The $500k ‘Glow Up’ - A Case Study You Don't Want To Miss!
We uncovered this townhouse pre-market for a client, it wasn't in the right area for them unfortunately so we didn’t pursue.. However, we saw what it could be, and so did the eventual buyer! There are so many takeaways in this transformation... So let's get into it!
The facade
The face of the home, the street presence, can make or break a property. If it doesn't lure buyers in from the start, forget it. These owners have gone with a simple coat of ‘appeal to the masses’ paint.. Likely Dulux domino and lexicon quarter.. They haven't changed the fence, or done any outstanding landscaping.. But with their seemingly simple choice, it no longer presents as a 1980s townhouse. They have transformed it into a clean, crisp town residence. Plantation shutters were also worth it for the added sense of luxe and mass appeal. However, they are completely impractical in bedrooms for those looking to blackout!
The configuration
Changing the configuration of an existing house can be one of the quickest ways to increase the value. Originally purchased as a 2 bed 1 bath 1 car, it was then sold as a 3 bed 2 bath 1 car. Adding a bathroom on the ground floor and turning a separate 2nd living room into a bedroom, has not only increased the overall value of the property but adding a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor has now also increased their potential buyer pool too.
The best part.. They didn't need to change the footprint or placement of any windows. Meaning they didn’t need to contend with major hold ups at council!
The fixtures and fittings
Keep it neutral! Again, when you’re planning to flip the property, neutral fittings and fixtures appeal to the masses, and help keep costs down. Floor to ceiling white subway tiles in the bathrooms are inoffensive and acceptable to most buyers. Gold tapware throughout gives it a modern twist and creates a feeling of luxe.
Low impact light fixtures - didn't notice them? Neither did we! Let natural light and property styling do the talking and leave it to the next buyer to choose their own statement pieces.
The sale
This too is where money is made. Presenting a property for market is critical to the outcome, this stylist has done an excellent job. Kept it classy, simple, brought in texture and warmth with rugs, wooden bedside tables, and greenery. Perhaps the one downside here was the 3 person dining table which actually highlighted the one flaw in the property - by using the split living area to create a 3rd bedroom, they’ve been left with one tiny living/dining space!
If you are selling, make sure you ask for examples of properties the stylist has done previously. There can be huge differences in their furniture and ‘style’.. You want to make sure it fits with the buyer pool you are pursuing.
