When selling your home, the goal is to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers while ensuring you get the best return on your investment. Renovations are a great way to boost your home’s appeal, but not all upgrades add equal value. Some will significantly enhance your home’s market value and reduce its time on the market, while others may have little impact. If you’re renovating for resale, focus on features that buyers care about, both visible upgrades and essential systems that ensure the home functions properly.
This guide will walk you through the top renovation features that buyers are most likely to notice and appreciate. By investing in these key areas, you can increase the likelihood of selling your home quickly and for a higher price.
Kitchens sell homes, especially with quality benchtops
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home, and it often plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process for buyers. A well-designed, functional, and aesthetically pleasing kitchen can make your home stand out in a competitive market. Among the many upgrades you can make, installing high-quality benchtops is one of the best ways to elevate the space and add value to your home.
Why kitchen benchtops matter
Buyers love kitchens with durable, visually appealing benchtops. Materials like granite, quartz, and marble are highly sought after because they offer luxury, durability, and ease of maintenance. Marble benchtops, in particular, are known for their timeless beauty and durability, making them a great choice for resale renovations. A beautiful kitchen with high-quality benchtops will give buyers the impression that your property is well-maintained and ready to move into.
The value of marble benchtops
Marble is one of the most prestigious materials available for benchtops. Installing marble can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that appeals to high-end buyers. The luxury look of marble can also justify a higher asking price for your home. Additionally, marble complements various kitchen designs, from contemporary to traditional, ensuring your kitchen remains stylish for years to come.
Key takeaway
When renovating for resale, investing in quality benchtops, especially marble, can make your property stand out. The kitchen is a major selling point for most buyers, so don’t overlook its potential impact on your sale price.
Fresh paint = strong first impressions
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling a home. The exterior and interior of your house give potential buyers their first real sense of the property, and fresh paint can significantly enhance these initial perceptions. A new coat of paint, commercial painter in Melbourne by can breathe life into a tired or dated space, making it look clean, bright, and welcoming.
Why paint matters
A freshly painted home can completely transform its appearance. Neutral colours like whites, greys, and beige are universally appealing, allowing buyers to picture themselves in the space. These shades also create a sense of cleanliness and brightness, making rooms feel larger and more inviting. Choosing the right colours can highlight the best features of your home, such as architectural details, natural light, and open spaces.
Exterior paint = curb appeal
When it comes to the exterior, a fresh coat of paint can significantly increase curb appeal. Buyers judge the condition of your home the moment they pull into the driveway, and a well-maintained exterior can help create a positive first impression. Consider painting your front door, window shutters, and trim to give the exterior a fresh, well-cared-for look. This small investment can increase your home’s perceived value and attract more buyers.
Key takeaway
A fresh coat of paint on both the interior and exterior of your home is an affordable yet impactful way to improve its appeal. It gives buyers the sense that the home has been well-maintained and is ready for immediate move-in.
3. Buyers will check water pressure and drainage
While aesthetics are important, functionality is just as crucial when preparing your home for sale. Plumbing issues, particularly with water pressure and drainage, can be significant turn-offs for buyers. Problems like blocked drains or low water pressure are red flags that may make buyers hesitant and could even lead to reduced offers. Addressing these concerns before listing is essential.
Water pressure: A crucial element
Many buyers pay attention to water pressure during home inspections. Weak or inconsistent pressure in the kitchen or bathroom often signals plumbing issues. Upgrading your water pressure can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the overall condition of your home. Hiring a professional blocked drain plumber to inspect your water systems ensures everything is functioning properly before listing. A fully functioning, high-pressure system reassures buyers that no major plumbing repairs will be needed.
Drainage issues = major red flags
Blocked drains are another significant issue that can turn off buyers. Plumbing problems left unchecked can lead to expensive repairs later on. Before listing, inspect your drains and address any issues like slow drainage or clogs. Fixing these problems ahead of time will give buyers peace of mind and reduce objections during the inspection process.
Key takeaway
Buyers will scrutinise your home’s plumbing, so make sure the water pressure is strong and that there are no drainage issues. Addressing these hidden problems will enhance your property’s appeal and prevent delays in the sale.
4. Bathrooms matter, but don’t overdo it
While kitchens and living spaces often grab the most attention, the bathroom is still a crucial area for many buyers. An outdated or poorly maintained bathroom can be a major turn-off. However, you don’t need to do a full overhaul to increase its value. Instead, focus on cosmetic upgrades and fixing any functional issues.
Modernising your bathroom
Replacing worn-out fixtures, installing a new showerhead, or refreshing the tiles can make a huge difference without breaking the bank. A fresh coat of paint and new lighting can also brighten the space and create a more inviting atmosphere. These small changes can make the bathroom feel cleaner, brighter, and more modern, appealing to buyers who want a space that feels up-to-date.
Focus on functionality
Beyond aesthetics, ensuring your bathroom is fully functional is key. Check for issues such as leaky taps, blocked drains, or broken tiles. A well-maintained, clean bathroom can be just as appealing as one with high-end fixtures, as buyers value functionality over expensive finishes. The goal is to make the bathroom feel stylish and practical without over-investing in unnecessary luxuries.
5. Open plan living — a spacious layout sells
An open-plan layout continues to be highly desirable for many buyers. Homes with seamless transitions between the living, dining, and kitchen areas create a sense of space and flow that appeals to modern buyers. If your home has small, closed-off rooms, consider removing a few walls to create a more open, airy environment.
The appeal of open plan living
An open-plan living area not only makes your home feel more spacious but also offers flexibility. This is especially appealing for families who want versatile spaces that can adapt to their needs. Removing walls to create an open-plan layout is a relatively affordable renovation with a high return on investment when selling. Open-plan spaces allow buyers to imagine how they could use the space for different purposes, like hosting guests or setting up a home office.
Key takeaway
If your home has smaller, separated rooms, consider removing a few walls to create an open-plan living area. This can significantly increase the perceived size of your home and appeal to buyers looking for a more spacious layout.
Conclusion: Renovate Smartly for Maximum Return
When renovating for resale, focus on upgrades that will provide the highest return on investment. Buyers care about both aesthetics and functionality, so it’s important to address both visible features and hidden systems that affect the home’s value. Luxury finishes like marble benchtops, fresh paint, and modern kitchens will catch the eye, while updates to plumbing and drainage will give buyers peace of mind.
By focusing on these key renovation features, you can create a home that feels move-in ready, stylish, and well-maintained—ultimately increasing your chances of a fast sale at a higher price.
FAQs
1. What renovations add the most value to a home for resale?
Renovations that add the most value include upgrading the kitchen with quality benchtops, painting both the interior and exterior, improving plumbing (particularly water pressure and drainage), and considering open-plan living. These updates help buyers see the property as move-in ready and well-maintained, which can justify a higher selling price.
2. Should I renovate the bathroom before selling?
Yes, updating the bathroom can significantly increase your home’s value, but you don’t need to do a complete overhaul. Small changes like replacing outdated fixtures, adding a fresh coat of paint, and fixing any plumbing issues can make a big difference. Buyers appreciate a clean, functional bathroom, so minor updates are often enough to make the space more appealing.
3. How much should I invest in renovations before selling?
The amount you should invest in renovations depends on your home’s condition, the local property market, and the price range you’re aiming for. Focus on high-impact areas that will give you the best return on investment, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and fresh paint. It’s also important to consider the home’s post-renovation value to ensure the money you spend won’t exceed the increase in sale price.
4. Will upgrading my kitchen increase the resale value?
Yes, the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and an upgrade can significantly increase resale value. Installing quality materials such as marble benchtops, updating outdated appliances, and ensuring the kitchen layout is functional can make your home more attractive to buyers. A modern, stylish kitchen is a great selling point.
5. How important is curb appeal when selling a home?
Curb appeal plays a significant role in attracting potential buyers. The first impression buyers have of your home often comes from the exterior. Simple upgrades like fresh exterior paint, landscaping improvements, or a new front door can make a huge difference in the way buyers perceive the property. A well-maintained exterior can create a positive first impression and encourage buyers to take a closer look inside.