Renovating a house before selling: The pros and cons

Renovating a house before selling: The pros and cons

Lesezeit: 2 min
Datum: 30.09.2024

The most important facts in brief

  • Advantages: Renovation can increase the selling price, make the property more attractive and speed up the sales process.
  • Disadvantages: It can be costly and time-consuming. In addition, renovations may not always be to the buyers' taste.
  • When it is worthwhile: Renovation can be particularly useful in the kitchen, bathroom or for windows/insulation.
  • Alternatives: Home staging and minor repairs as cost-effective measures.

If you want to sell your house, the question often arises: Should I renovate the house before selling it? Renovation can increase the selling price, but it also requires time and money. In this guide from Wienrot Immobilien GmbH & Co AG in Jena, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of renovating before selling and when it might be worthwhile. We also offer you the advantage of maintaining close contacts with local tradesmen and can support you in realising your renovation plans.

1. the advantages of renovating before selling

A renovation can significantly increase the value of your property and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Higher selling price:
    By renovating, you can improve the visual condition of your home and thus achieve a higher selling price. Especially in cities like Jena, where property is in high demand, a well-maintained property often makes all the difference.
  • Better market position:
    A renovated home stands out on the property market and can be sold more quickly. Buyers generally prefer properties that do not require extensive work after purchase.
  • More attractive photos and viewings:
    A freshly renovated home looks much more inviting in pictures and during viewings. Modern bathrooms, freshly painted walls and well-maintained outdoor areas make a positive impression on potential buyers.
  • Removing defects:
    Renovation allows you to remove visible defects that may deter buyers. Whether it's outdated windows, worn floors or cracks in the façade - you can restore the house to optimum condition with targeted renovation measures.

2. the disadvantages of renovating before selling

However, renovation is not always the best solution. Here are some potential disadvantages you should consider:

  • Costly:
    Renovations can be expensive, and not every investment pays off when you sell. It's important to carefully weigh the costs and benefits and consider whether the planned renovations will actually increase the sale price enough to make the expense worthwhile.
  • Time required:
    Renovation work takes time. If you want to sell your property quickly, a renovation could unnecessarily delay the sales process. Major work in particular, such as replacing heating systems or bathrooms, can take several weeks.
  • A matter of taste:
    Not every renovation meets the taste of potential buyers. There is a risk that expensive renovations, such as a certain type of tiling or flooring, may not appeal to future owners and they may change the work again after the purchase.

3. when is it worth renovating before selling?

A renovation is particularly worthwhile if certain areas of the house look outdated or worn. Here are a few examples:

  • The kitchen and bathroom:
    These two areas are often crucial to the success of a property sale. A modernised kitchen or an attractive bathroom can significantly increase the selling price.
  • Fresh colours:
    A new coat of paint in neutral colours can work wonders and give your home a fresh, modern look.
  • Windows and insulation:
    In these times of rising energy prices, buyers are paying more attention to a home's energy consumption. If your property is poorly insulated or has old windows, a renovation in this area could be a good idea.


Tip:
At Wienroth Immobilien GmbH & Co. AG, we have close contacts with many local tradesmen in Jena and the surrounding area. We are particularly pleased to recommend the company Martin Büchel Innenausbau from Jena, with whom we work closely. They offer professional interior finishing and renovation services and can help you to get your property in optimum condition for sale. Contact Martin Büchel Innenausbau directly at:

4. alternatives to complete renovation

If you are unsure whether a complete renovation is the right choice, there are also smaller measures that are less cost-intensive and can be implemented more quickly:

  • Home staging:
    Professional home staging can increase the sales value without the need for major structural changes. Small improvements, furniture arrangements and decoration can bring out the best in your home.
  • Minor repairs:
    Eliminate obvious defects such as leaking taps, squeaky doors or worn skirting boards. These small jobs can make a big difference to the overall impression.

Conclusion: Renovation before the sale - an individual decision

Whether you should renovate your home before selling it depends on the current market situation, the condition of the property and the expectations of the buyers. In many cases, targeted renovation can increase the value of the property and speed up the sales process. At Wienroth Immobilien GmbH & Co. AG in Jena, we are here to help you make the right decision and can put you in touch with reliable local tradesmen, such as Martin Büchel Innenausbau, for your renovation work.

Contact us - your estate agent in Jena!

If you are considering renovating your home before you sell it, we at Wienroth Immobilien GmbH & Co. AG will be happy to help you with the planning and realisation. Thanks to our close cooperation with local craftsmen, in particular the company Martin Büchel Innenausbau, we can support you in choosing the best renovation steps to maximise the success of the sale. Contact us for a non-binding consultation!

A contribution by Thomas Wienroth

Your regional real estate agent from Jena has stood for the successful marketing and letting of your properties and real estate since 2009. Benefit from TOP advice and outstanding services.