Simple upgrades that can add thousands to your sale price
In today’s competitive property market, selling a home takes far more than simply listing it online. Buyers want spaces that feel modern, move-in ready, and sustainable - and thoughtful improvements can dramatically increase both appeal and sale price.
Barbara Larney, RE/MAX broker-owner of RE/MAX Wine and Whales in Hermanus, says her approach has been shaped by international property icons like Barbara Corcoran and interior designer Kelly Hoppen:
"Strategic, well-chosen upgrades make a huge difference. Even subtle touches can elevate a home and capture buyers’ attention.”
Exterior upgrades that create a strong first impression
- Kerb appeal: A fresh front door, neat garden, and clean or resurfaced driveway instantly lift a home’s look. In South Africa, where outdoor living is prized, a well-kept exterior sets the stage for buyers.
- Outdoor living spaces: Decks, patios, or shaded seating with soft lighting add comfort and charm, giving buyers a sense of lifestyle potential.
- Landscaping and pathways: Indigenous plants, tidy hedges, and illuminated walkways create an inviting, low-maintenance setting.
- Sustainability features: Solar panels and rainwater tanks are fast becoming must-haves, cutting utility costs while signalling a forward-thinking, eco-friendly home.
Interior touches that help buyers picture themselves at home
- Neutral colour palettes: Soft taupe, beige, and grey create a calm backdrop that appeals to a wide audience.
- Update fixtures and hardware: Swapping out taps, handles, or switches gives rooms a fresh, modern feel without heavy spending.
- Layer warmth and texture: Rugs, throws, cushions, and local wooden accents add comfort and character.
- Thoughtful lighting: Maximise daylight and use table or floor lamps to enhance features and mood.
- Declutter and depersonalise: A tidy, streamlined space makes rooms feel bigger and helps buyers focus on the home itself.
- Optimise layout: Arrange furniture to create clear pathways, define zones, and showcase flexibility - like a study that doubles as a guest room.
Budget wisely for maximum impact
As a guideline, consider investing 2-5% of your anticipated selling price in improvements:
- On a R10 million home, a budget of R200k to R500k can cover exterior paint, solar panels, landscaping, and key kitchen or bathroom refreshes.
- On a R5 million home, R100k to R250k could transform kitchens, lighting, and kerb appeal without overspending.
Prioritise high-impact areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and sustainability features - they tend to deliver the best return.
The power of home staging
Beyond upgrades, staging has become an essential selling strategy. Claude McKirby, Co-Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town, explains:
“Staging isn’t just about making a home look attractive; it helps buyers imagine themselves living there. A well-staged property highlights strengths, softens flaws, and connects emotionally.”
Research consistently shows that staged homes sell faster and often fetch higher offers because they:
- Create a powerful first impression within minutes of a viewing.
- Build an emotional connection, making it easier for buyers to visualise life in the home.
- Convey value and readiness, suggesting the property is well cared for and move-in ready.
- Help buyers see possibilities in spaces they might otherwise overlook.
Keep it timeless
While bold trends can be tempting, Larney and McKirby recommend sticking to classic, neutral designs. This allows buyers to see the home as a blank canvas, making it easier for them to imagine their own style.
Original Article: https://www.property24.com/articles/simple-upgrades-that-can-add-thousands-to-your-sale-price/32779