Speding money on a property you intend to sell soon

[CatAndFiddle]

Hi,

My DH and I bought out 2bed flat at pretty much the height of the market, 6 years ago. It was our first purchase. It was in a poor state (old lady passed away) so over the years we have done the electrics, put in double glazing, gas supply and central heating, new kitchen, and new flooring throughout. We bought for £110k and have spent about £17k on it. However, we are now desperate for more space and will be looking to move in the next 18 months (currently on mat leave). Realistically, we would probably be Lucky to sell the place for what we bought it for. So finances are going to be tight for the move, and we are starting to overpay the mortgage in préparation. My question is, the bathroom is the one thing we have not got round to doing and it is a mess. But should we do it to secure à sale or are we better putting that money into the mortgage?

is it usable? Selling a house without a functioning bathroom could be tricky.

if so, slap up some paint, put up some new curtains and leave it at that.

good for you to recognise that you probably won't get your money back, although no harm in trying. What you have done is made it saleable.

It is useable. But very tatty. It is quite large room, but is completely tiled. The tiles are very old fashioned and the tiling job is very poor DIY. I was thinking maybe having all the tiling replaced and leaving the suite, as it is at least white.

We've done up a few properties for rent/sale. If the rest of the property appeals to someone who doesn't want to do any work in the short/medium term I would definitely make sure the same applies to the bathroom. Keep the suite, use cheapish white tiles where needed (with grey grout cos it makes the tiles look more expensive) and paint the rest of the walls. Cheap, quick and looks clean and fresh.

Tiling is expensive! And hard to do well yourself. In all honesty doing it up will not raise the value, just make itsell quicker. We sold our house with its slightly dated bathroom as is, I honestly don't think spending £1k-£2k on a complete retile (they charge by the square metre) will get you more cash. If you or DP feel up to tacking it yourself then it's your time and will be a lot cheaper....
I'd just repaint it or DIY. The new owner's first job may well
Be to redo the bathroom anyway....

if it is just the tiles - leave it. You don't know what what the new owners would want.

we've bought a house with a similarly dated large tiled bathroom and a non-white suite. Didn't put us off -everything works and we will update in our own time. The sellers said people also might want to split the bathroom and make an ensuite - we don't but maybe your buyers will.