There's nothing like investing in renovations in used houses to speed up sales and increase market value. But even if you don't intend to sell the property, the works contribute to an increase in your family's satisfaction, comfort and quality of life.
Structural works? Complete renovations? Partial ones? The project depends, of course, on the budget available and on the state of your property, but even a somewhat recent apartment or house always deserves improvement works, especially if you have in mind selling or renting quickly and profitably. They say that “no one’s in a hurry”, but if you follow our tips for renovations in previously owned houses, you might be able to make an exception to the rule!
If you are going to live next to misplaced furniture and lots of dust, it’s important that you don’t get discouraged! And if you are going to supervise renovation works from your other property 300km away, it’s important that things stay organized and within your control. Therefore, check our tips for used home renovations and get a great return on your investment, without the usual headaches associated with home repairs.
Plan
Do you wish for renovations to start as soon as possible? Calm down! Renovation works in used houses have to be well planned and scheduled. Otherwise, you won't be able to come up with the improvements that your property needs in order to attract buyers or tenants, without all sorts of unforeseen troubles that could lead to a loss of time... and money!
Therefore, whether we’re talking about the house where you live or the holiday home in the Algarve where you go once a year, it is important to have a plan (done with or without the help of a refurbishment company) to break down the works into tasks and define the improvements in each of the divisions according to the type of architecture of the property. This way you can better organize yourself in time and space and, of course, within the available budget.
Adapt
Do you want to sell an apartment in Portimão, a villa in Alvor, an estate in Serra de Monchique, a hill in Alentejo or a house in the center of Lisbon? The function, the purpose and the location of the property must be taken into account when adapting the works to the lifestyle of new residents or tenants. In that sense, put yourself in the shoes of these people before getting down to work: do you want a functional and practical home in the city center or a luxurious and spacious home by the beach? Do you prefer traditional decor or a more modern and cosmopolitan one? What are the best improvement works to make everyday life easier? A kitchen open to the living room? A bathroom in your bedroom? A pool in the garden? This is what you should think about before starting any used home remodeling project.
Modernize
Regardless of the technical solutions that you have already included in the remodeling project of the property for sale, there are always some trends that you should consider, as they make the house more modern and attractive, namely:
● Ample areas are highly valued by current buyers and therefore creating a space that accommodates more than one room (living room and kitchen or entrance hall and living room) will always be an excellent idea to increase the value of your home.
● If you have the chance to expand the kitchen, do not hesitate to do so because modern, large, light-filled kitchens with an island and a dining space are an asset for any family, regardless of whether you want to buy a holiday home or a permanent residence.
● Flooring, coatings, furniture and kitchen appliances should also be replaced with more modern and energy-efficient ones, as this type of investment in refurbishing used homes always brings a great return when selling the property.
● Bathrooms (as well as kitchens) quickly go out of fashion and they also deteriorate more easily. Therefore, it is worth considering changing the bathroom tiles and furniture, investing on quality and durable materials that can contribute to a valuation increase of the property.
● Replacing the conventional windows in the living room with others from top to bottom, which let light in, is also an excellent idea, as long as the structure of the house allows it.
● A bedroom with bathroom and closet will be an eye-catcher for potential buyers who want to have as much space, comfort and privacy as possible.
● Bearing in mind that the pandemic has changed the lifestyle of many people, another suggestion in terms of refurbishment in used homes concerns the creation of an office or a small workspace in the living room.
● What’s the purpose of the balcony? However small it may be, the balcony can be used in many ways: as a leisure area for people to read or enjoy the sunlight in or as a dining area, including a table, chairs and other furniture.
Excellent! Then it's time to look for a real estate agency in your area of residence or in the area of your holiday home to sell the property faster and at the best price!
In truth, a real estate agency has experienced professionals, greater knowledge of the local market and all the bureaucratic processes, marketing resources to promote different types of properties, a client portfolio and privileged contacts that can speed up the process of selling your home.
Besides, a real estate agent can help you define the real value of the property after the works and renovations, schedule and carry out visits (even if you are not at home) and negotiate the final value to obtain even more advantages!
If you want to sell your house in the Algarve, contact Engel & Völkers Portimão!
● Individual counseling
● Price estimate
● Exclusive marketing
● Visit planning
● Reports on sales status
● Contract Negotiation