As 2025 gets underway, many homeowners will be asking if it’s finally time to ‘love it or list it’. Whether you’re craving more light and space or a fresh start, Phoebe Harper asks the experts how to transform your home and add real value
January is the perfect time to reassess your living space – especially when those dark, chilly days have you spending more time indoors. If you’re feeling like your sanctuary is a bit cramped or could use a brightness boost, maybe it’s time for a refresh. Whether you’re dreaming of extra room to breathe or thinking ahead to a potential sale, adding some eco-friendly upgrades or renovations are an effective way to make your home not just cosier, but more valuable too.
Every year, thousands of house-proud Brits undertake home renovations, from simple room transformations with a fresh lick of paint to major overhauls. A recent study from Go Compare Home Insurance found that redecoration topped the list of renovation priorities in 2024 for 47.5% of respondents, while kitchen and bathroom projects followed with a share of 23.7% and 22.7% respectively.
Often the heart of the home, a kitchen remodel might involve simple updates to cabinets, countertops or appliances, but if plumbing or electrical work is required the costs can soar. While smaller projects are DIY-friendly, a full overhaul typically requires professional help. Meanwhile, bathroom renovations can range from retiling to installing a walk-in shower or additional bathroom, with the added consideration of prioritising moisture-resistant materials such as waterproof flooring and mould-resistant paint. No matter the renovation, be advised to always plan ahead. Check on planning permissions, particularly for listed buildings, and consider home insurance implications, especially for DIY projects.
One local renovation success story comes from Cambridgeshire-based home and lifestyle influencer Kirstie Smith, who made some major updates to her listed Georgian house (shown right). Though initially liveable, several updates were essential, including the addition of secondary glazing to the sash windows and a two-storey extension to create more space and better bathrooms for the family.
“The actual renovation was super messy,” she says. “I’m still finding dust several months later! But it was definitely worth it. My advice would be to always make sure to keep a few rooms as normal as possible, so you can escape to a space that’s away from the chaos. On the whole, the renovation process was reasonably straightforward, with no major issues in planning, despite doing the bulk of the work during Covid.”
Selling up
While renovating is generally more affordable for smaller updates, costs can quickly escalate if major work is needed. Moving, on the other hand, comes with a host of expenses that include stamp duty, legal fees and moving costs, not to mention the potential for higher mortgage payments. Adding to the weight of this decision is the fact that 2025 brings new legislation which will mean those looking to complete work on a new home need to act fast.
“Stamp duty changes are set to take effect from 1 April 2025, and first-time buyers will be the most affected,” advises Leanne Kennedy, marketing manager at the Hill Group. “Currently, first-time buyers pay no stamp duty when buying a home worth £425,000. This threshold will drop to £300,000, meaning they’ll go from paying nothing to paying £6,250 on a home of the same value. To avoid this extra cost, it’s best to move quickly and secure your new home before April.”
Beyond finances, lifestyle plays a key role – if your space or location no longer suits your needs, moving might be the better choice. Ultimately, it’s about balancing the financial, emotional and long-term benefits of each option.
“The idea of ‘the best time to move’ changes over time and generations,” says Michael Houlden at estate agency Knight Frank. “In truth, the best time to sell is always when you don’t actually need to – which makes it a lot less stressful.”
If you do decide you’re ready to sell up, then turning to an estate agent you can trust is essential. “An experienced agent can guide you through the house selling and buying maze. It’s true that it’s not always as straightforward as all parties would wish, but understanding and trust can make the procedure more fun and hopefully less stressful,” claims Michael.
Even if you’re leaning more towards relocating than renovating, some touch-ups around the house are advisable to keep your home as presentable as possible, and even add extra value. Local independent estate agency Bush & Co always encourages sellers to maximise the kerb appeal of their homes by presenting them in the best light possible. “This includes undertaking any necessary repairs well in advance of viewings to ensure the house appears as ready to move into as possible,” says a spokesperson. “It’s also essential that you work with an agent to set the right price – over-pricing can result in having your home linger on the market, while under-pricing might lead to you not getting the value out of your home that it deserves.”
Eco upgrades
Retrofitting eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies is an increasingly popular way to enhance the saleability and sustainability of your home. Having an understanding of the following three factors is essential: where your home loses heat, its energy efficiency and where to find reliable advice. Cambridge Retrofit Hub and Cambridge Carbon Footprint offer valuable resources, including training, advice and case studies from more than 100 homes, showcased through the latter’s Open Eco Homes tours.
“Solar panels and improved insulation are the most common first steps to take,” says Fran Sutton, home energy officer at Cambridge Carbon Footprint. “They’re often instigated by the homeowners’ desire to extend their home but reduce their carbon footprint at the same time. Indeed, South Cambridgeshire is the second highest area for domestic solar panels in the UK.
“We often have homeowners tell us how dramatically their heating and power costs have been reduced through adopting solar and heat-pump technologies. Many of our Open Eco Homes hosts are happy to share financial details of their investments and savings. For example, one homeowner who lives in a four-bed, 60s, detached house estimates her energy bills to be around £75 per month on average since going all-electric with an air source heat pump and solar battery storage.”
A 2022 study undertaken by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Scottish Power found that fitting solar panels and EV charging points can boost your home value by up to £10,000.
Although the upfront costs can be a barrier, grants, green loans and financial advice make these improvements more accessible, particularly for more advanced additions such as loft or wall insulation, solar panels or heat pumps.
Solar panels, in particular, offer quick payback and enable homeowners to go fully electric. Other simple, cost-effective measures include installing thermostats to control heating, upgrading appliances and improving insulation, while steps such as draught-proofing, installing reflective radiator films and upgrading glazing can significantly reduce heat loss.
Decarbonising homes is an evolving process that offers many rewards if thought through carefully. “Our homes adapt and evolve as our needs and means do,” says Fran. “So plan accordingly and enjoy the experience and myriad other benefits for health, lifestyle and community you’ll reap along the way.”
Ask the Experts
These local businesses are on hand to help with renovation endeavours
Kitchens
Tomas Kitchen Living: tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk
Bathrooms
Ripples: ripplesbathrooms.com
Redecoration & Interior Design Consultancy
Catherine Harhalakis: catherineharhalakisinteriors.com
Energy Efficiency Advice
Cambridge Carbon Footprint: cambridgecarbonfootprint.org
