There are many ways to enhance a home’s worth, but there is one modification you may not have realised might do so, and it comes from the installation of safety software and home security, not from pricey renovations and makeovers. A safe neighbourhood is what prospective homebuyers are searching for, according to a new study from the home security firm Ring, and it may increase the asking price of a new home by thousands of pounds.
According to estate agents in Winchester, early autumn is a popular time for home moves in the UK, and new data from 2,500 home seekers there reveals that tidy streets, decent lighting, and well-marked alarms are all telltale markers of a safe neighbourhood. Additionally, more than one in ten (13%) think that brightly coloured doors increase a space’s sense of security. Conversely, potential house buyers inspecting properties are made to feel insecure if they see bars on the windows of neighbouring homes, trash on the street, or insufficient lighting on the road, all of which reflect this mentality.
A need for stability is also evident in nearly half (47%) of respondents who claim that vacant homes in the neighbourhood make them feel uncomfortable and the third (32%), who express anxiety over For Sale signs. The results highlight the value of a security-conscious neighbourhood; a whopping 63 per cent of respondents said they would feel safer if their neighbours had a home security system, such as a video doorbell or alarm system.
Increasing the value of your home
In fact, respondents claimed that feeling safe in their new neighbourhood was so crucial that, on average, they would pay an extra £36,000 for a place that felt safer. 28 per cent of people would even pay more than £50,000 for the increased sense of security in their new home. Given that nearly a third of those questioned (29%) expressed greater fear about crime in their neighbourhood than they had the year before, prospective buyers may be willing to pay extra for a feeling of safety. The top crimes that respondents were more concerned about than they were the previous year were having their homes broken into (42%) and having their automobiles stolen (32%). (30 per cent). One in five (23%) was also more concerned than in past years about having their pets stolen.
According to a study by Express.co.uk, picking a new neighbourhood is a significant life decision. For many homebuyers, selecting a safe and pleasant neighbourhood is just as important as choosing the ideal number of bedrooms or outdoor space. “Everyone has a different definition of what a secure neighbourhood is, from having a local organisation to join for a sense of unified community to have the option to add external lights to your property for added security. When relocating to a new neighbourhood, it’s crucial to take the time to think about what will make you feel most secure.
As already established, crime can significantly affect the value of the real estate. Any sign of crime affects home prices, according to Toya Reynolds of Born2Invests. Crime frequently occurs in unkempt neighbourhoods, she noted. Low costs combined with a run-down neighbourhood and unruly locals give the area a terrible image. The perception won’t change if a crime is placed on top of the neighbourhood’s prestige.
Safety and Aesthetics
Similarly, upscale neighbourhoods foster a reputation for safety and security. Crime is more concerning when it endangers neighbourhood safety. Even if only a few events occur, the neighbourhood’s appeal would be diminished if they occur frequently. Safewise experts have provided some tips on how homeowners can increase neighbourhood safety and property value. One of the first time home buyers to do is to upgrade the lights on the roadway in front of houses. Burglars frequently choose to target areas with lower residential densities. Therefore, if there are few houses in your neighbourhood but a lot of open space, take extra care to make sure it is adequately lit. The experts claim that there are other options besides using street lights for this.
A security system ought to be installed in every home as a precaution. The installation and correct usage of a home security system is generally regarded as one of the “surest alternatives” for neighbourhood safety and crime prevention, according to security experts. According to smart home manufacturer Somfy, installing an alarm system may boost a property’s value by a whopping £10,900 on average across England.
Maintaining a garden can contribute to a home’s safety. The experts said that since clipped foliage provides fewer places to hide, a well-kept garden can help deter crime. Fences can also naturally keep out trespassers. The installation of false cameras or motion-activated lights and the placement of gravel or stone walkways around the property (the sound they make will dissuade intruders) are other simple things that Britons may do (which illuminate the garden if someone tries to break in).
These safety and aesthetics measures can assure that your home’s value can potentially be increased by £36k.
