A home is a major investment – and whatever can be done to bolster the value of that investment is generally worth doing. In many cases, you can achieve a significant uptick in value with just a little bit of time and energy. The right design choices, when you come to sell, might make a big difference.

Of course, selling isn’t the only reason to think about design. You might also be seeking to enter the rental sector, or to simply build your equity for the future. Whatever your goals, it’s worth taking stock of the key design considerations.

Renovation Project for a Single-Family Home by Architecture Riot Inc.

Know your target market

Who are you designing this property for? If you have a fairly good idea of the demographics you’ll be targeting, then you’ll have an easier time identifying the right design decisions. Is it going to be young professionals moving in, or is it going to be retirees?

Protect your investment

Every investment carries a little bit of risk. Install a chandelier in the front room, and there’s always a chance that it might fall down – whether because of shoddy workmanship or sheer bad luck.

While we might make every effort to avert disaster, we can never reduce the risks to zero. For this reason, it’s a good idea to take out specialised insurance. If you’re going to be letting the property, then it makes sense to invest in landlord’s insurance.

Keep it trendy

Leafy Way Addition by Upstairs Studio Architecture

A trendy property will tend to be a desirable property – at least, in the short term. If you’re renting, then you might look into three trends in particular, these being Scandi, Boho, and mid-century modern.

Of course, if you’re going to be keeping the property for a decade or more, then there’s a risk that these trendy stylings won’t be quite so trendy when you come to sell. As such, it might be a good idea to think about how easily your designs can be changed to suit the tastes of an unknown future buyer.

Kitchen and bathroom are king

There are certain parts of a modern home which contribute disproportionately to its value. If the kitchen and bathroom are spotless, then the house will be much more desirable than it would otherwise be. Think not only about how you can refresh these two spaces, but about how easily you can care for them. Mosaic tiles, for instance, might look spectacular at first – but you’ll need to consider how you can keep that grouting clean, too.

Give the garden a makeover

A Light-Filled Addition to a Period Home by Bent Architecture

Outdoor living space can be a significant boon, especially in city properties where such spaces are at a premium. Give your garden some care and attention, making sure that pathways are clear and that lawns are neat and tidy.