While prominent estate agent Knight Frank has recently claimed that the annual price of real estate in the capital dropped to 2% in June, widespread growth throughout the UK has more than compensated for this. Even with June’s figures down on last years’ corresponding number of 8.1%, there is still ample opportunity for home-owners to sell their properties for a handsome profit.

We are still in the midst of a sellers’ market, meaning that anyone who is gripped by a ‘sell house fast’ mentality can optimise the resale value of their home while executing a quick sale. There are several elements that are crucial to achieving this, but the decision to invest in eco-friendly modifications is arguably the most important in 2015. These will not only offer a considerable return on investment (ROI), but they will also make your home appealing in a competitive sellers’ market.

So, here are some ideas for three crucial rooms within the home: -

Emphasise Insulation and Materials for your Living Room

Let’s start with the living room, which is arguably the focal point of any home. Often a hub of activity, it is crucial that this room is energy efficient and capable of fulfilling its core purposes. You must therefore that it is insulated effectively, and while this is a standard feature of all homes built post-1996 older properties may lack this and leave you exposed to increased consumption. You should also use materials wisely when modifying your living room, prioritising fittings that are sustainable and constructed using non-toxic natural glues, wool batting, renewable woods and organic latex foam.

Create a Functional and Energy-efficient Kitchen

In terms of the kitchen, this room has evolved into the heartbeat of the modern living space. It must therefore be both functional and stylish, while it must also remain energy efficient given the rate of carbon emissions that it is typically responsible for. The first step is to invest in multipurpose and energy efficient appliances, each of which should have an EPC rating of A or better. Think carefully about whether or not you need specific appliances too, as you do not need to invest in a separate washer-dryer as this is not efficient all year round. On a final note, look out for a water aerator, as this is a standard faucet attachment that pumps air into the water and negates the need to operate the taps at full blast.

Repurpose Fixtures to create an Efficient and Rustic Dining Room

The dining room is an unusual space, as while it serves multiple purposes it is often overlooked from a design perspective. It is ideal for experimenting with repurposed fixtures and materials, however, as this can save you money and help you to drive energy efficiency in the home. Consider repurposing discarded chairs, old kitchen cabinet doors and table tops into freestanding storage solutions, for example, while also using renewable woods to create new unit doors. You can be creative as your skills allow when repurposing materials, although the key is to adopt a simple plan of action that can easily be maintained.

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