If you’re looking to enhance your property, perhaps instead of moving house, you can look forward to a number of benefits including a more pleasant living environment, potential savings on energy bills and a home that works better for you, your household and lifestyle.

At the same time, you’ll understandably want a return on your investment, and to increase what you could potentially sell your home for. But the increase you can expect will depend on a number of things, from market trends and buyer preferences to regional variations.

At the same time, it simply wouldn’t be worthwhile over-improving a mid-range property with top-end features so that it didn’t align with the value of neighbouring properties.

What’s more, you have to make the right sort of property enhancement for the sums to add up. One national chain of estate agents recently produced a list of improvements that won’t do much for your home’s value, including high-end kitchen renovations, expensive or trendy wallpaper or paint that’s so bold it could put off purchasers looking for something more neutral or understated. And apparently swimming pools are seen as more of a liability than an asset, although, in fairness, that’s unlikely to be a problem for most of us! Also on the list were overly elaborate garden landscaping and spare rooms converted for highly specialised functions, such as home gyms or walk-in wardrobes, plus garage conversions.

Here, however, we list some home improvements that will add value:

1.) Double-glazed windows

Whether you’re investing in double-glazed windows in Basingstoke or anywhere else, you can typically expect to add 10% to the potential price of your home. That’s for a number of reasons, including:

• Significantly less heat loss
• Lower energy bills
• Greater comfort thanks to the more pleasant indoor temperature and sound insulation provided
• Improved security – these windows make a place much harder to break into
• Modern double-glazed windows just look smarter and enhance ‘kerb appeal’ – i.e. the attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street

2.) Go for a loft conversion

A loft conversion Southampton or elsewhere can add between 10% and 20% to the value of your home by increasing usable square footage and creating a new room while enhancing your property’s overall appeal and functionality. First, you’ll have to check the job will be possible and cost-effective by assessing roof height, pitch and structure and the location of your water tank. But, presuming it’s possible to proceed, you can look forward to numerous benefits including extra living space which you can use flexibly for anything from work to exercising to a playroom, hobbies or an extra bedroom.

Customise your otherwise unused loft space to suit your style and tastes – and expand your life into it without the hassle and expense of moving.

3.) Add some luxury garden furniture

Well-maintained luxury garden furniture can boost kerb appeal and therefore overall value, helping attract prospective buyers and allowing your property to stand out in what remains a buyer’s market. You’ll also enjoy enhanced outdoor living and give your outside spaces greater versatility and functionality.

Some pieces, such as planters and tree benches, may be pretty permanent, so your home’s new owners will inherit them if and when you move on.

Go for a gorgeous timber like teak for your al fresco furnishings and you won’t regret it. After all, this is premium wood that not only looks stunning but withstands all weathers for decades and is easy to clean and a doddle to maintain. Its naturally high oil content keeps pests at bay while also warding off splintering and cracking.

Ultimately, teak is the natural, sustainable and versatile choice for creating an outdoor space that’s truly your own.