by Patricia Oberman

not every buyer will consider a swimming pool to be a positive

However, don't assume spending £5000 on your house will, at the very least, increase it's value by the same amount. Some home improvements are significantly better investments than others. Do your homework and make sure you know what you're getting into.

Extension, loft conversions, conservatories

Increasing floor space is the key way to add value to your house. Everyone wants space - room to live and room to grow. If you can add an extra bedroom onto your house or build a conservatory on the back you will make your home more attractive to almost all potential buyers.

Such space creating improvements will almost always add more value to your house than it costs to carry them out. So you get to enjoy the extra space and still come out on top when you sell. Of course like all things in life, get it done property. You may think using the cheapest builder you can find is the way to go but always think of the bigger picture. Who's going to be left with a leaking conservatory two months down the line? It's certainly not going to be the builder. Do your homework and choose a builder you can trust.

Central heating and double glazing

Surprisingly, central heating or double glazing doesn't add value to your house above what it cost to install. On average, you will only get between a third and a half of your money back when you sell. So why do it? Well, firstly you've got to live in the house. Central heating is a blessing in the winter and double glazing not only gives you more peace but it will save on heating bills.

Secondly, not having these standard features can damage your chances of selling your house for the right price. For example, installing central heating may not be seen as a great way to add the value of your house but not doing so could put many potential buyers off.

Although spending thousands of pounds on a pool or a fabulously designed garden will undoubtedly improve the appearance of your home, it's not usually a good idea. When you come to sell your property, you will very rarely recoup the money these improvements cost.

Of course if you're rolling in money, it doesn't matter but unfortunately most of us aren't. Also bear in mind that not everyone will see a swimming pool as a positive sign. As well as the running costs, potential buyers with small children may see it as nothing more than unwanted worry.

The Final Thought

Money can be lost on property almost as easily as it can be made. If we make the wrong decisions in our homes, it can eventually cost thousands of pounds. However, unless you're planning to sell your house in the foreseeable future, don't worry too much about adding value and recouping your investment. Life is for living. If a swimming pool is going to make you happy, then go out and get one!