10 Ways to Increase Property Value Before Selling Your Home

Preparing Your Home for a Profitable Sale

If you’ve been thinking about selling your house in the near future, it pays to start preparing as soon as possible. In Australia’s competitive real estate market, simply offering the lowest price on the block isn’t enough to make a lasting impression. When potential buyers are inspecting several homes in your neighbourhood, you want yours to stand out for all the right reasons.

For many homeowners, preparation means grabbing some tools from the shed and getting your hands dirty; for others, it means calling in the right tradespeople. The ultimate goal? Making your house as close to "turnkey" standard as possible. A turnkey home is one where a buyer can move straight in without needing to undertake immediate repairs.

By improving your property's condition, you’ll not only get a greater return on investment, but you’ll also attract a much larger pool of motivated buyers.

Find Out What Your Property is Worth Right Now

Before you spend money on renovations, it's crucial to understand your home's current market value and which improvements will actually deliver a return. A local expert can provide a free property appraisal to guide your renovation budget.

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How to Increase the Value of Your House: 10 Expert Tips

Wondering how to increase the value of your property without overcapitalising? Here are ten simple ways to approach turnkey status and boost your property value before putting it on the market.

1. External Wall Repair and Painting

First impressions matter. The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, so it needs to look its best. Properties that appear dilapidated or dated often get overlooked.

• Paint: A fresh coat of paint makes your home look modern and universally appealing. Stick to neutral, contemporary colours rather than overly bold shades (like lime green) that might limit your buyer pool.
• Repairs: Check for visible damage. Replace rotting weatherboards, fill gaps in brickwork with fresh mortar, and patch rendered walls. These small fixes make a property look well-maintained without the need for major renovations.

2. Upgrade Doors and Windows

Aside from looking stylish, updating old doors and windows can make your home more energy-efficient. Buyers are increasingly attracted to environmentally-conscious properties that offer more affordable household running costs.

3. Landscaping and Yard Lighting

Buyers love an attractively landscaped yard, and it doesn’t take a massive budget to fix yours up. A neat garden suggests the entire property has been well cared for, whereas dead plants and messy lawns are a fast turn-off.

• Refresh the garden: Invest in new soil, mulch, ground cover, and simple shrubs to make the yard look fresh and inviting.
• Add lighting: Night lighting creates a modern, chic look and is crucial for buyers who drive past your property after dark.

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4. Interior Flooring

It may seem strange, but the floor is one of the first things buyers look at when they walk inside. Buyers expect contemporary, clean, and stylish flooring.

• Carpets: Old, musty carpeting does your home no favours. If they are ancient, replace them. If they are in decent condition, get them professionally steam cleaned.
• Hard floors: Hardwood floors are perennially popular. Ensure any scratches or flaws are repaired and polished.

5. Kitchen Upgrades

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Buyers want a functional, clean workspace with good taps, cupboards, and bench-tops.

Avoid overcapitalising: A common mistake is overdoing kitchen upgrades with top-tier marble bench-tops and expensive appliances. While sleek, buyers might assume the asking price has been inflated to cover these costs. Ensure all appliances are in working order, update cabinet handles, and make sure the space is spotless.

6. Bathroom and Toilet Repairs

Similar to the kitchen, you don't necessarily need to completely gut and rebuild your bathroom to add value. A good bathroom simply needs to be functional and aesthetically appealing.

• Quick wins: Paint the walls, replace old tile grout, clean the exhaust fan, and repair any chips in the bathtub or sink.
• Fixtures: Replacing old light fittings and tapware with modern, energy-efficient models can work wonders for a relatively low cost.

7. Internal Lighting Fixtures

Lighting is critical when you sell your home; no buyer wants to live in a dark, gloomy space. If you have old-fashioned hanging lights with paper lampshades, it’s time for an upgrade. Modern down-lights look great in most environments, and strategic lighting can be used to highlight your home’s best architectural features.

8. Painting Interior Walls

While blank, white walls can sometimes feel sterile, you must be careful with colour.

• Keep it cohesive: If you use colour, ensure the tones blend well and match the rest of your home's design.
• Broad appeal: Something too outlandish may hinder a buyer's ability to picture their own furniture in the space. When in doubt, warm neutrals, soft greys, and off-whites are safe bets.

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9. Roof and Foundations

Structural integrity might not be apparent at first glance, but a poor building inspection report due to roof or foundation flaws can break a sale at the last minute. Consider having a professional building inspector assess your home before you list it. Fixing structural flaws upfront ensures buyers feel confident that the home is safe and built to last.

10. Heavy Cleaning and Organising

A heavy, thorough clean works wonders and costs almost nothing but your time and effort.

• Deep clean: Clean everywhere—including behind the stove, under the fridge, and inside cupboards.
• Declutter: If you are living in the property during inspections, remove clutter and personal items (like family photos). Buyers need a blank canvas to imagine themselves living there.
• Storage: Consider renting a short-term off-site storage unit for items that don’t fit neatly into cupboards. Neatness suggests a house that is in excellent working order.

How to Get Started Without Getting Overwhelmed

While this list may seem extensive, you don't have to do it all in one weekend. Attack one task at a time, starting with the ones that require the least financial investment.

Before you start swinging a hammer, it is highly recommended to seek the expert opinion of a local real estate agent. A great agent knows exactly what local buyers are looking for and what increases property value in your specific suburb. They can tell you which of these 10 tasks should be prioritised, helping you avoid spending money on upgrades that won't deliver a return.

Ready to Understand Your Property's Value?

Don't guess what your home is worth. Whether you want to check a valuation online or get a comprehensive in-person property appraisal, the right real estate agent can help you set realistic expectations and guide your pre-sale renovations.

LocalAgentFinder makes it easy to compare top-performing local agents, check their sales history, and find the perfect partner for your real estate sale.

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