Is it worth renovating before selling the house?

Renovation before the sale: Is it worth the effort?

Damp cellars, old windows and yellowing wallpaper - defects that not only reduce the quality of your home, but also lower the selling price of your property. But is it really worth putting money and energy into renovating your property again in your current situation?

First impressions count: Small renovations, big impact

Many owners put off minor renovation work for years. „Decorative renovations“ such as painting walls, new floor coverings or removing old wallpaper are not absolutely necessary, but they ensure a neat overall impression:

• A well-maintained home looks more upmarket and inviting.
• Small jobs increase sales opportunities considerably.
• The effort is low, the effect on potential buyers is great.

Refurbishment for serious defects: When is it worthwhile?

More serious defects such as outdated heating systems or poor insulation require more time and money. Such Refurbishment work often deter buyers who want to move in quickly. Before you invest, you should consider the following rule of thumb:

The increase in value resulting from the refurbishment must be higher than the costs incurred.

A precise calculation is crucial here. A property expert will help you to assess the potential increase in value and avoid costly mistakes.

The influence of equipment on the sales price

Depending on their condition, properties are simple, normal and Upscale equipment categorised:

• Simple equipmentLack of floor coverings, rooms not tiled, no central heating → up to 15 % Loss of value.
• Normal equipmentReady to move in condition, meets the basic living standards.
• Upscale furnishings: Modern elements and high-quality materials → 15-20 % Increase in value.

A simple renovation can therefore significantly optimise the selling price, while serious defects often lead to long selling times.

Advantages of renovating before selling

Most buyers underestimate the refurbishment costs and are afraid of paying too much. An unrenovated house therefore often only attracts bargain hunters who want to massively reduce the price. The advantages of a well-planned renovation are

• Clearly Faster sales times.
• Higher sales price due to well-maintained impression.
• More attractive target group: buyers looking for a ready-to-move-in home.

So with the right measures, you not only create greater value, but also increase the chances of ideal buyer to find.

Your contact at FLEXMAKLER
Robert Schüßler
Property valuer (EIA and IHK)

Photo: © Detail photo