Sold! Quick ways to add value

Small, strategic changes can have a big impact on the look and feel of your home. And get you a better price on auction day.

- GEORGIA MADDEN

If you plan to sell your home in 2024, you’ll want to get the best price possible. This invariably involves making a few upgrades to enhance its appeal. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get your home market-ready. Focus on areas that matter the most to buyers and you’ll find that small, cost-effective updates can pay off.

Zero in on key areas

The first step is understanding what your target buyers want in a home. Researching your local market will give you the answers, says Kristen Jackson, pre-sale renovation consultant at Wealth House. “Take a look at similar homes on sale in your market or ones that recently sold. What features do they have? What is the condition of the home? If your home is missing key features local buyers are looking for, it’s worth exploring whether you can add them in.”

Also recognise the difference between upgrading your home to live in versus selling it. “When you’re renovating to live in a home, the focus is on personalisation and enhancing functionality to suit your lifestyle. When you’re selling, the aim is to appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers, focusing on neutral designs and cost-effective upgrades that offer the best return on investment,” says Mike Turner, managing director at Nouvelle Kitchens and Bathrooms.

“The kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and facade are the four most important areas to focus on as they significantly influence buyers’ impressions and can add immediate value to your property,” says Cherie Barber, chief executive of Renovating For Profit. “Fresh paint, updated lighting, new flooring and window furnishings can transform a space and make it feel more valuable.”

Deep-clean and declutter