The Australian property market remains competitive, with homeowners seeking ways to maximise their sale price while minimising unnecessary expenses. Many sellers, however, fall into costly renovation traps, investing in changes that do little to boost their home’s value.
With rising living costs, understanding which improvements yield the best returns has never been more critical. This article appeared on realestate.com.au, highlighting insights from experts. As they reveal the most common renovation mistakes, they also share budget-friendly solutions that can enhance a property’s appeal without excessive spending.
Costly Interior Mistakes That Impact Sales
Homeowners often misjudge renovation priorities when preparing their property for sale, according to interior design expert Wendy Moore. A common mistake is making personal aesthetic choices rather than focusing on what appeals to potential buyers.
“You need to have an objective view. Speak to a few different real estate agents and have a few people through your home, you’ve gotten so used to your home you can’t be objective,” Moore explained.
Uncoordinated wall colours, excessive clutter, and outdated furniture can discourage buyers. Moore noted that potential buyers might reject a home based on minor details, such as an old-fashioned sofa, even though it is not included in the sale. Styling the home professionally to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere is crucial for a successful transaction.
Affordable Upgrades That Add Value
Rather than undertaking extensive renovations, Moore advocates for cost-effective updates that improve a property’s appeal without excessive spending. She emphasised that decluttering and deep cleaning are the most affordable yet impactful changes.
“People look at an unrenovated bathroom or kitchen and they see dollar figures … but it could be as simple as changing handles or a bench top,” she stated. Adding “You can get a company to refresh and respray all the doors, you can pull off all the handles, that can make a big difference, that fixes a multitude of things and that is not a big outlay about $3,000-$4,000.”
Other simple enhancements include installing floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains for a modern touch, with affordable options available at retailers such as Bunnings and Freedom.
The Importance of Outdoor Spaces
Landscaper Dennis Scott stressed that many sellers focus solely on interior renovations, neglecting the outdoor area, which serves as the first impression for potential buyers.
“People concentrate on the inside but the outdoor is the biggest room and it’s the first thing they see. If you don’t like what they see the outside they’re not going to look on the inside,” he explained.
Basic maintenance tasks, including mowing, weeding, trimming overgrown plants, and adding fresh mulch, are essential yet often overlooked. Scott highlighted that mulch, in particular, is an inexpensive and highly effective tool for improving a garden’s appearance.
Common landscaping mistakes include planting unsuitable species, selecting gravel that clashes with the home’s aesthetic, and failing to maintain external paintwork. Seeking advice from a local nursery can help sellers choose the right plants to complement their property’s environment.
