Do new windows add value to your home?

If you’re considering replacing your windows, you might be wondering whether the money you spend will be reflected in the value of your property.

New windows can certainly make a home more attractive to potential buyers, improve kerb appeal and remove some of the concerns associated with older glazing. But that doesn’t mean spending £10,000 on new windows automatically adds £10,000 to the value of your house.

The value of replacement windows is often about the bigger picture: improving the appearance, comfort, energy efficiency and security of your home while removing something a future buyer may otherwise see as an expense.

Do new windows increase the value of a house?

There isn’t a reliable percentage that can be applied to every property.

The impact will depend on the condition of the existing windows, the property itself and the type of replacement windows being installed.

If relatively modern windows in good condition are replaced simply because you fancy a different colour, the effect on the property’s value may be limited.

It’s a different story if a prospective buyer walks around the house and finds misted glazing, draughts, damaged frames or windows that are difficult to open and close.

In that situation, replacing the windows can remove an obvious negative and improve the overall impression that the property has been well maintained.

How can new windows make a home more attractive to buyers?

Windows are a prominent feature of a house, both inside and out.

Buyers may not walk into a property specifically looking for new windows, but they are likely to notice ones that need attention.

Better kerb appeal

Windows can have a huge influence on the appearance of a property.

Changing tired or unsuitable frames can transform a home’s exterior, particularly when the proportions, colour and style of the new windows complement the building.

There is now a huge amount of choice available, from traditional uPVC sliding sash windows for period properties to slim contemporary aluminium windows for modern homes and extensions.

Improved energy efficiency

Modern replacement windows can provide much better thermal performance than old or poorly performing glazing.

The right combination of frame and glazing can reduce unwanted heat loss and help make it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home.

If energy performance is particularly important to you, our guide to the best energy efficient windows looks at some of the options worth considering.

Improved security

Security is another area where modern windows can improve on much older systems.

The frame, glazing and locking system all contribute to the overall security of a window.

For someone buying a property, knowing that old or visibly insecure windows have already been professionally replaced can mean one less job to worry about after moving in.

Lower maintenance

Older windows can become increasingly difficult to maintain, particularly if frames are deteriorating or require regular attention.

Modern uPVC windows and aluminium windows require relatively little maintenance, which can be another attractive feature for homeowners and prospective buyers.

Reduced outside noise

Noise can have a major impact on how someone feels about a property, particularly close to a busy road, railway or town centre.

The right glazing specification can help reduce the amount of outside noise entering a home.

House of Glass can offer acoustic glass where noise reduction is an important consideration.

It’s worth discussing this when choosing your windows rather than assuming that simply adding another pane of glass will automatically provide the best acoustic performance.

Can old windows reduce the appeal of your home?

They certainly can.

Condensation between the panes of a sealed unit, damaged frames, obvious draughts and windows that don’t open or close properly can all suggest to a prospective buyer that money will need to be spent after moving in.

Even where the windows remain functional, a design that looks badly dated or completely out of keeping with the property can affect the overall impression of the house.

Our guide to the signs your windows need replacing covers the most common problems to look out for.

Should you replace your windows before selling your house?

It depends on their condition.

If your windows are relatively modern, secure and functioning properly, replacing the whole house immediately before selling may not make financial sense.

If they’re visibly failing, however, the calculation can be very different.

A buyer viewing a house with misted units, damaged frames and obvious draughts may factor the cost and inconvenience of replacing them into their decision.

You don’t necessarily need to replace every window either. If there are only one or two obvious problem areas, dealing with those may make more sense than replacing perfectly good windows elsewhere.

This is an area where straightforward advice matters.

House of Glass doesn’t use pushy sales tactics. If replacing something doesn’t make sense, we’d rather tell you.

Does double glazing add value to a house?

Double glazing is now something many buyers expect rather than an unusual premium feature.

If a property still has single glazing or very old double glazing, upgrading the windows can improve thermal performance, comfort, security and noise reduction.

That can make the property more attractive, but we’d be wary of attaching a specific percentage or cash value to the improvement.

The condition and suitability of the windows are usually more important than simply being able to say that the house has double glazing.

If you’re interested in the wider benefits, have a look at our guide to why choose double glazing for your home.

Which replacement windows are best for your property?

There isn’t one window material that’s right for every home.

uPVC windows

uPVC windows remain an excellent choice for many properties.

They’re versatile, energy efficient, relatively low maintenance and available in a wide choice of styles and finishes.

They can work with everything from relatively modern homes to properties where a more traditional appearance is required.

Aluminium windows

Aluminium windows offer slimmer frames and contemporary styling, making them particularly attractive for modern properties, renovations and extensions with larger areas of glazing.

The strength of aluminium allows for slim sightlines and generous areas of glass, while modern systems provide excellent thermal performance.

If aluminium is on your shortlist, our guides to are aluminium windows worth it? and how long do aluminium windows last? answer two of the most common questions homeowners ask us.

Sliding sash windows

For older properties, uPVC sliding sash windows can retain the proportions and character associated with traditional sash windows while providing the benefits of a modern window system.

The important thing is to choose a window that works with the architecture of the property rather than simply choosing whichever option happens to be fashionable.

If you’re deciding between the two most popular frame materials, we’ve also compared the benefits of aluminium windows vs uPVC.

Do replacement windows need to match the style of your house?

Absolutely.

More expensive doesn’t automatically mean more appropriate.

Slim aluminium frames can look fantastic on a contemporary extension but they won’t necessarily be the right choice for every elevation of every period property.

Equally, a very traditional window design can look out of place on a contemporary home.

Colour, frame proportions, opening configuration and the amount of visible frame all influence the finished appearance.

For period properties in particular, sympathetic window choices can help retain the character that made the home attractive in the first place.

What about FENSA certification and guarantees?

The installation matters just as much as the window itself.

House of Glass is FENSA registered and qualifying installations come with a 10 year insurance backed guarantee, giving you additional peace of mind after the work is completed.

Documentation relating to replacement windows can also be relevant when you eventually sell the property, so it’s sensible to keep certificates and guarantees somewhere safe.

Are new windows worth it if you’re not planning to sell?

The value of replacement windows isn’t limited to what an estate agent might put on your property.

You get to live with them.

Warmer rooms, reduced outside noise, improved security, easier operation, lower maintenance and a better looking home can all have value long before you consider selling.

If your existing windows are performing perfectly well, there may be no urgency to replace them.

But if they’re draughty, damaged, misted or simply no longer doing the job you need them to do, replacement can make a considerable difference to everyday comfort.

Looking for replacement windows?

House of Glass supplies and installs replacement windows across Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, South East London and South Essex.

We’re a family run company with our own experienced in house fitters. We offer free no obligation quotes, with no pushy sales tactics and no inflated starting prices to negotiate down. Our first price is our best price.

Whether you’re considering uPVC windows, aluminium windows or sliding sash windows, we’ll happily talk you through the options and help you find something that suits your home.