Preparing a house for sale can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding what to fix and what to leave as is. But fear not! This guide is here to help homeowners prioritise which improvements are necessary and which aren’t. After all, saving time and money while maximising the house’s value should be at the top of your agenda.
P.S. if you are thinking of selling your property, here is an instant, free property valuation tool that will tell you what your home is actually worth today.
Major structural issues
Let’s face it; significant structural issues are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. From subsidence to a leaky roof, these problems can be costly to fix. In many cases, sorting them out before selling the property isn’t worth the expense or hassle. You’ll likely end up paying much more than you feel comfortable with, considering the property is up for sale.
Nevertheless, you should be honest about disclosing any known structural issues to potential buyers, as they’ll be uncovered in a survey anyway. Instead of wasting time and money on repairs that might not be recouped, consider adjusting the asking price to reflect the property’s condition.
If you structural issues are on the extreme side, and very expensive to and are putting buyers off, then consider selling to Property Rescue. We will buy any property (including properties with structural issues). You can fill in this 30-second form to learn how much we’ll pay for your property.
Luxury upgrades and high-end renovations
It’s tempting to think that adding a few swanky upgrades to the property will reel in high-paying buyers, but this isn’t always true. Sometimes, luxury upgrades and high-end renovations can actually put off potential buyers who are looking for a property within a specific budget.
Moreover, they might not be willing to pay extra for features they don’t particularly want. Rather than splashing out on extravagant renovations, focus on improvements that will make the property more universally appealing, like modernising the kitchen or bathroom. Or just keep it simple and give the walls a fresh lick of paint while touching up any other areas needing improvement.
Personalised improvements
We’ve all got our quirks, which makes us unique. But when it comes to selling a house, it’s best to keep those eccentricities to a minimum. Things like bold wall colours, eccentric art installations and out-of-the-box interior designs might be right up your street, but they could be a turn-off for potential buyers.
If the property already has a hint of your personality, it’s one thing. But if you’re thinking of making minor adjustments to the decor before selling, aim to create a neutral space that appeals to the widest audience possible. You can’t go wrong with fresh paint in light, airy colours and a clutter-free environment.
Landscaping overhauls
A well-presented garden can certainly enhance a property’s curb appeal, but going overboard with landscaping changes is unnecessary. In fact, an overly manicured garden might give buyers the impression that it’s high maintenance, and not everyone is up for that challenge.
Instead of investing in an extensive landscaping overhaul, focus on cost-effective improvements that can make a big impact. Keep the garden tidy, trim overgrown hedges and add some colourful plants for a welcoming touch.
Addressing minor cosmetic issues
Minor cosmetic issues might not seem like a big deal, but they can impact a property’s value. That being said, there’s no need to fix every single blemish. Instead, address the most visible imperfections, like cracked plaster, scuffed woodwork or peeling paint.
You’ll help create a well-cared-for impression by tackling these small issues without breaking the bank. Also, remember that a deep clean can work wonders when sprucing up the property, so don’t underestimate the power of a thorough scrubbing.
Old appliances and fixtures
While shiny new appliances and fixtures can undoubtedly boost a property’s appeal, replacing older models is not always worth the expense. In many cases, buyers may not be bothered by the presence of dated appliances, particularly if they’re in good working order.
Instead of splurging on new items, consider cleaning them thoroughly or, if necessary, a fresh coat of paint. You can also market the property with the understanding that buyers might want to make their own updates, which could help sweeten the deal for them.
What else shouldn’t I fix when selling a house?
- Gas, electric and plumbing. Addressing electrical, gas, and plumbing issues might not yield significant returns, as buyers often plan to update systems according to their preferences.
- Structural issues. Fixing structural cracks could be costly, and a reduced asking price might be a more realistic option, especially if other properties in the area face similar issues.
- Rotten joists. Repairing rotten joists may not recoup the investment, as potential buyers might perceive the overall structure as compromised and negotiate a lower price.
- Subsidence repairs can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s often wiser to reflect the condition in the asking price and let the buyer handle the repairs.
- Bowing walls. Fixing bowing walls may not provide a worthwhile return on investment, as it may only be a symptom of larger, underlying structural problems.
- Missing tiles. Replacing missing tiles might not greatly impact the property’s value, with buyers potentially considering other factors like location and overall condition.
- Leaky roofs. Repairing a leaking roof could be a costly endeavour that doesn’t necessarily translate into a higher selling price, depending on the local market conditions.
- Rising damp. Tackling rising damp can be expensive and time-consuming, so it might be better to let the buyer negotiate the repairs as part of the sale.
- Insect infestations. Addressing insect infestations may not provide significant returns. Buyers could assume that the property requires more extensive pest control measures than initially anticipated and be put off making an offer.
If your property is in serious disrepair, and the condition is affecting your ability to sell, consider selling to Property Rescue. We’ll buy it from your in any condition. To learn how much we’ll pay, just fill in this quick form and we’ll send you over a free no-obligation quote. The best part is we can buy properties very fast and we’ll pay all associated fees and expenses.
What should you fix when selling a house?
This interesting question ultimately depends on your budget and the potential increase in your home’s value resulting from the changes. When planning your sale, avoid any work that may hinder your chances of making a profit. Instead, focus on the basics and aim for affordable maintenance.
Consider taking care of minor repairs and improvements, such as carefully filling and painting over hairline cracks in walls, resolving plumbing leaks and guaranteeing that the electrics, boiler and gas fittings are up to standard. Additionally, replace any cracked glass in windows and paint over marks or stains on walls. Sand and polish scratches on fittings to give them a refreshed look and address any pest issues. It’s also always worth replacing worn out flooring as that can make a huge difference to the overall presentation of a property.
Lastly, deep clean curtains and carpets to eliminate lingering odours from pets or cigarettes, leaving them fresh and inviting for potential buyers. By focusing on these basic improvements, you can enhance your property’s appeal without breaking the bank.
To fix or not to fix?
Making wholesale changes to your property before selling isn’t recommended. Instead, focus on creating a neutral, well-maintained space by addressing visible cosmetic issues, sprucing up the garden and ensuring older appliances and fixtures are clean and functional.
Of course, every property is different, so it’s always a good idea to consult a professional for personalised advice. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to selling your property for the best possible price while keeping stress levels to a minimum. So, roll up those sleeves, make smart decisions and get ready to see that ‘sold’ sign go up in no time.