Selling a house in Dublin- market as-in or redecorate?

[AyeAyeAyeAyeAye]

Following an inheritance, I’m selling a house in Dublin. The house itself is really well built and has been upgraded over the years (double glazing, new bathroom, insulation, solar panels etc) but the decor is very outdated. The carpets are very 1990s, and the wallpaper is coming off in one room (the wall underneath is fine, but the paper is just old and the paste has given up).

Houses in the area get snapped up and are popular with first time buyers and young families who tend to renovate- a lot of properties hit the market following deaths of elderly owners so most photos on Daft show houses in need of modernisation and redecorating. Obviously, the Dublin market is insane but it’s an area that’s relatively affordable.

In the current market, am I right in thinking that there’s not much point in investing money ahead of listing to make the decor more neutral, given a new buyer is likely to just want to really put their own stamp on it, and likely have plans to knock walls?

My priority here is a fast sale rather than squeezing every cent out of it.

I wouldn’t do it up. Almost every buyer will rip the place out.
Every house in my (expensive) area undergoes a big reno.

I’m in Dublin, BTW. Most people get money from Mum & Dad.

I’d agree most people world redecorate. As long as the place is ultra clean I’d think it would be fine

You only need to redecorate in a market that you are trying to make your property more appealing than competition . In Dublin market now it is all about location and size .

I just posted on another thread about my mums house. It sold for well above asking and some of the rooms haven't been touched for 30/40 years but like yours it is in good repair with double glazed windows etc. If its in a desireable area i definitely wouldn't decorate, its a waste of money and ime people will be queuing up to buy it as is.

I might re-paper that one room in case people think there is damp or something. But other than that I wouldn't worry, it just looks like somebody old used to live there which isn't a problem for buyers.

I'm also in Dublin and in my area people do tend to tart up a house before selling, but it's a high value area so if a house is expected to sell for multiple millions then 20K of house doctoring is a minor amount. The buyer will definitely do work when they get it, but it needs to have a lifestyle look when it's on the market. But even here old-people houses tend to go on the market with their current decor and just tidied up garden and cleared gutters and perhaps a coat of paint on front door and windows.

Exactly. No need. Just give it a good clean, and pull off any dangling wallpaper so that people can appreciate that the wall behind it is in good condition.

It’s spotless now so keen to get it listed before the dust has a chance to settle back in! Had cleaners in over the weekend and everything is spotless- including the 1980s carpets which got a deep clean.

Just need to get the BER assessor in.

It’s a lovely house so will hopefully give a family a chance to get a foot on the property ladder. It has a lovely little garden, parking, and very nice neighbours.

The reason for my original question is that a colleague is aghast that I’m not going to have the place redecorated. My theory is that so many people wait ages to buy their first home so they’ll have big plans and those will equate to more than a neutral wall colour and some new flooring.

Thanks all for your input.

Your colleague isn’t thinking straight. A quirky house in a not-popular area in a challenging market, sure, you might need to pull your finger out, but not in your case. Good luck! Hope it sells quickly and painlessly.

If the 1980's decor is still immaculate id keep it in. As a buyer i would think that this indicates a lack of damp. It will all be ripped out buy the buyers. Painters are £250 per day near me, not worth it.

clea thoroughly and tidy up the garden. White paint for anywhere which is obviously odd and get a repair man in to do any small bits of maintenance that might be spotted during viewings.

Other than that don’t bother. One approach, if unsure what agent to use, is to invite in three or four and give them the same questions, including whether there is anything immediate that needs doing. The one who sounds most sensible, on that and on valuation gets the instruction.

Honestly OP if it’s clean and otherwise well maintained I’d do nothing. I remember being told years ago by an estate agent that very clean and shining windows can make a great first impression. This was during the recession when houses weren’t selling and he was saying it’s one of those things that people seem to comment on. Anyway I wouldn’t go spending money as I’m nowhere near Dublin but houses in this part of the country are being snapped up as soon as they go up and always massively over the asking price so you will be fine.

I wouldn’t have redecorated either @AyeAyeAyeAyeAye.
Sure half the fun in getting your own place is the decoration.
Your colleague hasn’t a clue.
In my area - Dublin, the houses are almost demolished once bought and then refurbed.
i hope the viewings are going well.

My relatives home sold over asking and unreburished. It had massive artex spikes on most ceilings, coloured bathroom suite and the most awful swirly 80s carpets. The buyers have done a massive rebuild which we've all been nosey about!
The Irish market is crazy right now, so just sell it and save the hassle.

I've recently sold my late mum's buy to let property. The tenants left it in a real mess, so I had it cleared and cleaned, but then didn't know what to do. It desperately needed redecorating, rusty radiators needing replacement, and a new kitchen etc etc.

I spoke to the estate agent, and he was absolutely categorical that, other than dealing with some mould, I shouldn't do anything. To my amazement it sold in days, with six people making offers, and right at the top end of its value. I'm so grateful that he stopped me from spending a lot of unnecessary money and time!