The must-do repairs and renovations before selling your home

How to prepare your home for a better sale price

Improve the street appeal of the property

If the house looks shabby from the outside, you may not even get buyers through the front door.

Small cosmetic improvements can make a big difference. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so think about how to maximise it.

"Consider your property from the perspective of someone seeing it for the first time,” says RACV Head of Trades, Kieran Davies. “Some of the first things they’ll see are the front door, fence and gardens so updating these is a worthwhile investment.”

Painting or revarnishing your front door, or even replacing it entirely are relatively cost-effective ways to make an impression on prospective buyers, as is repainting your fence (and fixing any holes or leans in it).

A neat garden is much more attractive than a messy one, so mow your lawn, prune any plants and reapply mulch where necessary. Cleaning the gutters and even updating your letterbox can help give your place a quick facelift.

For weatherboard or timber homes, a new coat of paint can really lift the façade. If you have a brick house that looks dated from the front, consider rendering or cladding options.

Book a property inspection

The last thing you want to do when selling your home is make unnecessary investments. Beyond basic updates to street appeal, a property appraisal with a licensed real estate agent can give you guidance on where your money can be best spent in relation to your home. Often they've an eye for things that sellers might miss, and can determine whether spending money on certain improvements is a worthwhile investment, or likely to just highlight inadequacies in the rest of your home.

Paint the property and upgrade the flooring

Walls with flaky paint scream 'neglected', which is not a word you want buyers associating with your home – it’ll make them doubt the integrity of the property.

Repair any superficial cracks and then paint the walls, cornices, skirting boards, door and window frames, and any other surface that won’t be compromised by a paint job (such as cabinetry).

Focusing on giving your property broad appeal when repainting and reflooring should be your aim. You might have really loved that gaudy chandelier or vibrant feature wall, but potential buyers might not.

“Making your home appealing to as many buyers as possible helps increase the likelihood of it selling well,” says Davies. “Opting for neutral toned walls and flooring helps buyers envision themselves in the property.”

If you own an older property with carpet or vinyl overlays, check to see if there are floorboards underneath that can be unearthed and revarnished for a sleek finish. Younger homes without floorboards can benefit from having cost-effective quality laminate or tiling installed instead.

Don't forget about the outside of the property either. If you have a deck or verandah, make sure you have any broken boards fixed before giving the whole thing a good clean and re-stain. 

Get your plumbing and electrical checked

Some buyers will request a building inspection before shaking hands on a sale, so while plumbing and electrical checks and upgrades may seem like an unnecessary expense, it could be a false economy to not get them up to current standards.  

This doesn’t mean you have to spend big on smart wiring or state-of-the-art showerheads, but it’s important to make sure there’s no leaky pipes, blocked drains, unsafe power sockets or broken lights. When it comes to the kitchen, a cooktop in great working order is something buyers expect.  

"Switching out dated fittings is a quick and reasonably budget-friendly way to improve the look of your property," Davies says. "Installing new lighting, switches and tapware can be done quickly and easily. If your budget will stretch, a heated towel rack is also a great spend."

Remember, jobs like plumbing and electrical work should always be left to licensed professionals. 

Cosmetic upgrades to kitchen and bathroom

If you have a little extra budget to make improvements to your house for sale, the kitchen and bathroom are great choices for increasing value through a minor upgrade or renovation.  

Start with the kitchen and add in modern conveniences that buyers love, such as stylish benchtops and cabinetry, new appliances, and a quality cooktop. If you've the space for a dishwasher, even better.

Bathrooms can also be given a fresh look without having to do a complete renovation. "Focus on updating the vanity, sink, tapware and showerhead," says Davies. "These small changes are economical and can provide a sense of luxury to prospective buyers."

Consider the heating and cooling

As Victoria can experience freezing winters and scorching summers, many buyers will want to know there are working heating and cooling systems in place in their potential new property. 

Installing reverse cycle split-system air conditioning units can improve how comfortable buyers view the property and subsequently increase its value.  

"Even having simple split-system air conditioners throughout the property can make it more appealing to buyers, especially those who intend to be owner-occupiers," Davies says.

Home-owners can also access rebates for installing or upgrading to energy efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners, which can help make it a worthwhile investment.

More: Guide to air conditioning servicing and maintenance

Don’t forget the small details and finishing touches

In the day leading up to inspections and the auction (if that’s your method of sale), there are a few finishing touches you can make to really increase sale potential.  

Have your windows cleaned, avoid creating any pungent smells (such as from cooking) and having your bathroom sparkling are small things that can make a big difference. 

Overall, poorly presented homes can drag down the value of the sale. If you ensure your home is tidy and modern, you have a much better chance of maximising your sale value.