Renovate before selling a home in Dénia: when it pays off and when it doesn't

Renovate before selling a home: when it pays off and when it doesn't

Introduction

In general terms, presenting a home in better condition usually helps to generate a better impression, shorten sales terms or better defend the sale price.

In markets such as Dénia and the Marina Alta, where a significant part of buyers are looking for a second home or a home to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, the state of conservation becomes even more important during visits.

However, that does not mean that a major reform is always the best decision.

When can a reform compensate?

In my experience, before deciding whether it is worth renovating a home, it is worth considering four aspects:

The general state of the property, the profile of the buyer who is expected to be looking for this type of home, the investment that is willing to be made and the expected time frame to sell.

From this analysis it will be easier to decide if it is worth investing in a renovation or if it is more reasonable to propose another sales strategy.

Renovations that usually add value

If after this analysis we decide to renovate, it is important to bear in mind that the kitchen and bathrooms are, in general, the rooms where the buyer focuses a large part of their attention.

This does not mean that it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive reform. In many cases, it is enough to renew the furniture, change a countertop, replace the handles, update some coatings or change a bathtub for a shower tray to significantly improve the perception of the home.

It can also be interesting to solve deficiencies in plumbing or electrical installations when they really require it.

In terms of energy efficiency, replacing windows, installing more efficient air conditioning systems or incorporating solar energy can provide a differential value to the property. However, these are investments that should be analysed carefully before deciding whether they are worth it in each case.

On the other hand, it is important to remember that in areas such as Dénia and the Costa Blanca it is advisable to pay special attention to homes with a private pool. When the pool is empty, the water looks unhealthy, the crest or the lining shows an obvious deterioration, or the whole conveys a feeling of lack of maintenance, it is usually advisable to invest in its preparation before putting the property on the market. In this type of property, The pool is one of the main selling points and its condition can significantly influence the decision of potential buyers.

Before thinking about renovating, it is advisable to get the house ready

On many occasions, the biggest change does not come from a renovation, but from a good preparation of the home.

Repairing a shutter that does not work, replacing a deteriorated awning, carrying out a deep cleaning, painting the walls in neutral colours or removing unnecessary furniture usually offer a very positive result during visits.

The aim is not to hide defects, but to make it easier for the buyer to imagine the home as their future home.

In addition, they allow the buyer to focus their attention on the home and not on small defects that are easily solved.

In my experience, these are the improvements that most often deliver a good result:

Paint walls in neutral colours; repair small visible damages; update the kitchen or bathroom when they are clearly deteriorated, prepare the pool if it is part of the house or carry out a deep cleaning and remove unnecessary elements.

They are relatively simple improvements that, in my experience, usually contribute much more than it costs to make them.

And a comprehensive reform?

Except in very specific cases, or when we are talking about investors who buy homes to renovate them and sell them later, I do not recommend facing a comprehensive renovation before selling.

This type of work requires a significant investment, lengthens the deadlines and does not always allow the money invested to be recovered.

Conclusion

Preparing a home to sell is not the same as renovating it.

On many occasions, a clean, well-maintained and correctly presented home generates a better impression than one with an expensive renovation that does not meet market expectations.

Each home in Dénia and the Marina Alta has different characteristics, so before deciding what is worth investing in, it is advisable to analyse each case and assess what improvements can really contribute to facilitating the sale.

If you are thinking of selling a home and you have doubts about what improvements can be profitable, you can discuss it with me with total peace of mind.

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