- 23 Oct 2024
- By Aussie Property
As real estate agents, we are often asked what homeowners can do to maximise the value of their property before they list it on the Australia Property Market.
For many clients, their house is not only where they call home but is also their biggest asset. To ensure you’re getting the best possible return and maximising your profit from the sale of your home, understanding what drives value is key.
There are several smart strategies to make sure your property stands out in a competitive market and enhance your home’s appeal and we’ve shortlisted our Top 8.
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Location, Location, Location
There’s a reason this phrase is so popular in real estate. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes in great locations. Proximity to schools, parks, public transport, and shopping centres can significantly boost a property’s value and impacts how your home appreciates.
For obvious reasons, unless you own a transportable home, you can’t change where your home is located, but you can make the most of its surroundings. If you’re an owner-occupier ask yourself, what do you love about where you live? Are you close to transport modes making it easier to get to work? Do you live down the road from a park the kids are always playing at, or you can use to exercise? Is your favourite coffee haunt a short 15min stroll? Do you love your neighbours and the active community involvement?
Being close to amenities like parks, shops, and schools can significantly increase a home’s desirability. If you’re in the catchment of a top performing school or a popular café strip these can be huge selling points to the right buyer.
Highlighting the benefits of your neighbourhood and the lifestyle advantages plays a strength in helping attract the right buyers and advertises the appeal of your home.
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Maximise Your Floor Plan
Like location, you can’t always change the size of your property but you can change how the space is used, and how it feels. Small changes can make a big impact. It’s about how that space is used. Buyers love homes that feel spacious and offer versatility. Open-plan living is especially popular right now because it creates a sense of flow and makes the home feel larger.
When listing a home, we advise clients to consider small renovations that can make a big impact, if they have the time and the means and if we think it will contribute significantly to the sell price.
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Fancy Yourself An Interior Designer?
Buyers today are looking for homes that feel fresh, up-to-date, and easy to ‘move straight in’. Incorporating current design trends can give your home the edge it needs to make a potential buyer already feel ‘at home’. Neutral tones, less clutter and removal of your personal effects can make a world of difference.
Take advantage of trending décor designs or if the budget allows incorporating modern interior design features can become a selling point. Curved features and softer lines, for instance, are gaining popularity and can give your property a stylish, high-end look.
If you don’t want to go all-out on renovations, even minor changes—like installing designer tiles in the bathroom or adding rounded countertops—can make a huge difference. These small touches help your property stand out and give it a premium feel.
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Is It Time For An Upgrade?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice we give to homeowners is this: kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. It’s true – ‘kitchens sell homes’ because they are the heart of the home! These are the areas buyers pay the most attention to, and a well-renovated kitchen or bathroom can tip the scales in your favour.
Even if you can’t afford a full renovation, small updates like new hardware, fresh paint, or upgraded lighting can make a big impact. Homes that are move-in ready are especially attractive in today’s market, as buyers don’t want the hassle of dealing with renovations after purchasing.
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See The Light
Lighting can often be overlooked, but it can have a huge impact on how buyers perceive your home. Well-placed lighting can highlight key areas and create an inviting atmosphere that buyers will love, and a well lit, warm light can make your space feel more inviting, (and can hide some minor indiscretions from the naked eye – like that small paint chip from the kids banging that favourite truck into the skirting boards!)
We always advise sellers to upgrade their lighting fixtures and consider using warmer tones to create a welcoming, luxurious feel. The right lighting can help buyers visualize themselves living in your home and can make even smaller spaces feel expansive and elegant.
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Curb Your Appeal & Find That Green Thumb
There’s already been a few slogans thrown around and he’s one more – first impressions matter. This is especially true in real estate when potential buyers will be seeing the exterior of your home before the inside.
Nothing sets the tone for a home quite like its curb appeal. As the first thing buyers see, if the outside looks unkempt it can sour their perception before they even step inside.
Making simple but effective updates to your home’s exterior—fresh paint, a new front door, and tidy landscaping. Keeping the garden neat, planting some colourful flowers, and maybe even adding outdoor lighting can make your home look welcoming and polished – and don’t forget to store the bikes away!
Many sellers focus only on the front yard, but we do encourage clients to make sure the backyard looks just as appealing. A well-maintained garden adds value by giving buyers a place to envision relaxing or entertaining.
If you have the budget, think about adding a patio or some greenery to create an outdoor space that buyers will fall in love with. Simple updates like re-mulching and planting new shrubs can also make a world of difference. Removing weeds and any old pot plants can create an instant lift.
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Be Aware of Zoning and Planning Changes
When you’re getting ready to sell your home its worth staying up to date on local planning decisions. Some factors could affect your property’s future value – in a positive or a negative way – so understanding what may be happening in your area and how your property may be affected is an important tool to have in your back pocket.
Local zoning and planning regulations for example if your area allows for higher-density developments or commercial properties, could make your home more attractive to investors. Sometimes even small zoning changes can lead to significant price increases.
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Know What’s Happening Around You
Keep an eye on what is happening in your suburb. Are there new developments in the area? Are you seeing more businesses, restaurants or activities popping up? The local economy plays a huge role in shaping property values.
If your area is growing, with new infrastructure, transport projects or increasing job opportunities, this will likely boost buyer interest in your home and should be mentioned in your listings. It’s a great way to show potential buyers that your home is part of a thriving community.
By focusing on these strategies, you’ll not only increase the value of your property but also make it stand out in the eyes of prospective buyers. As real estate agents, our goal is to help homeowners get the best possible price for their home, and these 8 tips will get you on your way!