Property Valuation
Renovation Potential Report
Small renovations before selling the house
Are you considering selling your property and wondering if renovations are still worthwhile? The answer is a clear yes if you take the right measures. Learn how you can increase the sale value by up to 15% with investments often as low as a few thousand euros.
With access to Google, BORIS, and Deep Research.
Focus on cost-effective, cosmetic repairs like fresh paint and modern lighting, as these often offer the highest return on investment.
Kitchens and bathrooms are crucial: Small updates like new fittings or handles often have more impact than an expensive complete renovation.
First impressions count: A well-maintained exterior and entrance can significantly increase buyer interest and the achievable price.
Does it really pay off to invest money in a property you're soon moving out of before selling it? This is a question many owners ask themselves. The data shows: Targeted small renovations before selling a house are one of the most effective methods not only to speed up the sales process but also to achieve a significantly higher price. It's not about expensive complete refurbishments, but about strategic improvements that yield maximum returns with minimal budget. This guide shows you which measures really pay off and how to avoid pitfalls.
First impressions are made within seconds and begin at the property boundary. A well-maintained facade and an inviting entrance can increase buyers' interest by 20%. Even small actions like a new coat of paint on the front door for under 200 euros signal attention to detail.
A well-kept garden is also a strong selling point. Mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and removing weeds cost almost nothing but improve the appearance by 100%. Investments in landscaping often yield a return on investment of over 200%. A clean walkway and functioning outdoor lighting complete the picture and build trust before the buyer even steps inside. These details are crucial, as shown by our tips for optimal presentation.
The impact of these first moments lays the foundation for the entire viewing and subsequent price negotiations.
Worn floors and yellowed walls can ruin an otherwise good layout. A fresh, neutral coat of paint is one of the most profitable investments you can make. With costs often only between 1,000 and 2,500 euros, it creates an instant impression of being 'well-maintained' and 'move-in ready'.
The choice of colour is crucial:
Light, neutral tones: White, light grey, or soft beige tones make rooms appear larger and brighter.
Uniformity: A consistent colour scheme creates harmony and tranquillity.
Quality: High-quality paint provides better coverage and a professional finish, keeping costs per square metre to just 10-15 euros.
Flooring also has a significant impact. Replacing an old carpet with modern laminate or vinyl can increase the perceived value by 3-5%. The cost-benefit analysis of such work is almost always positive. These measures form the canvas on which potential buyers can imagine their new lives.
The kitchen and bathroom are the most emotionally significant rooms for purchasing decisions. However, a complete renovation is rarely profitable and can quickly cost 15,000 euros or more. Instead, small, strategic updates lead to success. A kitchen makeover can increase the sale value by 5-10%.
Focus on cost-effective measures with a big impact:
Replace fixtures: A modern, water-saving tap often costs under 150 euros, but immediately upgrades the sink.
Renew handles: New handles on cupboards and drawers can transform the entire look of a kitchen for 50-200 euros.
Enhance the worktop: A new worktop can be installed for under 1,000 euros and has a massive effect.
Paint the tiled backsplash: With special tile paint for about 50 euros, an outdated tiled backsplash looks modern again.
The same principle applies in the bathroom. New silicone joints for under 30 euros and a new shower screen can rejuvenate a bathroom by years. Such renovations appeal to buyers as they minimise the need for further renovation after purchase. This way, you signal a well-maintained condition without breaking your budget.
The right lighting and modern details are often underestimated, but they significantly influence the atmosphere. Outdated lamps and dark corners make spaces appear smaller and less inviting. An investment of just 300 euros in new LED lights can completely change perceptions.
Replace old ceiling lights with modern, simple models and install additional light sources if necessary. A well-lit room can appear up to 10% larger. Small details like switching yellowed plastic light switches and sockets to a modern design for around 5-10 euros each are also worthwhile. These small details show what buyers really want to see: a property without hidden maintenance issues.
These invisible improvements add up to a cohesive and high-quality overall impression that justifies the price.
Energy-saving measures are a double-edged sword. They can significantly increase the value of a property but are associated with high costs. An energy renovation can raise the sale value by 10-15%, but the investment can easily exceed €20,000.
A careful cost-benefit analysis is essential here. However, smaller measures can be worthwhile:
Insulation of the top floor ceiling: Often achievable for less than €2,000 and noticeably reduces heating costs.
New thermostat valves: An investment of €20-30 per radiator that improves efficiency.
Check and renew window seals: Costs of under €100 can stop drafts and improve the energy certificate.
Larger projects like window replacement or façade insulation should only be undertaken after a professional assessment. Such an analysis protects you from misguided investments. With our ImmoGPT, you can get an initial assessment of which renovations are truly worthwhile.
Finding the right balance between cost and benefit is the key to success in energy matters.
Minor renovations before selling a house are not a cost factor but a strategic investment in your sales proceeds. With a budget often only 1-2% of the property's value, you can achieve a sales premium of up to 15%. The key is to focus on visible, cosmetic improvements that appeal to a wide range of buyers and provide a well-maintained overall impression.
Avoid expensive, taste-dependent conversions and focus on measures with the best cost-benefit ratio. A data-driven assessment helps you set the right priorities and avoid renovating blindly. If you're unsure which measures will have the greatest impact on your specific property, an impartial evaluation from Auctoa can provide clarity. This ensures that every euro you invest ultimately pays off multiple times over.
Destatis offers an overview page on construction prices and real estate price indices from the Federal Statistical Office.
Destatis provides tables on house and building land prices from the Federal Statistical Office.
Destatis publishes press releases containing current data on real estate prices.
IW Consult offers a study on the renovation potential of residential properties in Germany.
DIW Berlin publishes a weekly report on energy-efficient building renovation, highlighting declining investments and the risk of missing climate targets.
Iges Institut presents a study on the increase in value through energy-efficient renovation.
Tagesschau offers a news article on the challenges and benefits of energy-efficient renovations for property owners.
ImmobilienManager explores in an article how the energy efficiency class affects house prices.
Welche Renovierungen schrecken Käufer eher ab?
Too individual and luxurious renovations often deter buyers, as they rarely appeal to the general public's taste and unnecessarily drive up the price. Amateurish DIY work or superficially covered defects are quickly identified by surveyors and experienced buyers, leading to distrust and price reductions.
Muss ich durchgeführte Renovierungen beim Verkauf angeben?
Yes, you should transparently document all major renovation and refurbishment work and present it to the buyer. This builds trust and is part of your legal disclosure obligation in Germany. Keep invoices and tradesmen's receipts carefully.
Lohnt sich Home Staging mehr als eine Renovierung?
Home staging and renovation are not mutually exclusive; they complement each other. Renovations fix defects and modernise the substance (e.g., a new coat of paint). Home staging enhances the presentation through furniture, lighting, and decoration. For maximum success, carry out necessary small renovations first, then professionally stage the property.
Wie finde ich heraus, welche Renovierung sich bei meiner Immobilie lohnt?
The best way is through data-driven analysis. Tools like Auctoa ImmoGPT or a professional property valuation can help you understand your property's current market value and potential. This allows you to identify the measures that promise the greatest financial benefit in your location and for your target audience.
