What Really Adds Value to a Home in 2026?

If you are thinking about selling your home in 2026, you might be wondering what buyers actually pay more for these days. The market has changed, and it is no longer just about shiny finishes or trendy paint colours.

Looking at how homes are selling on Rightmove, a few clear themes keep coming up. Buyers want homes that feel ready for modern life, flexible for the future and easy to live in from day one.

Here are the features that are making the biggest difference to sale prices right now.

EV charging and off street parking

With more people switching to electric cars, home charging has become a real talking point. Properties with a driveway and an EV charger are often more attractive, especially in areas where street charging is limited.

Even if buyers do not yet own an electric car, many like knowing the option is there. It saves them money and hassle later, and that confidence often shows up in stronger offers.

Planning permission that unlocks potential

You do not always need to build an extension to add value. Having planning permission approved can be enough on its own.

Buyers like certainty. If they can see exactly what is possible, how big an extension could be or where it would go, they are often happy to pay more. It removes unknowns and shortens the time before they can make changes.

This works particularly well in popular family areas where extending is common.

Extra bedrooms that fit real life

More space still matters, especially when it comes in the form of an extra bedroom. Rightmove sold prices regularly show jumps when homes move up a bedroom category.

Loft conversions remain popular because they usually keep the garden intact and add useful space without major disruption. A spare bedroom, home office or guest room gives buyers flexibility, which is something many are willing to pay for.

Kitchens that feel easy to live with

Buyers do not necessarily want designer kitchens, but they do want ones that work. A modern, clean kitchen with sensible storage and space for everyday life often performs better than something dated, even if it is technically functional.

A kitchen that feels usable helps buyers imagine themselves living there, which is one of the biggest drivers of good offers.

Better energy efficiency and lower running costs

Energy bills are still on people’s minds. Homes with decent insulation, modern windows and efficient heating systems tend to attract more interest.

A stronger EPC rating reassures buyers that the property will not come with unpleasant surprises. Solar panels and other efficiency improvements are increasingly seen as a bonus rather than a risk.

A few smaller things that still help

Alongside the big ticket items, sold listings suggest buyers also value:

• Good broadband speeds and mobile signal
• Low maintenance gardens or outdoor space
• Smart storage solutions, especially in smaller homes
• Well kept roofs, windows and heating systems

None of these on their own transforms a price, but together they make a home easier to say yes to.

So what does this mean for sellers?

Not every homeowner wants to take on upgrades before selling, and that is completely understandable. Some improvements are about perception and paperwork rather than major building work.

If you are planning to sell on the open market, focusing on future potential, running costs and everyday practicality can help your home stand out.

And if you would rather avoid the time, cost and uncertainty altogether, there are alternatives. At HomeSaleHub, we help homeowners sell quickly and simply, without needing to make changes first.