House renovation ideas to boost property value

Renovating your home is one of the most effective ways to get more money from your house sale.

That may sound contradictory. After all, we’re always told renovating can be very expensive, filled with roadblocks and hurdles, a process that will have you running around in circles and driving up the wall.

But consider this: the more effort you put into improving your home, the more attractive it is to potential buyers. And if a buyer falls in love with your property, they’ll be more likely to pay a higher price.

The catch? You have to renovate smartly. From our experience serving Australia’s homeowners and buyers for the last three decades, simple quality-of-life improvements almost always offer better ROI than lavish upgrades. It pays to start small.

So, whether you're renovating to sell or simply looking for some inspiration to make your house feel like a home, we're going to provide a bunch of upgrades that can boost your property value without costing you a fortune.

Important things to consider before renovating

It goes without saying that renovating isn’t an overnight task. It takes a lot of planning—so it’s a good idea to work out all the details before you begin. Here are a few of the essentials you should consider.

• Budget: Before you do anything else, define how much you're willing to spend. Be realistic here—do your research and remember to factor in unforeseen costs.
• ROI: Choose projects that will bring you the biggest return on investment. Huge renovations are brilliant for increasing value, but if they cost you your savings, they aren’t necessarily the best option.
• Local market: Consider what your ideal home buyer is looking for. A young professional may love a minimalist, open-plan space. But a family with three young children may be put off if your home doesn’t offer ample storage space.
• Permits and regulations: Research your local area to understand what you can and can't do. If you live in a heritage-restricted home, for instance, your options for renovation might be limited, or you may need to obtain a Development Application (DA) approval if you are undergoing structural changes.
• Professional support: Consider the help you’ll need to carry out your project—architects, interior designers, contractors and realtors are there to support you, but factor these costs into your budget.
• Timeframe: Plan a realistic timeframe for your renovations. It’s always better to err on the side of caution here. The golden rule of renovating is to anticipate the unexpected.

General house renovation upgrades for every space

With the basics out of the way, let's get into the renovations. First, we'll discuss general renovation ideas and inspiration. Later, we'll touch on budget-friendly and sustainable upgrades.

There’s no need to implement all of these suggestions. Assess your budget and your property’s needs and choose the projects that work for you.

1. Create outdoor living spaces

One of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to add value to your home is to turn your outdoor area into a liveable space. Because who doesn’t want to eat breakfast outdoors when the sun allows?

Here are some backyard ideas and outdoor renovations you may not have considered:

• Decking: A multifunctional decking area can transform a tired garden into an enticing liveable space. If you decide on this project, remember to add extra seating and decorations to up the appeal.
• Gazebos and Pergolas: These outdoor structures look luxurious and make ideal outdoor seating or dining areas. You won’t need a permit as long as your gazebo or pergola doesn’t exceed 10m2 of floor space and 3m of height.
• Privacy: If your outdoor space isn’t secluded, hedgerows, trees, or fences could offer some privacy. This is an especially good renovation if you’re selling to families.
• Landscaping and gardening: If nothing else, invest in your garden by tidying it, weeding, repairing old lawns and cutting back trees. You’ll be surprised how much more appealing your garden design will become with some TLC.

2. Do smart kitchen renovations

Kitchen renovation is a touchy topic for DIYers, as it can be eye-wateringly expensive. Costs can range anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. And while the renovation could add $20,000 to $30,000 of value to your home, it’s an unnecessary money sink if you want to exit soon.

If that’s the case, we recommend picking one or two elements for your kitchen makeover rather than ripping it up and starting again. Here are some of our suggestions for kitchen renovations.

• Appliances: If you have any outdated appliances, replace them with new ones for an affordable upgrade. A new sink, fridge, or oven doesn’t have to be expensive, but having a home that feels modern adds a lot of charm.
• Worktops: New worktops are one of the simplest ways to make your kitchen look brand new. Natural wood is an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Kitchen island: Do you have extra space? Kitchen islands are a huge draw for buyers. While they can be expensive, they make the entire kitchen look more spacious and functional.

3. Upgrade your bathroom

Bathroom renovations often come last in the to-do list of house renovations because they offer a comparatively poor ROI compared with kitchen and living area upgrades.

Still, if your bathroom is outdated, it’s worth making some small aesthetic changes to keep up appearances with the rest of your home. Here are some of our tips to maximise ROI without spending a fortune.

• Fixture swaps: A new toilet, sink, faucet, bathtub, or even a mirror can do wonders for your space. You’ll be surprised how much a single new fixture can make the rest of your bathroom look fresher and more up-to-date.
• Re-tiling: New tiles can paint your bathroom in an entirely new light. Clean whites always work well, but this is also a great opportunity to add some colourful patterns. Just stick to a neutral colour palette, as this appeals to the largest number of buyers.
• Lighting: If the bathroom has a window, play with mirrors to accentuate the natural light. If not, invest in some high-quality bulbs to illuminate the space. From our experience, having a bright, airy bathroom is an instant plus for buyers.

4. Add an extra bedroom or granny flat

Our tip for a massive ROI is to convert spare rooms into functioning bedrooms where possible. One extra bedroom renovation can add up to $80,000 to your home’s value. Just track your budget to make sure you don’t overspend on the upgrade.

Alternatively, consider a granny flat if you have the space. Many families are looking to live together to better manage the cost of living. If you stick to your budget and renovate smartly, you could achieve a sizable ROI.

5. Get quotes for open-plan living

Open-plan is all the rage right now, and for good reason. Turning lots of small rooms into a bigger space makes a home feel larger and more inviting. It also makes it far easier to socialise with friends and family when hosting special occasions.

There’s a common misconception that open-plan renovations cost tens of thousands, but this isn’t always the case. If home builders only need to knock a single wall down to create a bigger space, this might only set you back somewhere in the ballpark of $500-$1500.

Our advice would be to get several quotes from building designers to assess costs. If it’s going to cost you more than $10,000, it probably isn’t a worthwhile investment. But if it’s affordable, open-plan can help you sell faster and for more money.

6. Consider a conversion

Do you have a loft or basement that’s collecting dust? What about a garage that’s not in use?

Converting these spaces into bedrooms or home offices could be one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make, especially if your property has limited space. Doing so can add tens of thousands of dollars to your property’s value. Just factor the costs into your budget.

7. Don’t forget storage solutions

Many homebuyers consider extra storage a huge plus. However, it can also detract from a space by making it look cluttered.

That’s why we recommend opting for built-in storage. Sliding wardrobes, cupboards, or shelving built into the wall offer the extra space buyers are looking for without reducing floor space or making a property look too confined.

Budget-friendly renovation ideas

Renovating doesn’t have to mean spending tens of thousands of dollars on remodels and luxury upgrades. In fact, for many homeowners, making some simple changes is enough to help buyers fall in love with a property. Here are our top three.

1. Don’t overlook a fresh coat of paint.

Never underestimate how much a fresh coat of paint can revitalise your property. Adding a pop of colour or an accent wall can bring a room to life, all for the price of a tank of fuel.

Consider the mood you want to create and find some inspiration before you paint. Warm hues like oranges and maroons make rooms look small and cosy. Paler colours like soft greens, greys, and blues are calming and cheerful. White is excellent for spaciousness and natural light, but add some subtle colour to your décor so it doesn’t look too bland.

Painting is also an excellent way to make fixtures and appliances look brand new without going for an entire refit.

Related: Top tips when renovating to sell.

2. Maximise curb appeal

We’ve all heard the expression that first impressions count. And this is also true when selling your home. When a buyer drives up to your property, you want it to be love at first sight. Prioritising curb appeal will pay dividends when you’re trying to make a sale.

Our top tips? Repaint your door, add some hanging plants, and consider some decorative lighting to spruce up your home exterior. If you have a front garden, make sure it’s in great condition by tidying the lawn and planting some flowers.

You can also improve curb appeal by tidying away any clutter. Hide the bins. Put any building materials in the shed. Make sure the path to the front door is free of weeds and leaves.

All of these things give your property the wow factor and make it more likely that your buyer will overlook any imperfections—they’ve already decided it's their dream home.

3. Stage your home

New pillows, wall art, plants, and fresh decor are worth their weight in gold because they help your buyer envision how it will feel to live in your home. And if your buyers can form an emotional connection with your property, they'll be more likely to overlook an old appliance or shabby paint job.

Equally important is decluttering your space. Nothing makes it harder for a buyer to form an attachment than seeing family photos and knickknacks on shelves. We recommend working with a professional for home decorating. They know exactly what buyers are looking for.

Related: The ultimate guide to staging your house for sale.

Sustainable design ideas

Choosing sustainable upgrades will help you reduce your own carbon footprint while appealing to the growing number of cost and environmentally-conscious buyers. Here are a few sustainable DIY home ideas to consider.

• Energy-efficient appliances: This is a straightforward, affordable way to appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. Energy Star-rated appliances are more attractive due to their potential for cost savings.
• Lighting: LED Lighting is a major talking point this year because it uses up to 75% less energy and lasts 5 to 10 times longer than standard bulbs. This makes LEDs a very affordable way to boost your home’s value.
• Double-glazed windows: Aside from making your home’s temperature more consistent, double-glazed windows are excellent for energy efficiency. This is a simple upgrade that is a huge plus for buyers.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best easy home renovation ideas for a quick ROI?

From our experience, the best renovations for quick ROI are affordable home improvements. Fresh coats of paint, repurposing existing furniture, and making simple appliance and fixture upgrades will always be less risky than renovating an entire room.

Maximising curb appeal and staging your home also help a buyer fall in love with your property. Ultimately, these first impressions will help you make a fast sale.

Do I need planning permission for a home renovation?

If you’re just redesigning a room, installing some new furniture, or styling your property, you won’t need planning permission. But if you’re making structural changes, adding an extension, or completely changing the use of a building (such as making a granny flat), you may need to get permission from your local council.

Always double-check the regulations in your state before you proceed with any major renovations.

What are the most common renovation mistakes?

We see two mistakes time and time again. The first is overspending. This is a huge issue if you’re trying to get a decent return on your investment. Budget

meticulously so you stay on top of your expenses. The second mistake is underestimating how much time renovations take.

If you set unrealistic expectations, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Remember that renovating is rarely an overnight task without any roadblocks. Always set a realistic timeframe before you start.

The bottom line

We’ve all heard the story about renovating: It’s expensive, a massive undertaking, and stressful.

But over the last three decades of helping Australians buy and sell properties, we’ve seen time and time again that renovating brings returns. It can be an incredibly smart investment as long as you go about it the right way.

Start small. Only renovate what requires an upgrade. Budget diligently and find different ways to keep costs down. And remember that a coat of paint can fix a lot of problems.

How DiJones can help

We’ve helped hundreds of Australian homeowners prepare their properties for sale. With our property management and styling experience, we can help you sell your house faster and for more. Read our selling guide for more information on the selling process.

Or, if you’d like to request an appraisal or want to ask us some questions, connect with us today. We’ll be on hand to support.