DIY Nation

It's official: more and more of us are rolling our sleeves up and getting the paintbrushes and drills out.

New research from Bank of Scotland shows that more than half of the population have been doing up their houses over the last year.

And not just for the fun of it either. For a growing number of us, it's purely about improving the saleability of our property.

The research shows that redecorating is the nation's most popular home improvement, followed by doing up the garden. We're also keen on getting new furniture, flooring and a brand new bathroom. Energy and fuel saving improvements are becoming increasingly popular, too.

Our enthusiasm for DIY does not come cheap. Last year nearly half of us spent between £2,500 and £10,000 on home enhancement.

But we're hoping for a return on our investment. The Bank of Scotland Home Improvement Survey tells us that over a quarter of DIY practitioners believe that the work they've done will add more than £5,000 to the value of the property.

My question is, are they right? Will these home improvements have the desired effect and what else can we do to make our homes more appealing to potential buyers?

I'd advise asking the experts first, before getting the stepladders out and putting the dustsheets down. Obviously estate agents are well placed to tell us what really works and what definitely doesn't. So, what do they suggest?

First of all, there are some definite no-nos. Kitchens and bathrooms must not be carpeted. Re-decorating is confirmed as a good idea though. The word is that this can indeed add around £1,000-£2,000 to the value of your property (as long as it's done properly).

But if you're looking to add around £5,000 or more, I'm sorry to say it's going to take a bit more than a lick of paint and some nice, new wallpaper.

Some serious changes are going to have to be made and they are not going to be cheap. We are talking about adding another bedroom, installing central heating, or putting in double glazing.

And if you've got a garden, don't overlook the possibilities of kerb appeal - some potential buyers will drive by to get a look at your house from the outside. So, upgrading your lawn and driveway can increase saleability by a considerable amount as well.

It is also true that a new bathroom can add significant value, but it's more likely to get you the results you want if it's been done up well, in neutral colours, particularly with a white suite. Other colours can apparently be a bit of a turn-off.

If you don't have the budget for DIY, though, don't despair. Minor cosmetic changes may not add value, but they can still have a positive effect. Ensuring your home looks its best, by de-cluttering, clearing as much space as possible, keeping it at its cleanest and having everything in good repair can make all the difference between a sale and a house that stays on the market for longer than it should.

Some estate agents also recommend putting the lights on, lighting candles and playing classical music. It might be an old cliché, but pleasant scents, like coffee or baking bread still work well, too.

Whatever you do, though, remember that buyers are said to decide one way or another within the first 3-5 minutes of coming into your home. So, make first impressions count.

More: Tips For Selling A Property