fix that takes minutes and can be done room-by-room, keeping costs down while freshening up your interiors.
EV charging points
With more drivers going electric, homes with a charging point are increasingly attractive to buyers.
The typical cost to install an electric car charger at home in the UK ranges from £800 to £1200, and whilst the upfront cost might seem steep, the potential payoff is worth it, especially in suburban or commuter areas.
A 7kW charger is most common for households, with faster 22kW options costing more. Government grants may also be available to help with installation, depending on your location.
Adding an EV point doesn’t just future-proof your property – it makes it more desirable to eco-conscious and tech-savvy buyers.
Up front cost: £800-1200
House price boost: £3,000 to £5,000 according to the National Association of Property Buyers.
Boost curb appeal
Cleaning windows, repainting your front door, and adding greenery with potted plants or hanging baskets can make your home more inviting from the moment buyers arrive.
Curb appeal, or how your home looks from the street, can increase value by as much as 11 per cent, according to property experts.
And you don’t need a gardener – even just trimming hedges and clearing the path can make a noticeable difference.
In competitive markets, a well-kept exterior can tip the scales in your favour and secure a quicker sale.
With the average cost of moving house rising and the market still unpredictable, homeowners are getting creative.
These simple, affordable improvements don’t just add polish – they could also make or break your sale.
And while you don’t need to splash out on all five at once, even picking one or two could help your home stand out from the crowd.
