Thinking of selling but the renovation budget is low? There are ways to boost the value of your property, or at least make it more sellable so it spends less time on the market, without breaking the bank.

What you need to do is to be very targeted and decide on what will achieve the best result for your budget, and your time.

Take a good long hard look at the property and try to see it through the eyes of a prospective buyer. What you’re working towards is transforming the property into a place they can move into immediately and make their own; buyers don’t always mind that it’s not perfect, as this means they can add their own touch later down the track.

With this in mind, here are 5 steps to take when renovating on a budget:

1. Quick wins

Think about first impressions – is the garden a mess? Does the front door or external woodwork need painting? Internally, dated paint and wallpaper are an instant turnoff for many prospective buyers, as are old fixtures and fittings. Replace old handles on cabinets and cupboards, repair tiles and look at where you can improve storage and lighting.

With any renovation, select neutral colours and styles.

2. Do it yourself

We’re not suggesting you rewire the house (you definitely need a professional to do that!), but there are probably some simple maintenance and repairs you can do yourself. Check out some of the how-to YouTube videos or search for DIY articles and forums online. Painting and decorating isn’t everyone’s skill, but if you can paint and have the time to do so, it will save you paying a tradie. If you do need to pay a professional, look at ways in which you can reduce their time, and hence cost, by doing any prep work.

3. Ask for help

Good friends and family often don’t mind helping out with painting and decorating, or tidying up the garden – particularly if you’re offering them a BBQ and a few beers after a few hours work. Make it into a social event! And of course, be prepared to return the favour.

Even if your friends can’t physically help with the renovation, there are other ways they can assist, such as by looking after the kids for a few hours while you get on with the work, or lending you tools and equipment to save you buying them.

4. Bag the bargains

This may seem obvious, but shop around for the best buys. Check out the online auctions and keep an eye out for discontinued products reduced for quick sale, or general sales in stores. It’s also worth monitoring community websites and noticeboards (both on and offline); quality second hand goods, such as shelving or cabinets, or even a new bath can still improve your property.

5. Actively seek advice

Don’t be afraid to talk and ask for advice! Speak to people in your network of friends, family and work colleagues who have done home renovations and ask for tips and advice. If they’re also doing up their property, they may also know which places have the best sale on!

If you would like us to come around and tell you where quick and cheap improvements can be made to your property, get in touch. We can also give you a free, independent and non-obligatory quote; having been in the business for 40 plus years, we’ve helped thousands of people add value to their properties and are constantly achieving great results for our clients.

Call in and see us in the Cardiff office or give us a call on 02 4954 8833. Or send us an email to: mail@apnewcastle.com.au – we’d love to hear from you.

And don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for handy tips on selling your property or what to look for when buying a property.