Ahead of a sale, most homeowners assume value comes from big renovations. Property expert Anna Porter, speaking on Sunrise, argues otherwise — the highest-return upgrades are usually the cheapest ones.
Start With Paint
A fresh coat of paint remains the simplest way to lift a property’s presentation. It’s low-cost, fast, and changes how a whole room reads.
Update Dated Bathrooms Without a Full Reno
Older bathrooms — think 60s and 70s pinks and greens — don’t need to be gutted. Respraying cupboards and tiles can modernise the space at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation.
Small Fixtures, Big Impact
Light fittings, curtains and blinds are easy swaps that make a home feel current. These are the details buyers notice, even if they can’t always name them.
Don’t Underestimate Street Appeal
Landscaping is one of the most affordable ways to draw buyers in. Most people form an opinion before they’ve even reached the front door, so kerb appeal matters as much as anything inside.
What Not to Spend Money On
Porter’s advice here is blunt: skip anything trend-driven or highly personal — bold wallpapers and unconventional paint colours can turn buyers off rather than win them over. Major structural work is a bigger trap. Council approvals, licensed tradespeople, and extended timelines add up quickly, and there’s no guarantee the spend comes back at sale. Buyers’ actual wish lists tend to be modest: a dishwasher, built-in robes, heating and cooling — features that are quick, easy, and affordable to add.
Where to Begin
Work out a budget first — it’s the easiest place to overspend without one. Beyond that, it’s often the small maintenance jobs that get neglected: a squeaky door, a torn flyscreen. These low-effort fixes do a lot for how a home presents, and they cost far less than buyers assume they’re worth fixing.
Watch the full video here.
