Are your vendors planning to sell this winter? As the cooler months fast catch up on us, it’s likely that more and more Kiwi home buyers are looking for insulation and heating in a potential property. This may be especially true for families, who have children’s health and long-term comfort to think about.

According to a comprehensive healthy housing report by Stats New Zealand, inefficient heating can lead to dampness and mould, which in turn affects your health, especially that of children. So, adding proper heating and insulation can boost both the appeal and value of the house, in particular for families.

Here are some heating tips for a winter home renovation.

Smart heating

Kiwi families are increasingly recognising the health benefits of a warm house.

An efficient heating system can be a value-added feature that keeps the property warm and dry while saving energy. Depending on the layout of the property, for example, placing more than one heat pump in strategic locations around the house can help maximise warmth.

If your vendors are planning to renovate their house, they may also consider installing ducted central heating and air conditioning. The benefit of this solution is that it provides an even temperature throughout the property, with no cool or hotspots, and it can be easily integrated with a ventilation system.

According to housing experts, ‘smart home’ options are also on the rise. A programmable thermostat can give your vendors’ property an edge on the market when it comes to selling, as potential buyers can envision walking into a warm house after work.

Add insulation

Insulation is the bedrock of a warmer, healthier home. Sustainable living NZ estimates that between 42 to 60 per cent of heat escapes from ceilings and roofs in uninsulated homes, so it’s a good idea for your vendors to add some insulation to promote warmth and combat dampness.

Moreover, additional protection from the outside weather can be quite an attractive feature for a winter sale.

Changing to energy efficient windows

In addition to central heating and insulation, double-glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular with Kiwis, and for good reason. Today, most new houses in the country require double glazing to meet the New Zealand Building Code. They can make a big difference to the house – double-glazed windows and doors help reduce heat loss, condensation on the glass, and heating and cooling costs.

The addition can improve the value of the home, providing prospective families a comfortable, warmer house with lower energy bills.

Strategic additions

If your vendor is going for a wider renovation with new additions, there are opportunities there for strategic improvements and additions. For example, carpeting the floors, especially in the larger rooms like bedrooms and the lounge, can be a value-adding feature. According to a report on heat and moisture regulations, significant heat can be lost through uninsulated floors - and thermal carpets can increase warmth, absorb moisture, and are good for health.

A good ventilation system is another example of a strategic value-adding feature in a house. For example, an HRV home ventilation system can keep the home dry and reduce moisture levels, which are good conditions for combating mould and condensation. Drier air also helps the heat pumps do their job more efficiently, reducing heating costs for future residents.

How can we help vendors with renovation costs

A well-thought-out renovation can maximise the appeal of a property inside and out. At Lifestyle Finance, we specialise in helping New Zealand vendors fund their pre-sale renovation costs, with our ‘Renovate Now Pay Later’ package.

So regardless of the size of their renovation loan, vendors won’t have to repay any of the principal for 90 days. Visit lifestylefinance.co.nz or call us on 0800 100 265 to learn more.

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Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current development or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance