Are you planning to sell a property and wondering how to achieve the best possible price? It's often not the expensive full refurbishments, but rather small renovations with a big impact that bring the highest return on investment. Discover which 7 measures represent the biggest lever for your sales strategy.
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The topic briefly and concisely
Targeted modernisations in the kitchen and bathroom can increase property value by 5% to 20%.
A fresh, neutral coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective measures with the greatest visual impact, making rooms appear larger.
Energy improvements, even small ones, are a strong selling point and can increase the value by up to 25%.
You want to sell your property and achieve a price that reflects its true potential. However, prospective buyers often overestimate the costs for necessary repairs, which lowers the asking price. Targeted, small renovations can counteract this effect, significantly increase the value of your property, and expedite the sale. This article, based on market data, shows you which investments really pay off and how to achieve maximum impact with minimal effort. A data-driven analysis is key to avoiding costly mistakes and optimising the closing of the sale.
First impressions count: Optimise entrance area and facade
The first contact a buyer has with your property often determines their ongoing interest. A well-maintained exterior can increase its value by 3 to 5%. Start with a clean facade and an inviting entrance. Even a freshly painted front door in a modern colour can make a huge difference for under 200 euros. A well-kept front garden and a flawless entrance signal immediately that the property is well-maintained. Remove weeds, repair the garden fence, and ensure the outdoor lighting is working. These measures cost little but create a positive overall impression before the buyer even steps inside. A professional presentation of your property starts at the boundary.
This visual enhancement is the foundation for a successful viewing and sets the stage for appreciating the property's interior features.
The Heart of the Home: Thoughtfully Modernising the Kitchen
The kitchen is a key decision factor for many buyers. A complete renovation is often unnecessary and can exceed the budget. However, targeted modernisation can increase the property value by 5 to 10%. An investment starting at 5,000 euros may already suffice to transform an outdated space into a modern cooking environment. Replacing countertops and old appliances with energy-efficient models is one of the most effective measures. Even small changes can have a big impact and significantly enhance the appeal to potential buyers.
Here are some cost-efficient measures:
Replace cabinet and drawer handles (Cost: 50 - 200 euros).
Renew the tile backsplash behind the countertop.
Install a new, modern kitchen tap.
Replace the countertop with modern laminate or a solid wood top.
Paint the kitchen fronts in a neutral, light colour.
A well-considered cost-benefit analysis helps you set the right priorities. This ensures that the kitchen not only looks modern but also sustainably increases the value of your property, paving the way for upgrading the next important room: the bathroom.
The private wellness oasis: Enhance your bathroom
A modern and clean bathroom can increase your property's sale value by 10 to 20%. Buyers pay particular attention to functionality and a contemporary appearance. A full renovation is not always necessary; often, smaller adjustments are sufficient. Replacing old fixtures with water-saving models costs just a few hundred euros but improves both the aesthetics and energy efficiency. A clean, mould-free grout and modern lighting instantly make any bathroom appear more upscale. These details signal care and alleviate buyers' fears of hidden defects.
Not sure if a complete bathroom renovation is worthwhile? The Auctoa ImmoGPT-Chat can provide you with an initial, data-driven assessment in just 60 seconds. Often, it's the small things that make the difference. A new sink or a modern shower cubicle can completely transform a space. Once you've upgraded the bathroom, the largest areas of the property come into focus: the walls and floors.
A new look for walls and floors
Fresh paint is one of the most cost-effective renovations with the greatest visual impact. Neutral tones like white, grey, or beige can make spaces appear larger, brighter, and more inviting. The cost of paint and materials for a 100-square-metre house often falls below 1,000 euros. Flooring also significantly affects perceived value. Worn-out carpets should always be removed as they are often considered unhygienic. A high-quality vinyl floor with a wood look can be a cost-effective and durable alternative to expensive parquet flooring and can enhance value.
The following measures offer an excellent cost-benefit ratio:
Painting all walls and ceilings in a uniform, neutral colour.
Repairing small cracks or holes in the walls.
Replacing old, worn-out carpets.
Professional refurbishment or sanding of an existing wooden floor.
A cohesive colour and material concept provides a neutral canvas on which buyers can project their own living dreams. Knowing what buyers really want to see is crucial here. With freshly designed spaces, lighting becomes the next important factor for the atmosphere.
Light and Energy: Windows and Lighting as Value Levers
Good lighting conditions and a positive energy balance are more important than ever for buyers today. An energy-efficient refurbishment can increase a property's value by up to 25%. While replacing all the windows requires a larger investment, smaller measures can already make a significant impact. Ensure that all windows are clean and fully functional. Replacing outdated lighting fixtures with modern LED spots for under 50 euros each can completely change a room's lighting atmosphere. Bright, well-lit rooms appear friendlier and larger. Modern windows also offer better sound and burglary protection, which is an additional selling point. A thoughtful consideration of renovation costs and value increase is particularly important here. These improvements lead directly to the final question: When is the investment truly profitable?
The basis for decision-making: When is the investment worthwhile?
Every renovation must ultimately pay off. The basic rule is: the investment costs should be lower than the achievable increase in value. A renovated property can have a positive effect not only on the price but also on the sales time – a reduction of up to 25% is realistic. However, before you begin, an objective analysis is indispensable. Do not rely on your gut feeling, but on a data-based assessment. This way, you avoid investing in measures that the market does not reward. A precise Auctoa property valuation provides you with the essential data foundation to avoid poor investments and secure the maximum return. It clearly shows you where the greatest potential for value increase of your specific property lies.
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Additional useful links
Statistisches Bundesamt offers data on house prices and building land in Germany.
KfW provides information about funding programmes for the energy-efficient renovation of existing properties.
Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena) provides information on the energy performance certificate.
Verbraucherzentrale offers knowledge on the individual renovation roadmap (iSFP) for a well-planned modernisation.
Wikipedia delivers a comprehensive article on property valuation.
Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung (BBSR) provides a dashboard for the real estate market report.
Deutsche Bundesbank offers an indicator system for the residential real estate market.
Umweltbundesamt provides information on sustainable building and its significance.
FAQ
What colour should I choose for the paint before selling?
Choose neutral, light colours like white, light grey, or soft beige tones. These colours make the rooms appear larger and brighter, allowing potential buyers to better envision their own furnishings.
Do I need to rectify all defects before selling?
You should address all visible and minor defects (e.g. dripping tap, cracks in the wall). Larger, known defects do not necessarily need to be repaired, but you must disclose them transparently to the buyer. Repairing is often better, as buyers tend to overestimate the costs of defects.
What is more important: renovating the kitchen or the bathroom?
Both rooms are very important. Statistically, bathroom renovation often has a slightly higher potential for value increase (up to 20%) compared to the kitchen (up to 10%). If the budget is limited, analyse which room is in worse condition and start with cost-effective improvements there.
How can I objectively assess the need for renovation?
The best way is a professional property valuation. An expert can tell you exactly which measures are worthwhile for your specific property and the current market situation. Tools like Auctoa ImmoGPT can also provide a quick, data-driven initial assessment.
Should I hire professionals for renovations or do it myself?
That depends on your skills and time. Simple tasks like painting or replacing handles can be done by yourself to save costs. For electrical and plumbing installations or more complex tasks, you should always hire a professional to ensure high quality and avoid safety risks.
How long before the planned sale should I start the renovations?
Plan at least 2-3 months before the first viewing appointment. This gives you enough time to get quotes from tradespeople, carry out the work without stress, and adhere to any drying times (e.g. for fresh paint).
