Should You Sell As-Is or Renovate? A Complete Guide to Making the Right Choice.
The Big Question for Canberra Homeowners
You’ve decided to sell — but should you list your home exactly as it is, or invest in renovations first? It’s one of the most common dilemmas for Canberra homeowners. At Your Property Profits (YPP), we help sellers weigh up this decision every day. Here’s a practical guide to choosing the right path.
Selling As-Is: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fastest path to market – list immediately, no wait for trades or approvals.
- Zero upfront cost – avoid spending money on upgrades.
- Appeals to renovators – some buyers prefer a “blank canvas”.
Cons
- Lower sale price – unrenovated homes usually fetch less.
- Longer time on market – buyers may hesitate over the work needed.
- Perceived risk – unrenovated homes can raise concerns about hidden issues.
Renovating Before Sale: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Higher resale value – strategic upgrades (bathroom, kitchen, paint) can add $50k–$150k+.
- Stronger buyer interest – move-in-ready homes attract more offers.
- Faster sale – well-presented homes spend fewer days on the market.
Cons
- Upfront cost – even cosmetic makeovers require investment.
- Time – projects take 4–6 weeks on average in Canberra.
- Risk of overcapitalising – overspending on features buyers don’t value.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before deciding, consider:
1. What’s the market like right now?
A real estate agent can advise whether buyers are chasing anything they can get, or if presentation is key.
2. What condition is my property in?
Cosmetic updates (paint, carpet, landscaping) often pay off. Major overhauls require more thought.
3. Do I have the funds (or financing) to renovate?
If not, models like Renovate Now, Pay Later (like YPP’s) can make upgrades possible with no upfront cost.
4. What’s my timeline?
If you have 4–6 weeks, there’s time for a transformation. If you need to sell in days, as-is might be your only option.
The Canberra Factor: Approvals and Compliance
In the ACT, certain changes (like removing walls or extending a deck) need approval. Access Canberra regulates these works. Selling without approvals in place can lead to legal issues or reduced buyer confidence. That’s why YPP manages the building approval process for all major upgrades.
How to Decide: Key Factors
1. Property Condition
If your home is structurally sound but cosmetically tired, targeted renovations (paint, flooring, bathroom refresh) usually deliver strong ROI.
2. Market Conditions
In a hot Canberra market, as-is sales can still perform well. In a balanced market, renovated homes stand out and sell faster.
3. Financial Situation
Don’t want to risk upfront costs? With YPP’s Renovate Now, Pay Later model, you can upgrade without paying until settlement.
4. Buyer Expectations
Canberra buyers increasingly prefer move-in-ready homes. If your home is competing with freshly renovated listings, you may need to upgrade to stay competitive.
FAQs
Is it always worth renovating before selling in Canberra?
Not always. Cosmetic refreshes almost always pay off, but luxury upgrades or pools rarely do.
What’s the average cost of pre-sale renovations?
Budgets range from $20k for a facelift to $150k for full-scale upgrades. See our blog on Pre-Sale Renovation Costs for details.
How long will renovations delay my sale?
Most projects take 4–6 weeks. Approvals (if needed) may add time, but we manage this for you.
Can I sell without council approvals for past works?
Technically yes, but buyers and solicitors may request certificates. Lack of approvals can delay or reduce offers.
Final Word
Selling as-is is faster, but renovating can dramatically increase your profit and reduce stress at sale time. The best choice depends on your property, budget, and Canberra’s market conditions.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Sophie and the YPP team for a free consultation. We’ll assess your home and advise whether to sell as-is or renovate for maximum return.
