Latest news with #WeBuyAnyHome
Wales Online
09-08-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Property expert reveals the upgrades that can boost your home's value
Property expert reveals the upgrades that can boost your home's value The right upgrade can help your home sell quicker and for more money The expert said buyers in 2025 are all about kerb appeal and functional upgrades A property expert has revealed the renovations most likely to boost your home's value this year - and warned sellers not to waste time or money on the wrong upgrades. With the housing market still unpredictable, more Brits are turning to DIY and upgrades in a bid to boost their home's value before selling. But not all improvements are created equal - and some popular upgrades could cost you more than they add. A recent report by Squared Money reveals the projects offering the best bang for your buck in 2025 - with garden landscaping, conservatories and exterior facelifts topping the list. And now one property expert has weighed in on which fixes are worth it, and which ones you might want to rethink. 'It's not about spending more, it's about spending smart,' said Terry Fisher from the UK's leading quick house sale company We Buy Any Home. 'Buyers in 2025 are all about kerb appeal and functional upgrades. You don't need to gut your kitchen - but a tidy garden, updated flooring or a fresh coat of paint can go a long way.' Top upgrades that pay off According to the data: Conservatories can deliver a 100 per cent ROI in some cases - especially when they offer usable living space can deliver a 100 per cent ROI in some cases - especially when they offer usable living space Garden landscaping offers up to 80 per cent return, with decking, patio areas and tidy lawns adding major visual appeal offers up to 80 per cent return, with decking, patio areas and tidy lawns adding major visual appeal Exterior refurbishment such as new doors, paint or cladding, offers around 70 per cent return such as new doors, paint or cladding, offers around 70 per cent return Flooring upgrades can recoup around 50 per cent of costs, especially if you replace tired carpets with modern laminate or wood 'These are the upgrades that help buyers see themselves living in a space,' Mr Fisher added. 'It's about creating a home that feels move-in ready without over-personalising.' What to skip - or leave to the pros Article continues below While some improvements are worth every penny, others could be more hassle than help. Mr Fisher says full kitchen or bathroom renovations often don't recoup the cost unless you're living in the home long-term - and DIY disasters can even put buyers off. 'Botched tiling or uneven floors won't win you any points,' he said. 'If you're doing work to sell, focus on clean, neutral updates - and bring in professionals for the more technical jobs.' He also warns against luxury upgrades like underfloor heating, home cinemas or smart tech unless you are targeting high-end buyers. He said: 'The goal is to appeal to as many people as possible. Neutral, functional and fresh is the winning combo in 2025.'
Daily Mirror
09-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Property expert on the key home upgrade that can boost your home's value
But they warned homeowners to be cautious as some popular upgrades could end up costing you more A property guru has described which home renovations could really ramp up your property's market value this year, while cautioning against splashing out on less effective makeovers. As the property market remains a rollercoaster, Brits are rolling up their sleeves for DIY and home improvements, hoping to elevate their property's worth before putting it on the market. However, not every refurbishment is worth its salt – some trendy enhancements might end up costing more than the value they contribute. A fresh report from Squared Money has pinpointed the most cost-effective projects for 2025, with garden makeovers, conservatory additions, and external revamps stealing the spotlight. Chiming in with his expertise, Terry Fisher from We Buy Any Home, the UK's top instant property buying company, advises homeowners on the smartest fixes to consider and those that might need a second thought. "It's not about spending more, it's about spending smart," Fisher emphasises. In 2025, buyers are looking for visual appeal and practical updates. Fisher suggests that rather than a complete kitchen overhaul, a well-kept garden, new flooring, or a lick of paint can make a significant difference. According to the data: Conservatories can deliver a 100 per cent ROI in some cases - especially when they offer usable living space Garden landscaping offers up to 80 per cent return, with decking, patio areas and tidy lawns adding major visual appeal Exterior refurbishment such as new doors, paint or cladding, offers around 70 per cent return Flooring upgrades can recoup around 50 per cent of costs, especially if you replace tired carpets with modern laminate or wood READ MORE: 'I couldn't sell my flat for six months until I made this one change. It sold 10 days later' 'These are the upgrades that help buyers see themselves living in a space,' Mr Fisher added. 'It's about creating a home that feels move-in ready without over-personalising.' What to skip - or leave to the pros While some improvements are worth every penny, others could be more hassle than help. Mr Fisher says full kitchen or bathroom renovations often don't recoup the cost unless you're living in the home long-term - and DIY disasters can even put buyers off. 'Botched tiling or uneven floors won't win you any points,' he said. 'If you're doing work to sell, focus on clean, neutral updates - and bring in professionals for the more technical jobs.' He also warns against luxury upgrades like underfloor heating, home cinemas or smart tech unless you are targeting high-end buyers. He said: 'The goal is to appeal to as many people as possible. Neutral, functional and fresh is the winning combo in 2025.'
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Travel + Leisure
10-06-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
This Is the No. 1 Retirement Destination in Asia for Affordability—and It Gets 2,222 Hours of Sun a Year
According to Northwestern Mutual's 2024 Planning & Progress Study, Americans say they need close to $1.5 million in the bank to retire. This marks a 15 percent year-over-year increase from 2023. So yes, retiring in the U.S. is getting more expensive. But there is another way: retire abroad. Specifically, retire to Malaysia, a country with more than 800 islands and one that was recently named the safest place in Asia. In late 2024, We Buy Any Home released a study on the top places to retire around the world, putting Malaysia in second place overall thanks to its affordable cost of living (only being beaten out by Finland) and No. 1 in Asia. As the findings noted, the nation scored an impressive 96.1 out of 100 in its rankings due to the price of an apartment, which expats can buy for about $997 per square meter. SmartAsset further explained that the overall cost of living in Malaysia is close to 54 percent lower than in the U.S., making it a place where your dollar can stretch a whole lot further, with rental homes going for 79.8 percent less than in the U.S. as well. And that includes its major cities. "For instance, in Kuala Lumpur, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $373 per month, while the same outside the city center costs about $261," SmartAsset noted. And in Ipoh, a smaller city in Malaysia, "a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages approximately $364 per month and about $206 outside the city center." However, according to SmartAsset, many American retirees choose to move to Penang Island — and why not? It offers the perfect mix of city life, culture, and gorgeous beaches lapped by azure waters. It noted that retirees can live comfortably on $2,500 per month, including renting a three-bedroom condo with an ocean view. As for how you can get a visa to live here as a retiree, the website noted that when you enter Malaysia you're provided a tourist visa that allows you to stay for up to three months. But if you want to stay longer, you must apply for a long-term visa through the Department of Immigration and then through the Malaysian Representative Office. "Once you receive approval, you'll be required to submit your passport, two photocopies of the ID page, two copies of the visa application form, two passport-sized photos, and the visa fee," it added. "Additional documents such as a recent bank statement, an invitation letter, and two copies of your flight tickets may also be requested. The Malaysian Representative Office will then review your application and make a decision to approve or deny your visa." Visa Guide also explained that to get a retirement visa in Malaysia, you must be at least 35 years old, and if you're under the age of 50, show proof of liquid assets of at least $118,500 or income of at least $2,370 per month. If you're over 50, you must show proof of liquid assets of $83,000 or $2,370 per month. It also doesn't hurt that the average temperature across Malaysia is 77.7 degrees all year long, and it receives 2,222 hours of sun a year, making for a pretty spectacular place to live out your golden years.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
I'm an interior designer – here's the paint colour I'd never use in a small room, it shrinks the walls
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH summer fast approaching, there has never been a more perfect time to give your home the refresh it's been waiting for. But figuring out what to do with each room, what colours to use, and how to make it a relaxing space can be tricky. 4 Property experts have said there is one colour they'd never use in a small room Credit: Getty 4 Dark grey could actually be sabotaging your interior without you realising Credit: Getty 4 Although it looks good on Pinterest, it's not as nice in real life Credit: Getty And it can be even harder when it comes to the rooms that are a little bit smaller than you would like. When it comes to those rooms where there's not a lot of space to work with, decorating them properly is even more important. And experts have said that it's all about the colour that you put on the walls, as this can massively impact the feel of the space. Interior designer Terry Fisher of We Buy Any Home has said there is one colour that every homeowner should avoid using when painting a small room. The property pro explained that it could actually be sabotaging your interiors without you even realising. He revealed that dark grey should definitely be on the list of colours to avoid for your home. It might look stylish on Pinterest, but in reality, it tends to suck the light out of a space - especially if there's limited natural light to begin with Terry Fisher And he added that it can make even a decent-sized space feel smaller, darker and more oppressive. Terry said: "Dark grey is one of the worst colours you can choose for a small room. "It might look stylish on Pinterest, but in reality, it tends to suck the light out of a space - especially if there's limited natural light to begin with. 'People think it'll make a room look moody and cosy, but what it actually does is shrink the walls, make ceilings feel lower, and highlight awkward shadows. I'm an interior designer & 12 'rookie errors' are making your home look cheap - avoid Mrs Hinch grey for starters "It can end up feeling more like a storage cupboard than a snug." And it's not just about looks - it could affect your home's appeal, too. He added: 'Buyers often get their first impression from photos online. 'Rooms painted in deep grey can photograph poorly - they often look dull or cramped, even if they're not in real life. "That can put buyers off before they've even stepped through the door.' Instead, Terry recommends sticking with light, neutral tones that bounce light around and make the space feel open and inviting. He said: 'You can't go wrong with soft off-whites, pale greys with warm undertones, or even subtle pastel shades. "They make rooms feel brighter and airier, which tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is. The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025 IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated. With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025. Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Stunning Chairs has said that 2025 is all about creating warm, inviting places. Emerald Green - "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated". Camel - "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.' Burgundy - "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand ". Scarlet Red - "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue. Teal - "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.' 'If you want to add drama, do it through accessories - cushions, rugs, or one feature wall. "But when it comes to the overall colour scheme, keep it light and simple in smaller rooms.' The right paint shade can even make your home more sellable, and Terry says it could ensure you get a higher offer. He added: 'Most people want a space that feels clean, bright and easy to live in. "And if your paint colour is putting buyers off or making a room feel smaller than it is, that could mean lower offers. 'Colour might seem like a personal choice - but when it comes to selling, it's a strategic one too.'
The Sun
06-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I'm an interior designer – here's the paint colour I'd never use in a small room, it shrinks the walls
WITH summer fast approaching, there has never been a more perfect time to give your home the refresh it's been waiting for. But figuring out what to do with each room, what colours to use, and how to make it a relaxing space can be tricky. 4 4 And it can be even harder when it comes to the rooms that are a little bit smaller than you would like. When it comes to those rooms where there's not a lot of space to work with, decorating them properly is even more important. And experts have said that it's all about the colour that you put on the walls, as this can massively impact the feel of the space. Interior designer Terry Fisher of We Buy Any Home has said there is one colour that every homeowner should avoid using when painting a small room. The property pro explained that it could actually be sabotaging your interiors without you even realising. He revealed that dark grey should definitely be on the list of colours to avoid for your home. It might look stylish on Pinterest, but in reality, it tends to suck the light out of a space - especially if there's limited natural light to begin with Terry FisherInterior designer of We Buy Any Home And he added that it can make even a decent-sized space feel smaller, darker and more oppressive. Terry said: "Dark grey is one of the worst colours you can choose for a small room. "It might look stylish on Pinterest, but in reality, it tends to suck the light out of a space - especially if there's limited natural light to begin with. 'People think it'll make a room look moody and cosy, but what it actually does is shrink the walls, make ceilings feel lower, and highlight awkward shadows. I'm an interior designer & 12 'rookie errors' are making your home look cheap - avoid Mrs Hinch grey for starters "It can end up feeling more like a storage cupboard than a snug." And it's not just about looks - it could affect your home's appeal, too. He added: 'Buyers often get their first impression from photos online. 'Rooms painted in deep grey can photograph poorly - they often look dull or cramped, even if they're not in real life. "That can put buyers off before they've even stepped through the door.' Instead, Terry recommends sticking with light, neutral tones that bounce light around and make the space feel open and inviting. He said: 'You can't go wrong with soft off-whites, pale greys with warm undertones, or even subtle pastel shades. "They make rooms feel brighter and airier, which tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is. The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025 IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated. With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025. Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Stunning Chairs has said that 2025 is all about creating warm, inviting places. Emerald Green - "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated". Camel - "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.' Burgundy - "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand". Scarlet Red - "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue. Teal - "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.' 'If you want to add drama, do it through accessories - cushions, rugs, or one feature wall. "But when it comes to the overall colour scheme, keep it light and simple in smaller rooms.' The right paint shade can even make your home more sellable, and Terry says it could ensure you get a higher offer. He added: 'Most people want a space that feels clean, bright and easy to live in. "And if your paint colour is putting buyers off or making a room feel smaller than it is, that could mean lower offers. 'Colour might seem like a personal choice - but when it comes to selling, it's a strategic one too.'
