A better price for your property

MORE than 65 per cent of people in Spain live in an apartment, the highest percentage in Europe; therefore, it would seem very appropriate to talk about how to increase the value of your apartment over the next few weeks.

The first important point to consider is that your apartment is one of many in a block; therefore, if your building is well managed and maintained to the highest standards it will increase the value of your apartment.

I see many blocks in Spain which are badly maintained or managed even in prime locations, and I feel sorry for you if you own one of these apartments because it is actually being devalued.

A key point is that your building should not only be kept in excellent condition but also the exterior design of the building should be kept uniform.

Mixed styles of glassed in balconies, terraces and mixed extensions designs and TV dishes everywhere, make the building look ugly and actually devalue your apartment further.

Multi-satellite dishes should be replaced with a community system and there should be a standard design for extensions and built-in balconies and terraces.

Adding living space to your apartment to increase the value is a good idea, such as closing open balconies or terraces with glass; an extension will give you extra living space and should further increase the value.

Privacy and security increases the value of your apartment, so having a porter, a modern security entrance system, security cameras or gated community is important.

Additional factors include a good location, views, quality kitchen and bathroom, layout, good neutral style of decoration and parking space.

John Graham FGIS
020 32 900 983 /+34 657 337 477
gk.ipad@me.com