If you’re thinking of selling, the first question is usually the simplest one: what’s my home actually worth? Online estimates give you a starting point, but the price a buyer will pay comes down to details an algorithm can’t see. Here are the five things I look at most closely when I value a home in North West London.
1. The street, not just the postcode
Two homes in the same postcode can sell for very different prices. A quiet, tree-lined road a few minutes from the station will almost always outperform a busier street nearby. When I value a home I look at recent sales on the same street and the streets either side, not just the wider area.
2. Space, and how well it’s used
Square footage matters, but so does layout. A well-proportioned reception room, a kitchen you can actually eat in, and bedrooms that fit a double bed comfortably all add value. Buyers also notice wasted space, such as long corridors or awkward box rooms.
3. Condition and the “move-in” factor
Most buyers would rather pay a little more than take on a project. Fresh decoration, a modern boiler, sound windows and tidy bathrooms help a home feel ready to move into. You don’t need a full renovation before selling, but small repairs and a neutral finish often pay for themselves.
4. Outside space and light
A private garden, balcony or terrace is one of the most sought-after features in London. Which way it faces matters too: a south or west-facing garden that catches the evening sun is a real selling point. Natural light inside the home makes a big difference to how buyers feel when they walk in.
5. Timing and the local market
Buyer demand changes through the year and with interest rates. Pricing correctly from day one is the best way to attract serious buyers quickly. Homes that start too high often sit on the market and end up selling for less than if they’d been priced right at the start.
Get an accurate figure for your home
Every home is different, and the best way to know what yours is worth is a visit from someone who knows your street. I’ll give you an honest, evidence-based valuation with no obligation.
