When you’re looking to buy a property sometimes it’s hard to get past dated facade and glaring omissions. But just because a property doesn’t meet all your immediate requirements, there’s no reason to write it off entirely. Occasionally just a little TLC in the right places can shine up that diamond in the rough.
Here are five key areas where an eye for potential and a little investment can go a long way to transforming a property entirely.
Outdoor entertaining
As the Australian lifestyle is all about the great outdoors, adding or revamping a tired outdoor entertaining area brings additional value and liveability to any home. A quality entertaining area that may include a patio or decking creates real useability for you as the owner, and for any potential buyers in the future.
The best outdoor entertaining areas foster a seamless flow between the indoors and the outdoors, so seek out something that will complete the home, and expand the general floorspace.
Landscaping
Whether you call in a professional or choose to undertake landscaping as a DIY project, a well thought-out garden can transform a property from mundane to urban oasis.
The key is to make your garden liveable and inviting, and many experts recommend treating it like a series of rooms. If your block isn’t big, carefully considered landscaping can still add immense value, creating an area that welcomes people and complements the style of your home.
Render
Many a fabulous property is left sitting on the for “sale list” due to the simple fact its exterior is tired or dated. Look beyond the 1980s brickwork and this could be a property with real potential. Something as simple as render or a paint can deliver a whole new lease of life to the exterior of a home with “good bones”.
Then look to modern finishes like balustrading, fences and accents to give this property a fresh and welcoming feel.
Kitchens
There’s a frame of thinking that kitchens and bathrooms can be a deal breaker or maker when it comes to buying a home. The truth is even a kitchen that had its heyday in your grandma’s era boasts some real renovation potential.
If you’re wary about the cost of a full kitchen upgrade, look at the general layout that already exists and see what you can work with making only minor changes, like cupboard doors and benchtops.
If you have an eye for hidden potential, consider a total kitchen or bathroom revamp to ensure you have wet areas that really meet your needs. You’ll get to enjoy all the new amenities, and when it comes time to sell, future buyers may well thank you for it too.
Extension
Sometimes you come across properties that tick all the right boxes of character, charm and location, but lack the space you’re likely to need. And in this case it’s about weighing up the cost and feasibility of an extension.
Some properties are more suitable and cost effective for extensions than others, with features like a big backyard, room to go up, or room to build in underneath. It’s always worth checking in with a builder to see what can be done if this is a house you love, but needs some room for extra growth.
About United Strata
Centrally located in Mt Annan, and specialising in the Macarthur region, United Strata offers professional yet personalised service for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants alike.
You can learn more about our services here, or contact us directly for further advice.
