For construction companies, the ability to create high-value properties isn’t just a goal; it’s an art form. Whether it’s a new build home, a cutting-edge commercial space, or an infrastructure project, the aim is to deliver top-tier quality and innovative building design in line with industry trends.
However, with the cost of living crisis putting strains on the construction industry, building architects, designers, engineers and contractors are looking for ways to achieve maximum profits while still providing a high-quality build and design.
From leveraging alternative materials to fostering sustainable practices, we have worked with a range of property experts to reveal a guide to building a high-value home in 2023:
1. Include energy-efficient features 
Energy efficiency is critical for building high-value new build homes in 2023 as the demand for sustainable homes is on the rise.
Interestingly, with the continuous rise in energy bills, homebuyers are considering a home’s energy efficiency a major factor when looking for a property. A recent report by Rightmove found almost two-thirds (61%) of landlords said they would not now buy a rental property below an EPC rating of C, up from 47% in last year’s report.
Having energy-efficient features such as double-glazing, thermal insulation, and natural ventilation will help to lower utility costs, making buyers see the property as a high-value investment.
Liam Ryan, Co-Founder of a training programme for property entrepreneurs and developers Assets for Life, said: “Energy-efficient features and proper insulation can attract environmentally-conscious buyers, as well as leading to lower utility bills which will increase the property’s value for budget-conscious buyers too.”
Thomas Goodman, property and construction expert at Myjobquote.co.uk, adds: “You can build in sustainable energy-efficiency solutions such as sheep’s wool, hemp or straw insulation to decrease heat loss and reduce the need for heating in colder months.”
Energy-efficient glass is a great addition to home design and an excellent solution to help reduce bills, as the specifically designed panes reflect heat waves back inside. The glass reduces heat entering the room in summer, whereas it can help keep heat trapped inside the room in winter, reducing the need for heating or air conditioning solutions.
2. Perfect the small details
While having a property with solid foundations and safe electrical wiring is crucial, potential buyers will also review the small aesthetic details. This includes scrutinising the painting on skirting boards, the quality of the tiling and the door handles. Completing a home’s large and small details to a great standard will help create a high-value property.
Rebecca Nutt, Chartered Surveyor at Atelier Finance explains how buyers perceive good workmanship on the smaller details of a home: “It’s important to snag a finished building thoroughly as purchasers use their first impressions as an indication of the overall quality of the build.”
“This is especially true for those searching for a second home, as buyers are looking for practicality, meaning they are more likely to choose a house that is well-finished and can be moved into with little work. This is opposed to first-time buyers who may be more likely to settle for a home that needs improving to get onto the property ladder.”
Thomas Goodman delves into the financial implications of a property without an excellent finish: “Poor-quality renovations, structural problems and damp areas are the most common factors that can devalue a house. These issues require a substantial amount of money to rectify; therefore, they can devalue a home by at least 20%.”
3. Create a home desirable to the community
When designing a high-value new build home or sprucing up an existing property for sale, you should consider the demographic of the existing properties to give a benchmark of the likely buyer and make sure the property matches their needs.
Rebecca Nutt explains the importance of meeting the existing community’s needs when building a new home or renovating: “In my experience developers who have good relationships with local estate agents who can advise them on local demographics and what property type is in demand will fare better.”
“Know what the sales price is in the area for the product you are building and make sure you secure build costs that allow you to sell at a competitive price. There is no point over-specifiying a house if there is no demand at that price level” continues Rebecca.
4. Inclusive to the surrounding environment
A high-value property not only refers to the value to the buyer and the community but also the impact of the society within the area. Construction companies, especially when designing a new build development, should consider building a range of homes with differing budgets to suit a variety of people.
Jonathan Rolande, property expert and professional property buyer, explains the need for more inclusive home construction: “In times gone by, villages grew organically and contained a variety of property to suit different household sizes and budgets. Developments with only one style of property – so-called ‘executive’ homes, for example – will never feel like a true community as all occupiers will belong to much the same demographic.”
Rebecca Nutt expands upon this point of societal inclusivity: “Where possible new home developers should aim to build a variety of properties rather than a single house type. Not only does this increase sales opportunities but it ensures a diverse community with those of different ages and at different stages of their lives.”
Thomas Marshall, Buying Agent at Thomas William Property Finders, urges the importance of creating homes with various levels of accessibility and inclusivity to the people living inside: “The integration of affordable housing into a community is crucial, as are amenities, green spaces (including playgrounds and allotments) and places for community gatherings.”
5. The thoughtful layout of the rooms
When considering purchasing a house, one of the first things buyers notice is the number, functionality and layout of rooms. House builders designing a residential property should always research the buyer demographic in the area, as the room layout should reflect the needs of the local demographic.
Rebecca emphasises: “A buyer’s preference on a home layout depends on their stage of life; for instance, younger people tend to prioritise entertaining space whereas families seek the practicality of utility rooms and flexible storage.”
Thomas Marshall added: “A poor layout means that buyers can struggle to understand how they might use the space; buyers want to be able to see that the space will suit their lifestyle.”
6. Include tried and trusted eco-friendly materials and features
Over the last five years, ‘sustainable living’ (+250%) has seen a huge increase in search trends (according to Google Trends), meaning buyers are more likely to seek out new build homes that are more environmentally friendly.
When selecting eco-friendly finishes for a property, house builders and building architects should consider not only the sustainability of the materials but also their durability, maintenance requirements, and how well they fit your design preferences and lifestyle.
Some examples of eco-friendly options include:
- Salvaged or reclaimed wood can add character and reduce the demand for new timber.
- Countertops made from recycled glass can divert waste from landfills and be customised with various colours and patterns.
- Natural stone, such as granite, slate, or marble, is durable and requires less processing than engineered stone materials.
- Recycled metal, like aluminium or steel, can be used for backsplashes, accent walls, or even roofing and is durable and helps reduce metal waste.
- Insulation made from soy-based foam is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional insulation materials like fibre-glass or foam board.
- Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, reducing your reliance on grid power and lowering your energy bills while reducing carbon emissions.
- Smart Thermostat can learn your heating and cooling preferences, optimise temperature settings, and be controlled remotely via a smartphone app to reduce energy consumption.
- LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing electricity usage and replacement costs.
- Greywater Recycling Systems can treat and reuse wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry for landscape irrigation, reducing water consumption and wastewater disposal.
For low-cost, more minor features, Jonathan advises looking into water-saving features such as; “‘champagne’ taps, slower flow showers and water butts (if they are out of sight).”
7. Provide parking features
Thinking about the practicality of the outside of a property, including resident parking, can help increase a home’s value.
Thomas Goodman explains that creating off-street parking is one of the most high-value additions to new and existing properties: “Dropping a kerb and laying a driveway should only cost £2,000 to £4,000 but can add an extra £15,000 to £20,000 to your home’s value.”
This addition could create up to £18,000 profit for house builders and homeowners while making the property considerably more attractive to buyers.
According to The Property Buying Company, having an electric charging point for electric vehicles could increase the selling price by up to 30% over the local area average. By doing this, you are future-proofing your property for the prohibition of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, spiking the demand for electric vehicles.
“It’s important to think about the public transport infrastructure when designing homes. If the properties are in a rural location then parking is expected. Alternatively, if the site is well connected then good quality and secure (preferably indoor) bicycle storage is usually sufficient” adds Rebecca.
8. Provide accessibility in the home
Embracing accessibility aligns with universal design principles, which emphasise creating environments usable by people of all ages and abilities. Universal design benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities, by making spaces more comfortable and convenient.
“An inclusive design creates an environment that everyone can use, so you need to put people at the heart of your plans. Smaller details, such as placing sockets and switches at a height that’s reachable by everyone will create a more high-value and accessible property.
“Developers should also ensure that floor levels between rooms and between the inside and outside are the same, so it’s easy for everyone to move around. Open-plan layouts allow spaces to be more flexible, used in different ways, and adapted to different needs,” Thomas Goodman explains.
Incorporating accessibility features during construction ensures that the home is prepared for potential changes in needs and can reduce the need for costly retrofits down the line.
9. Spruce up the kerb appeal
The front of a home is one of the first things a potential buyer will see, so this should be neat and tidy. For existing homes, this could include tidying up the front garden, adding some colourful plants and fixing any broken fences or gates.
“The front door can make a big difference in the value of your home. This is the first thing people will see when they walk up to your home, so consider purchasing a new front door or renovating your current front door to make your property stand out,” says Ryan McDonoguh, interior design expert at Myjobquote.co.uk.
10. Include glass features to maximise natural light
Structural glass can be used throughout the home to increase the amount of natural light while adding durability and safety (especially when using toughened and laminated glass).
Glass features offer a contemporary and timeless look, easily blending with the existing style of the home. Some common applications of glass are in doors and windows to open up smaller kitchens and living rooms by allowing light to flood in. Glass balustrading for staircases can increase the natural light in hallways and create an open and airy feeling, while glass skylights can create natural ventilation and light in loft conversions.
In general, using glass in property development is a sustainable choice, as brightening up the home can reduce the reliance on electric lightbulbs, and glass is 100% recyclable, so it is a fantastic eco-friendly building material.
