How much does great flooring add to property value?

hmfrost

Hi All,
Wondering if there are any property experts out there who might be able to help with this.
I live in a 2-bedroom city centre flat in Manchester. The building is a new development (we bought from the developer).
I'm wondering how much new flooring might add to the value of the flat? I appreciate it's a complex issue with lots of variables, but I can't really compare to any other properties in the building/area because this development is so new (2 years old) so no one else has replaced the floors yet as far as I know. Currently the carpet in the hall, living room and bedrooms is that thin, durable, renters stuff, and the kitchen has vinyl. The bathrooms are tiled, so they're lovely, but the rest of the flooring is the only major issue with the property IMO.

I was thinking of going with laminate/hardwood, but I'm worried that forking out hundreds and spending hours replacing the floor might not be worth as much as the flooring retailers seem to claim.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
H

lincroft1710

If you want expensive flooring of your choice, then install it. But don't expect to say your money back when you sell. You may find your apartment is a more attractive proposition to potential buyers and may sell more quickly than another in the development, but also remember not everyone likes laminate flooring, especially in an apartment.

phill99

It will add a big fat zero. It is likely to make your property more saleable, however.

Flooring is a personal choice.some people like carpet, some like natural wood, some like laminate etc., so whatever you put down will appeal to some, but not others.

You would be better off just to re carpet with a budget end carpet and new vinyl so that the carpet looks decent. Prob get the flat done for under £800.

You need to check your lease for restrictions on laminate or hardwood flooring. Some flats are prohibited via a lease covenant.

moneyistooshorttomention

Nothing.

Even if its top quality/most peoples taste/brand new there will always be would-be buyers mentally ripping it out instantly.

I'd got some pretty decent quality/good condition/neutral flooring in my last house but my buyer was planning to rip it out instantly.....

TrickyDicky101

phill99 wrote: »

It will add a big fat zero. It is likely to make your property more saleable, however.

^^^+1.

It won't add value, just make it quicker to sell.

00ec25

+1, no value, quicker sale


also as mentioned be careful about upsetting your neighbours if you fit hard flooring and cause noise whenever you move around as a result. Hard floors in flats should be banned - period.

Slinky

'Great flooring' is subjective. I'm not keen on laminate or wood floors so I'd be costing up putting down carpets.........

ethank

You've not said whether you are wanting to sell or not, but it seems that you personally don't like the flooring. If you don't like the flooring, replace it, but it won't add more value....!

ognum

I agree that flooring is a personal issue, what you consider great may not be so great to someone else.

It may make the property easier to sell, it may cut down on costs if you plan to rent out.

Do what you like for you!

AndyGuil

Normally laminate/hard flooring is banned in flats unless it is ground floor. Check your lease.

hmfrost

Thanks all!
I'll definitely check on the lease if laminate or hardwoods are banned. I hadn't thought of that, but we're on the 4th floor so that's certainly a serious consideration but perhaps the tiled bathrooms are an indication that hard floors aren't a problem. Otherwise, I guess we should just go with what we want. I actively detest the carpet and vinyl in place now, so definitely want some lovely thick carpet in the bedrooms. Then perhaps some laminate elsewhere, if it's allowed. We plan to stay put for at least 2 years, then either rent or sell.

Thanks for your speedy responses, I really appreciate it!

Happy new year to you all,
H