7 cheap and easy ways to increase the value of your property

Whether you’re upgrading or downsizing, there’s no denying the stress that comes with selling and moving house. And if there’s one thing on the mind of sellers, it’s the uncertainty that comes with not knowing how much your home will sell for.

Luckily there are a few things you can do yourself that can not only make your home more appealing to buyers and maximise your chances of selling, but increase its value. And according to Australia’s biggest fixed-fee agency, Upside, the best part is, you won’t have to drop a bundle to do it! Check out some of their tips below!

Slap on a fresh coat of paint 

Adding a fresh coat of paint to your walls is one of the easiest ways to give your home an aesthetic boost. Your rooms will appear brighter and livelier and it can cover up any wear and tear on your walls. The trick to getting it right is to stick with neutral colours, like white or cream. 

Cost: $10 - $25 per square meter or a total of $225 for the average Aussie bedroom 

Give your kitchen a new ‘do’ 

From Sunday breakfast to getting the in-laws over for dinner, there’s no denying the time we spend in the kitchen. So if your kitchen has seen better days, give it a facelift by painting the cabinets and topping it off with a new set of knobs or handles. Picking up some new linens or tablecloths can also make your kitchen feel more inviting. 

Cost: $100 for new linen set to $4,000 (inclusive of kitchen cabinet respray)

Invest in some green 

It’s no secret that indoor plants have become one of the trendiest way to decorate your home. This is because plants give off a fresh and modern feeling that can bring even the dullest rooms back to life. But if you’re not keen on the upkeep of indoor plants, fake plants can work just as well and most of the time, no one can tell the difference. 

Cost: $10 - $200 per plant 

Give your front yard some TLC 

According to Upside, research shows that 80% of Aussies prefer a home with a yard for their family and four-legged friends. You may be able to win over potential buyers with a pristine front yard. Trimming hedges, mulching garden beds and mowing your lawn are just some of the budget-friendly ways you can make your front yard a stand out. 

Cost: $200 - $400 for mulch delivery 

Go minimalist 

While minimalism is another trendy approach to interior design, in this case, it’s about making your home as open as possible. Buyers are trying to imagine themselves in your home, so it’s best to get rid of unnecessary pieces of furniture, picture frames, artworks or large rugs. 

Cost: Free 

Add some reflection 

Hanging up mirrors can also open up a room, but it’s also important to know where to put them. Try hanging a mirror behind the couch or shelf in your living room and even behind the headboard in the master bedroom.

Cost: $100 - $250 

Get picky with your agent 

If there’s one thing to weigh up carefully, it’s your agent. While it’s one thing to choose an agent that’s got experience and is passionate about the job, you’ll also need to look at the fees they charge for their services. For instance, some agents may charge fixed fees, which can give you certainty and transparency, while others charge a commission that can be between 2% - 2.2% and in some cases 3% if marketing is charged as an additional cost. 

Cost: Free 

Want to check out some more tips and tricks to sell your home? Check out our range of home selling guides. If your home renovations do require a bit of extra cash, you may want to consider a home renovation loan.