Can investing in a high-spec glass home extension increase property value?

Is it worth investing in a glass extension to increase your property’s value? The first question to ask is whether your main motivation for adding an extension is to get a better house price when you sell.

Most homeowners do not extend their home for the purpose of selling it. While a boost to their property value is a nice bonus, their main reason for an extension is usually to enhance the living space of a home they are very happy in. They view the cost of an extension as an investment in their family and their quality of living, rather than in their property’s value. The potential increase in house price is unlikely to be at the forefront of their mind when they are considering extending their home.

For property developers, however, there may be more of a focus on the financial benefits of adding an extension to a house. They are most likely intending to sell the property as quickly as possible after completion. They therefore want to know if a home extension will lead to an increased sale value that gives them a good return on their investment.

So, what are the financial benefits of adding an extension to your house? Will it help boost your house price?

Does a home extension increase your property's value?

According to research carried out last year, the answer to this would appear to be yes. The Nationwide Building Society found that adding a home extension could increase a property’s value by up to 25%. Of course, there are a number of variables around this. These can include the size of the property, its location, and the type, size and use of the extension. The quality of the fixtures and finishes can also have an effect, as well as the complexity of the project.

One of the key things that adds value to your home, according to the report, are improvements that increase its floor area, such as an extension. Nationwide’s survey doesn’t specify whether the materials that the extension is made out of affect the value it adds to a property. However, a fully-insulated contemporary glass extension is a great alternative to a brick extension. This is because it offers similar thermal properties and acts like any other room in your home, increasing the total floor area of your property.

Benefits of a high-spec glass home extension

A high-spec glass extension that uses thermal technology and highly insulated glass offers a range of benefits. It is a living space that you can comfortably use all year round, increasing the total floor area of your home.

Its large expanse of glazing allows abundant natural light into your home and creates an airy and spacious feel. It also offers uninterrupted views out to your garden and beyond. This not only results in a living space that’s a joy to spend time in, but can help increase your property value as it fulfils the current trend for biophilic design.

You’ll be able to enjoy the changing seasons from the comfort of your sofa, to stargaze with your loved ones on a clear night, and feel a sense of wellbeing during the day.

One of the things highlighted in the Nationwide report was the increasing importance of energy efficiency in adding value to a property. As well as homeowners' concerns about energy costs, there is also a move towards more sustainable housing as the UK aims to meet its 2050 carbon emission targets. Some contemporary glass extensions use innovative thermal technology to offer outstanding insulation and energy efficiency, with Solarlux Wintergardens even able to reach passive house standards.

Finally, there’s another factor that makes investing in a glass home extension a great choice – the wow factor. Adding a structure made largely from glass creates a stunning and light living space that really ups the aesthetic value of a property. For homeowners looking to create a special and unique space to enjoy and entertain in, it’s hard to beat. And if you are a developer or have an eye on selling your property, a glass extension helps make an amazing first impression with buyers. Despite its contemporary appearance, a fully glazed structure can complement any style of home and create a truly luxury extension that demands a higher price tag.

Is it worth investing in a glass home extension?

While a high-spec, thermally superior glass extension will require a decent level of investment – see our article about how much a glass extension costs – it could be one that gives you a great return, both from a financial and a lifestyle perspective.

As a homeowner, rather than looking at the value that an extension adds to your house price, it’s more relevant to ask how it will meet your requirements and vision for your home. If you are looking to create the perfect living space for you and your family, a glass extension is definitely worth considering. Its true value lies in the way you live in it and how it enhances the enjoyment of your home.

And if you are a property developer, including a Wintergarden glass extension in your plans will add an extra desirability level to your finished project, helping boost the property value. We work with developers and builders who are adding high-spec home extensions to properties across Yorkshire and for many, it has been well worth the investment.