7 Budget-Friendly Tips to Boost Your Property's Value

One of the most common questions I am asked is how to best increase the value of a property, with limited budget. Being rather thrifty by nature, I take great pride in getting maximum bang for buck. Here are the most cost-effective ways to get a maximum return in no particular order.

1. Painting

From around $3,000 a fresh coat of paint will transform a tired or dated property. Neutral colour schemes are the best option. Single colour walls, white ceilings, white skirting/doors/frames. Dulux Lexicon Quarter or Taubmans Twill are my two preferred colours. It is my experience that the smell of fresh paint has an almost caustic effect on people’s purse strings or in other words they pay more when they smell paint!

2. Flooring

A quick way to reinvigorate your property!

My go to carpet colour is light grey. Although it is believed that darker colours hide marks, the reality is they darken the space and make the room feel smaller.

On a very tight budget, I have been known to use a timber floorboard print linoleum in kitchens/hallways (looks the same in the photos!) so you get the look without the spend.

Carpets have a 10 year depreciable lifespan, so changing these offer an additional benefit.

3. Lighting

Changing from bayonet fittings (globes) to recessed LED downlights will both modernise and brighten your space, whilst adding a more modern aesthetic. In rooms where there is no air conditioning (minor beds or secondary living spaces) and the budget will not allow it, a ceiling fan with oyster light will offer climate relief adding value to the home.

4. Tapware

Updating tapware and shower heads will modernise a bathroom/laundry/kitchen without the need to completely overhaul the space. Larger shower roses (rain style) will add a champagne touch on a beer budget (circa $50).

5. Door hardware

Updating door handles and cupboard handles will freshen up a space for a low spend.

6. Window treatments

I will admit, vertical blinds are pet hate of mine. The plastic chains perishes over time and there is no going back. Roller blinds are a great investment as they are hard wearing, modern looking and relatively cheap to acquire. Custom made blinds range from $150 to $450 OR off the shelf options are available from Bunnings/Spotlight.

7. Power points and light switches

Over time white plastics will yellow, which detract from the overall presentation of the property. Cheapest fix is to acquire new faceplate covers.

You can also look to upgrade single GPO (power points) to doubles. Taking this a step further in either the kitchen or master bedroom, you can add in power points with USB charging.

Rob Woolmer

Head of Property Management

CONTESSI PROPERTIES