Is it better to renovate before selling? Here's all you need to know

But is it better to renovate your property before you place it on the market? That answer depends on a few different factors, but it isn't necessarily a bad idea to make your house or flat more presentable before you snap some photos and get everything listed.

We've covered all the details you need to know about renovating your property to help you make the right decision for your specific sale:

Do I need to renovate?

The first question you should ask yourself is: 'Do I actually need to renovate?'. That depends on a few factors; some of which are more important than others. The place to start is to look at the property market around you. If your particular area or style of property is particularly hot in Brisbane, you might be able to sell quickly at your asking price. No upgrades are required, but if you're spotting dozens of similar homes sitting online for weeks, renovations might not be a bad idea to give yourself an edge.

You'll also want to consider who you are likely to sell your property to. The priority of a retired couple, for example, would be very different from a young family. Your demographic will affect what kinds of renovations are most valuable, whether that happens to be easy garden maintenance, an alarm system, or a fenced, secure outdoor space.

Cost is another crucial factor in renovations. If you don't have the money available to complete work to a high standard, it may be worth leaving it altogether. It can take significant renovations to improve the curb appeal and value of an old, tired property, whether that's ripping out bathrooms, adding solar panels or adding an en-suite. If you're putting in more than you're getting out, it's probably not worth your time and money to delay getting your property on the market.

Is your home is in good condition and needs a few cosmetic upgrades and affordable changes? Then renovations are an excellent idea to make your property appear fresh, new and in good condition. Renovations are particularly vital if you're looking for a comparative asking price to other properties around you. If their exterior looks fresher and better than yours, a little TLC can make a big difference in making your home live up to its value.

What should I prioritise in renovations?

If you decide that renovations are a good idea for your specific property, the next step is choosing where to prioritise your hard work. Here are some of the areas you should concentrate on if you do plan to renovate to sell:

The exterior
A home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers see and an easy way to compare your properties with others in the area. Your curb appeal can make a big difference to interested buyers, so painting your gutters, fascia, trims and fixtures or your exterior is an excellent place to start. A relatively low-cost upgrade could be to replace or repaint your front door, while simple landscaping can help create a cohesive look.

Your garden and outdoor spaces are valuable ways to sell your property, so taking a look at modernising, repainting or refinishing porches, awnings, and decking can help increase the visual value of your home. If you currently don't have fencing, you could consider adding one to increase your property value to specific demographics of buyers.

The kitchen
While many buyers can look beyond outdated living spaces and bedrooms, the kitchen is always a sticking point. As a costly replacement, many buyers will be far more interested in a modernised and updated kitchen than they would be with one that needs a lot of care to make it look nice. Simple options for renovations could include refinishing cabinetry, changing out taps or replacing worktops with something more modernised.

If you have inbuilt electronics, whether that's a simple oven or microwave and fridge, upgrading them can be an excellent way to increase value and instantly give your kitchen a facelift. As these electronics are non-removable, they add value in a non-temporary way, making your home more appealing overall to the right buyer.

The bathroom
Once you've tackled the kitchen and exterior, you can take a closer look at other rooms. The bathroom should be third on your list if you renovate it at all. This is one area where you can't go cheap, as you want to ensure long-lasting quality that potential buyers will quickly pick up on. Investing in quality spouts, taps, and showerheads can be a good start in this direction.

If you aren't so keen on the costs of a brand-new bathroom suite, investing in storage can be a good middle ground. A vanity or mirror cabinet with plenty of storage space is a great plus for any Brisbane property. The more functional a bathroom is, the more appealing it will be to put an offer in on your house.

Quick fixes and tidying
If you don't have the time or money to spend on expensive renovations, a quick spruce up of your property is a great way to add appeal without breaking your budget. If you have a particularly loud colour palette, settling for neutral colours and more of a warm, modern feel can help to broaden your property's appeal. Making sure all your doors are in good condition, and your floors are well cleaned and maintained can make a big difference, too.

What rules should I follow for renovations?

While there's no rulebook on what you should or shouldn't do, the best way to look at renovations to sell is to look at what adds value here and now. If you can 'wow' potential buyers and provide something that they want, you're far more likely to get that sale at the end of the day. Stick to a neutral palette, ensure all the basics are covered and keep everything looking fresh, and you're in a far better position to sell your Brisbane property quickly.

If you're looking to sell in Brisbane, Sparrow Real Estate can help. As experts in the property market, our team is on hand to provide helpful advice and guidance for renovation for sale. Get in touch with us today to find out more.