How much to spend on fixing up a house for sale?

[Sabee]

Good morning 💐

We bought a house a few years ago. It needed work, and we’ve done a few bits (bay window roof, replacing broken tiles etc) but not most of what needed to be done.

In that time we had another baby, and amongst other reasons, we will be looking to sell in a year or so as it’s no longer suitable.

It’s not really in a condition to sell, and it definitely needs basics like redecoration.

How much should you spend on a house to resell it?

Is it enough to paint it up? Or should we think about carpets? We haven’t even had the chance to furnish it properly as we had to spend money on redoing electrics etc which we had saved for the house.

Any advice would be much appreciated, thank you 💐

Is that a typo? £5k to paint a two bedroom flat? !!

Going against the grain here slightly, but I'd be tempted to say nothing until you've had a valuation, but also because I can't tell how much more work a prospective buyer would need to do. If it's pretty much ok, and it really does just need a spruce up then a lick of paint and cleaning the carpets would be worth it, but if there's still more fundamental work, I'd say probably not.

We had to really bite the bullet and finish of several jobs, including replacing a bathroom, painting and decorating throughout, and a new carpet in one large room. It set us back over £12k but I absolutely believe it was worth it in making the house more desirable. It also removed the bargaining tool of buyers saying "we would offer more but this and that needs doing".

Start with a massive clear out of excess furniture and clutter. That will give the benefit of making everything look larger (highly valued is space) and also reveal any glaring areas that will need painting.

Do a thorough clean, including carpets if needed.

Do low level decorating - painting walls, possibly woodwork.

Look at the dressings - you want neutral and fresh looking curtains or blinds, some fresh and co-ordinated bedding plus a few cushions.

None of this has to cost a lot or involve getting specialists in.

Leave the big jobs like a new kitchen/bathroom and serious decorating issues .

Really, it's just about making the most of what is already there. Accept it won't be premium price for your street and type of house. The expense and effort of getting it up to premium level are just not really worth it in most cases.

Oh and include cleaning windows. Wiping down the front door and tidying the garden, paths etc. Again, not big efforts.