Top 5 Renovations That Add Value Before Selling (and 3 That Don’t)
Why Renovate Before Selling in Canberra?
Canberra’s property market is competitive, with buyers willing to pay more for homes that are move-in ready. The right renovations can add tens of thousands to your sale price, but not all upgrades pay off. At Your Property Profits (YPP), we’ve overseen countless pre-sale transformations, and here’s what really works — and what usually doesn’t.
5 Renovations That Add the Most Value
1. Kitchen Renovations
The kitchen is the number one selling point in most homes. A refreshed kitchen renovation can cost $15,000–$40,000, but often delivers 2–3x ROI. Canberra buyers expect modern appliances, functional layouts, and clean finishes.
2. Bathroom Upgrades
Outdated bathrooms are a dealbreaker. A quality bathroom renovation in the $20,000–$35,000 range typically pays off, giving buyers peace of mind that plumbing, waterproofing, and style are all on-point.
3. Fresh Paint & Cosmetic Touch-Ups
Simple updates like painting, new lighting, and flooring can completely refresh a property. Neutral palettes work best in Canberra’s market, as they appeal to the widest buyer pool.
4. Energy Efficiency Improvements
Buyers are increasingly conscious of energy bills. Double-glazing, insulation, and efficient lighting are highly valued upgrades, especially with Canberra’s climate extremes. These can be integrated through our window glazing & upgrades services.
5. Open-Plan Living & Layout Adjustments
Removing non-structural walls or reconfiguring spaces to create open-plan living is hugely attractive. Canberra families and professionals alike favour functional layouts that maximise light and flow.
3 Renovations That Rarely Pay Off
1. Luxury Additions
Think saunas, wine cellars, or cinema rooms. These are highly personal, costly, and often don’t match Canberra buyer priorities.
2. High-End Landscapinga
While curb appeal is important, elaborate landscaping rarely adds dollar-for-dollar value unless paired with a full property upgrade.
3. Swimming Pools
Expensive to install and maintain, pools can even deter buyers worried about upkeep and safety — especially in Canberra’s cooler climate.
The Canberra Difference: Approvals and Compliance
Remember: bigger changes like wall removals, extensions, or structural work require building approval in the ACT. According to Access Canberra, these must meet strict safety and compliance standards. YPP handles the approvals process so your project is smooth, legal, and stress-free.
FAQs
What’s the single best renovation for ROI in Canberra?
Kitchens and bathrooms consistently deliver the highest returns, often adding $50k+ in value.
Do I need approval for cosmetic changes?
No — painting, flooring, and minor updates usually don’t. Structural or plumbing/electrical changes almost always do.
How fast can YPP complete renovations?
Most of our projects are completed in 4–6 weeks, including approvals where needed.
Are energy-efficient upgrades really worth it?
Yes — Canberra buyers appreciate lower running costs, and these upgrades make your home more competitive.
Final Word
Not all renovations are created equal. Focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, and energy efficiency delivers strong results, while costly “extras” rarely pay off.
👉 Thinking of renovating before selling? Book a free consultation with YPP to see which upgrades will give your home the edge.
