Selling? 5 Do’s and Don’ts to Increase Your Home’s Value

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, property investor, or considering selling, strategic home improvements will enhance your property’s appeal and sale price.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled the five tried and tested do’s and don’ts that will guide you towards increasing your home’s value while ensuring any investment you make, is a wise one.

Do: Know the Current Market and Target Buyers

Before undertaking any major home improvements, take time to research the Australian real estate market. It’s important to identify who your target buyers are and what they value most in a property.

Are you in a family-oriented suburb where backyard space reigns supreme? Or perhaps you’re in a bustling, trendy neighbourhood that young professionals gravitate toward? Understanding your prospective buyers will help you tailor your upgrades to what appeals most to them.

Analyse recent sales in your area to determine the features driving higher property values. Are large outdoor entertaining areas popular? Is sustainable living in demand? Seek guidance from a local real estate expert, such as your local Harcourts agent as they will be able to provide real time insights into buyer preferences and local market trends.

Do: Prioritise Key Improvements

Not all improvements offer the same return on investment, so identify the areas that will have the greatest impact. Kitchens, bathrooms and the exterior all play a huge role in how potential buyers perceive value.

Consider these high-ROI (Return On Investment) upgrades:

Don’t overlook the eco-conscious Australian market, either. Energy-saving additions like solar panels, efficient insulation, or double-glazed windows not only entice buyers but can also help differentiate your property as environmentally friendly.

Repainting the exterior for updated kerb appeal

Upgrading your kitchen with modern designs, fixtures, or energy-efficient appliances

Renovating bathrooms with contemporary features or adding new lighting for a fresh, inviting look

Don’t: Overcapitalise

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when improving their property is overcapitalisation—spending more on improvements than the value they add to the home.

While it’s tempting to go all-out with luxurious upgrades, these may not always attract a sufficient return. Stick to a clear budget, balance the scale of your improvements with your property’s existing value, and align your upgrades with neighbourhood trends.

To avoid costly mistakes, consult your local Harcourts agent to get their perspective based on what’s happening in the market, as well as ask them if they know of trusted contractors they could recommend to ensure you’re making informed decisions.

Do: Work With Experts

Your home is likely your most valuable asset and cutting corners with inexperienced contractors or designers can result in costly mistakes. Work with trusted, skilled professionals who will help you make informed choices that maximise both your budget and your home’s potential.

Whether you’re partnering with architects, builders, or real estate agents, look for verified expertise within your area. Your local Harcourts office will understand buyer preferences and can guide you through the process of making strategic upgrades.

Don’t: Forget to Stage Your Home for Sale

After completing your home improvements, the work doesn’t stop there. Staging your home provides the finishing touch, allowing you to showcase its full potential and create a warm, inviting atmosphere for buyers.

Key tips for effective staging include:

Decluttering: Clear out personal items to create a clean, neutral space
Depersonalising: Remove family photos or eccentric decor so buyers can envision their own life in your home
Rearranging Furniture: Arrange spaces to highlight functionality and flow
For those who want to go the extra mile, hiring a professional home staging company can elevate your home’s presentation and significantly impact buyers’ perceptions which could be just the edge you need to secure a premium sale price.

Smart Planning, Big Returns

The secret to increasing your home’s value lies in careful planning, strategic improvements, and working with the right professionals.

By following these do’s and don’ts – researching your market, prioritising impactful improvements, avoiding overcapitalisation, collaborating with experts, and staging your home—you not only maximise your property’s potential but also position your home for success in the Australian real estate market.

When it comes to adding value to your home, Harcourts is here to help. Reach out to your local Harcourts office for area-specific advice or trusted referrals to help enhance your property and achieve the best results.