How to plan a home extension that adds real value...

When people set out to extend their home, the motivation is often part personal, part practical, and part financial. You want more space, of course - maybe a bigger kitchen, a home office, or a family snug. But it’s also perfectly normal to wonder: Will this actually add value to my property? And the answer is: it depends. Not all extensions deliver the same return, and a thoughtful approach from the start can make all the difference.

The trick is to balance your own needs with what also appeals to future buyers. For example, open-plan kitchen-diners tend to be a big win, particularly if they flow out into the garden. It’s that lifestyle picture people are after - the light, the sociability, the heart-of-the-home feeling. In contrast, if you sacrifice a bedroom to create a larger bathroom, that might work brilliantly for you now, but could knock your resale appeal down the line. It’s all about being strategic.

Layout and flow matter. Buyers notice how a home feels, not just the square footage. A well-designed extension that improves circulation, brings in natural light, or unlocks the garden can make a house feel instantly more liveable. Whereas a clunky add-on (especially one that doesn’t connect well with the original house) can actually devalue a property, or at least make it harder to sell.

Materials and finishes also play a role. You don’t need to spend a fortune on ultra-luxury fixtures, but good quality, timeless choices tend to hold their value better than on-trend items that date quickly. Think: classic cabinetry, robust flooring, and energy-efficient glazing. Buyers like to see spaces that feel “done” without imagining a to-do list.

It also really helps to know your local market. In some parts of Surrey, for instance, off-street parking or utility space might carry more weight than a media room or home bar. In others, extra bedrooms or garden studios can really boost value. Keeping an eye on nearby listings, (what’s selling well, what’s on the market for a long time), is a great way to align your plans with what the market’s actually hungry for.

And yes, a quick word on planning permission and build quality because even the most beautiful extension won’t help you if it wasn’t built properly or didn’t follow the right rules! Proper sign-off, warranties, and compliance all matter when it comes to valuation and sale.

I often say: the best value comes from designs that solve real-life problems while still being attractive to others. It’s not just about resale, it’s about resale with heart. Creating spaces that feel good to live in, and will still feel good to someone else in 5, 10, 15 years.

So, whether you’re extending to stay or thinking ahead to one day sell, take the time to plan with care. Ask yourself: what would make life better now and what would make someone else fall in love with this house in the future? If you can tick both boxes, you’re not just adding space, you’re adding real, lasting value.