While there are slight signs of an improvement in some property markets, real estate prices remain under pressure and stock levels are at very high levels. In some locations there is 8 years worth of stock up for grabs at once.

It’s tough out there. Buyers are spoilt for choice so sellers have to present a house which ticks all the boxes to get a sale.

Now is the perfect time to look at how you can add value to your house or home unit through improvements.

Whether grooming for sale or just improving the place you to live in, here are 8 easy ways experts reckon will inject real value into your property.

1. Create Space

When someone buys a property, they’re buying the space inside it. If you can create more space then your place will be worth more to a potential buyer. Arranging your furniture aside, the most effective way to do this is by knocking a wall out.

It’s not necessarily expensive, you just need to know what you’re doing. Taking out a whole or half wall to create an open plan kitchen or casual living area is one of the best approaches, and especially attractive to families with teenage kids who always hang out in the kitchen.

1. Landscape

Improving the outdoor area is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to add value. A couple of weekend busy bees and you can have your place looking like you’ll never want to leave.

Apparently the current hot landscaping trend is to use limestone blocks. They come by the pallet for less than $10 a piece and can be used to raise the garden bed. It looks great and the retaining wall doubles as seating for entertaining.

1. Lighten Up

Lighting a place up makes it feel bigger, brighter and better. The first step is to look at improving the natural lighting. Skylights are a great way to achieve this, as is replacing any curtains with venetian blinds. If the budget allows, replacing a wall with some French doors is a winner in the value for money stakes.

In addition to improving natural light, think about new light fittings too. Dated light fittings really age a place and can be replaced with subtle, modern fittings for a very modest outlay.

1. Go Green

While the Carbon Tax may not have many friends, an environmentally home has buyer appeal. The best way to make your house eco-friendly is by installing a water tank and converting to solar power. Both are a trade off between incurring what can be a significant outlay now for cost savings later, however the benefits can be well worth the cost with rising power and water costs.

Not only is there a significant long term financial incentive that will improve the value of your house, but there’s also a great environmental appeal to prospective buyers too. Plus you’ll feel good for doing it.

1. Front Up

It might sound strange, but for a house first impressions last. Having a sharp set of steps, a well groomed garden or a nice heavy door really makes a strong impression on whoever enters the property.

1. Change the Floor

While it’s a bit of work, changing the flooring can be a great move to dramatically change the feel of a house. Laying timber floorboards can look great but, for the expense, you run the risk of having potential buyers who don’t like the look.

A more affordable and flexible alternative can be to replace the carpet or lay big rugs. Even ripping up existing carpet and polishing the concrete beneath can look great and it’s cheap to do too.

1. Cook and Clean

Giving the bathroom and kitchen a facelift adds a feeling of decadence to a property. In the bathroom it might be bringing in a big mirror, laying some easy vinyl tiles or, for the creative, doing a tile mosaic in the shower. For the kitchen new fixtures are a big plus, as is increasing bench space by removing cupboards or adding an island.

The bathroom and kitchen get used just as much as the bedroom so creating a nice space is definitely worth your while. It will get appreciated, as will your house.

1. Paint the Place

If you’ve ever painted a room before you know the huge impact a fresh lick of paint has. Neutral wall colours are what you’re after to really open a room up, just like dark colours will make it feel smaller.

Comments  

 

0 #5 Eco Bags 2012-07-19 20:37

Hi. Just a quick note to let you know that I truly appreciated this post. I have been looking for this kind of information. Keep up the good work!


Eco Bags

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+1 #4 SamNaz 2012-07-16 09:51

What about checking to see if you can do a development or at least getting an approval e.g. a granny flat?

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-1 #3 Iftikhar Anjum 2012-06-18 20:05

If, you want to increase the value of your property in order to get huge monetary returns then Renovate it, if needed and make sure that there are no leakages due to heavy rainfalls. Use simple colors on the external walls that will make your house look attractive and esthetically pleasing. After that, advertise through print media and property related websites.

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+1 #2 Skylights 2012-06-07 12:00

Bright natural lighting can really improve the value of your home, and it can save you electricity in the meantime. But here is something that you may not be aware of. Natural light shows up blemishes a lot more than artificial light. So when you install a skylight you will notice a lot more stains on your carpet than you did before.
So make sure that you clean your carpets after you install a skylights, and before you put your house on the market (although I am sure that you will do this anyway).

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0 #1 Sanya Fijacko 2012-05-16 10:12

Everything you said I agree with you 100%.
But 1 thing is missing ....
What do you do with husband who doesn't want to spend a cent or do any work around the house?
I have done 2 kitchens 2 bathrooms, painted indoor and outdoor on my own, helped with the patio and with the fence, send and polished the floors . ... Worked in the same time in the restaurant 7 days and looked after the kids, clean and cook, etc - while in the same time I got told over and over how I am no good. What do you do with those kind of people I would love to know?? We leave in Randwick and we are getting peanuts for the hous e in prime position but I can not get thru his donky head that this can work if we do all of those things what you are saying. Well I did not have any luck .... Maybe will you...

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