Doorsteps blog posts

Rewiring an old house can increase its value and help you sell your home online faster. But just because a house is old doesn’t mean it needs to be rewired. Discover now the signs that it’s time to update an old house’s wiring and consider “Should You Rewire an Old House Before Selling It?”

Signs That You Should Rewire Your House

If your house is older than 30 years and has original wiring in place, that’s a warning signal. Many online estate agents in the UK will tell you that new wiring will increase the safety and appeal of the property and save potential buyers the trouble of having to do the work themselves.

However, even if your property is newer and the wiring has been improved over the years, rewiring it may still pay off. If you notice one or more of the following signs, consider rewiring before trying to sell your house online.

• You still use an old fuse box.
• Your wiring includes dated rubber or lead-insulated cables.
• The main breaker and some of the branch breakers trip frequently.
• Switches and outlets send slight shocks.
• Flickering or dimming lights.
• Damaged or exposed wiring.

How to Rewire an Old Home

Sometimes it’s possible to update an old house’s electrical system by simply installing a modern consumer unity over an old fuse box. Depending on the size of the house and the wear and tear of the wiring, a complete rewire may cost several thousand pounds or more.

The first step is to call in a registered electrician to inspect your house. In many cases, a complete rewiring is not necessary unless the entire electrical system is outdated or parts of it are damaged. Despite their age, many electrical systems can still be used safely. But it’s crucial to confirm this with an electrician before you sell your home online.

A Sound Investment

Although it may add to your expenses, rewiring an old home is a good investment. By increasing both the safety and the usability of the property, you increase its value. Potential buyers, too, have to gain since the new wiring will prove useful to them for many years to come.

At the same time, online estate agents in the UK will be able to promote your property more easily and sell it at a better price.

Ultimately, rewiring an old home is a good investment for many house sellers.

In the past, the Merseyside property market was known for its slow performance. In fact, this part of the country used to have a significant problem with low property sales.

But many UK online estate agents noted a change in the last few years. Online property sales in the area have gone up. Prices are rising, interest levels are high, and sellers who have property in the area have a lot to look forward to.

What caused this change, and what does it mean for you?

A Welcome Rise in Sales

Between January 2017 and January 2018, prices in this region rose a stunning 8%. The national average at this time was merely 0.6%, so the rise drew people’s attention. In the subsequent months, Merseyside saw an influx of property investors as well as personal buyers.

Over the course of 2018, Merseyside became one of the few bright spots in Britain’s property market.

Because of financial and political uncertainty, buyers and sellers alike have become cautious. Property sales have particularly gone down in London, and many former property hotspots have lost popularity.

But while sellers in these regions have a lot to worry about, the North has seen a drastic change for the better.

Many first-time buyers moved to the region, and there’s been some unexpected economic growth there. While the biggest change happened in the North East, estate agents have also observed an improvement in the North West.

What Kind of Properties Are People Buying in Merseyside?

Let’s look at the current state of the property market in this area. Here are the three key points you should keep in mind as an investor, seller, or buyer.

• A Wide Range of Housing Options

Considering its diversity, Merseyside is one of the most appealing counties for investors at the moment. Whether you’re hoping to invest in a rural home, a Liverpool flat, or a different form of real estate, Merseyside could be right for you.

• New-Build May Be Hard to Find

The rich architectural history of Merseyside is part of the county’s appeal. But this has a downside – many of the buildings available in the area are older and in need of renovation. If you’re exclusively interested in buying new housing stock, Merseyside shouldn’t be your top option.

• Commercial Real Estate Still Has Far to Go

You should also note that Merseyside’s renaissance applies mainly to residential buildings. Families and single professionals who are looking for a home can find a wide variety of options. But for businesses that plan to expand in this region, the matter becomes somewhat more complicated.

The neighbouring county, Manchester, has shown an impressive ability to accommodate the changing demands of the professional world. In particular, it offers extremely well-built, new office blocks.

Considering the area’s economic growth, there’s a demand for similar commercial buildings in Merseyside. But unfortunately, this demand hasn’t been met yet. If you want to buy new office buildings in Liverpool, you may end up disappointed.

Looking at the Reasons

Now, let’s put the county’s popularity into perspective. Why has Merseyside attracted new buyers from all across the UK?

1. Reasonable Prices

Though property prices are going up, they haven’t reached yet insupportable levels.

After the Brexit referendum and the subsequent chaos, many people have changed the way they approach their finances. Buyers who would have gone for a property hotspot before instead go for a more cautious investment.

So, while Merseyside might be too pricey for first-time buyers, it’s still affordable enough for most people.

2. Great Job Market

Despite the relative lack of commercial buildings, the area is enjoying economic growth. Many people move here for a new job. The fact that the BBC moved parts of its business here is also an important sign of future growth. Students from the University of Liverpool often decide to build their career here.

3. Quality of Life

Liverpool is a good option for families looking to settle down in a pleasant suburb. Public transportation is excellent, and there are high-quality parks and schools.

The rural parts of Merseyside have seen some development as well. Some choose to buy affordable, large homes there, and then commute to Southport and Liverpool.

Is Merseyside Right for You?

There’s another reason why Merseyside is experiencing an impressive influx of buyers and sellers.

It’s becoming easier for people to move across the country if necessary. You can now buy or sell your house online without having to show up in-person too many times. It’s easier than ever to hire reliable but cheap online estate agents.

If you’re thinking of exploring Merseyside’s property market, you have no reason to hesitate. Start looking into your options today.

Did you know older properties have a certain charm that modern ones don’t. They make great investments, too. However, what was acceptable when the property was built may not be so now.

One of the biggest problems with older homes is the plumbing. Before you think about selling your property online, check to see if its plumbing needs improvement. This update can boost your home’s value and lead to better offers.

1. Check the Drains
First, get someone to help out. Have the person pour food dye down each toilet. As they do that, check the drainage by lifting the inspection chamber.

2. Flip the Internal Stop Tap
Next, take a look at the stop valve. This is where water enters your home, and it’s typically located under the stairs, under the sink, the bathroom, or in the garage.

Does it turn off and on easily? You may need it in an emergency, so make sure you can turn the tap.

3. Take a Look at the Boiler’s Service History
If you’re considering selling a house online, you need to make sure your boiler is functioning well. Make sure it’s serviced correctly with a Gas Safe engineer.

You should inspect your cold water tank too, and clean it out if necessary. Also, be sure to use a fitted lid on the tank.

4. Look for Leaks
How can you tell if your home has a leak? Look for these signs:

• rust
• water stains on the carpets, floors, walls
• mould on the walls and ceilings
• loss of water pressure

Furthermore, you may be able to identify ground leaks by looking for areas that have dead or lush grass.
Online property sales are a competitive market. So make sure that you have these essentials cared for first.

5. Lead Pipes
These pipers were popular in older homes. However, drinking water from lead pipes can lead to medical problems. They are illegal now, but your home may not have updated pipes.

One of the simplest ways to check is to scrape a pipe with a screwdriver. If the dark matte colour turns shiny, you need to replace the pipes with plastic or copper ones.

Get Your Pipes in Order
Getting your home ready for a sale can take a lot of work, especially if you’re selling a house online. Buyers are looking at your listing sight unseen. So make it appealing by ensuring the plumbing is up-to-date. Remember that putting new plumbing in an old house can increase your property value.