When it’s time to sell your home, a few strategic upgrades can significantly boost its value and attract potential buyers.
However, a key thing to remember is you should not spend too much money as it’s unlikely you’ll recoup it in the sale price. Here are some key areas to focus on that won’t strain the budget.
1. Kerb appeal
We know most buyers search online first then make a shortlist. They will drive by the shortlisted homes before they consider attending an inspection. Your exterior is the first chance you have to make a good impression. There are several areas to think about to create great kerb appeal.
Pressure washing: A good wash down can instantly freshen your home’s exterior. When you organise a tradie to pressure wash your home, ask them to include paintwork, paving and even the roof if it looks grimy.
Paint: A coat of paint can work wonders if the pressure washing doesn’t have the desired effect. Choose a neutral colour palette that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Tidy garden: A neat garden looks low maintenance and will appeal to most buyers. Trim hedges, weed flower beds and mow and edge lawns.
Lighting: A welcoming light over the entrance can make a lasting impression. Replace a worn-out front door with a stylish one, ensure lighting is adequate and consider adding a new doormat or house numbers.
2. Kitchen upgrades
While a fresh-looking kitchen will add value to your home, we don’t recommend completely remodelling your kitchen. Your taste in kitchens might not be what buyers want so save your money and opt for cosmetic upgrades only.
Cabinets: Upgrading your kitchen cabinets can dramatically transform the space. Consider refacing or replacing them with modern styles and finishes.
Countertops: Granite or quartz countertops are popular choices for their durability and aesthetic appeal. However, if your countertops are laminate and still look modern, don’t upgrade to a more expensive option.
Backsplash: A stylish backsplash can add a touch of personality to your kitchen. Tile, glass, or stone backsplashes are popular options. Glass is expensive, though, so maybe stick to regrouting your backsplash or replacing it with subway tiles in a herringbone pattern.
3. Bathroom upgrades
Even a small bathroom will look larger if you minimise colours and ‘noise’. This means limiting your colour palette to three colours in the ratio of 60: 40: 20. This means 60% for the main colour, 40% of the complementary colour and 20% for the accent colour. See our article, Creating a spa-like bathroom in The Hills.
Tile: Replacing outdated tile flooring and walls can improve the look of your bathroom. However, you might be better off spending the money on regrouting, which will freshen your bathroom without the expense of new tiles.
Hardware: Swapping tired old taps with more modern-looking ones can give your bathroom a modern and luxurious feel.
Vanity: A new vanity can add storage space and style to your bathroom.
Bathroom cabinet: If your bathroom cabinet looks old and worn or the mirror has deteriorated, replacing it is a quick and inexpensive fix.
4. Flooring upgrades
Hardwood floors: Hardwood floors are a classic choice that can add value to your home. However, if you have worn hardwood floors, don’t spend money on refinishing them. Just make sure they’re clean.
Tile: Tile flooring is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. It’s easy to clean and can withstand heavy traffic. The biggest issue with tile flooring is the grout. Regrouting tile floors will freshen them without the expense and hassle of retiling.
5. Energy efficiency
In our unforgiving climate, energy efficiency is a must. Your home should be properly insulated and you should look for ways to reduce your heat load in summer and ensure your home retains heat in winter.
To retain heat, make sure you’ve sealed any air leaks around doors and windows so you minimise draughts.
To minimise heat build-up, look for ways to shade walls and windows from summer sun. Think about awnings, shutters or deciduous trees that will shade windows in summer while allowing sun to penetrate during the cooler months.
6. Minor cosmetic upgrades
Paint: A fresh coat of paint can brighten up any room. Choose neutral colours so buyers can make the home their own.
Lighting: Good lighting can make a big difference in the overall atmosphere of your home. Consider upgrading outdated fixtures or adding new lighting to dark corners.
Hardware: Upgrading door handles, cabinet knobs, and other hardware can give your home a polished look.
7. Decluttering and cleaning
You’ve bought a house yourself so you know that buyers will open drawers and cupboards to assess the available storage space. The less cluttered your drawers and cupboards are, the more spacious they’ll look and feel. So get decluttering (see our previous article, Connecting with buyers by styling your Hills home for decluttering tips) then clean everything. Polish the taps and cupboard knobs, clean behind chests of drawers and scrub your bathrooms and kitchen so everything sparkles.
The bottom line
By investing in these essential upgrades, you can significantly increase your home’s value and attract more potential buyers. Remember, it’s important to prioritise projects that will yield the highest return on investment and appeal to the widest range of buyers.
Thinking of selling or need selling advice in The Hills?
We have buyers looking for homes in Rouse Hill, Beaumont Hills, Box Hill, Kellyville, North Kellyville and Tallawong. As established real estate agents, we’re here to help. Get in touch today by calling us on 02 8883 0777.