With the Irish economy on the up and property prices recovering, it is time to look at ways of making your home’s value rise even faster.

These simple upgrades can be easily achieved and add to the appeal and value of your home in the long-run.

Rising home prices are getting homeowners comfortable with the idea that their homes are again a source of personal wealth after nearly a decade of falling valuations and negative equity.

Home-equity is the difference between the value of a home and the value of a mortgage outstanding on that home.

For example, if the value of a home is €280,000 and the balance remaining on a mortgage is €180,000, this means that the available equity is €100,000.