Does painting your house before selling actually add value?
Selling a home successfully is all about first impressions. Many Adelaide homeowners wonder about the validity of investing in painting a house in Adelaide before listing their property. They want to know if this will actually make a difference - or if it’s just another expense.
The short answer is yes, in many cases it’s definitely worth it but much depends on the current condition of your home.
Fresh paint is one of the easiest ways to improve how a property looks and feels to buyers. It doesn’t simply make the property look cleaner, it also alters how it’s emotionally percieved.
Prospective buyers walk into a home and form opinions immediately. They’ll often speak about how a property “feels” before they mention any physical characteristics.
Phrases like, “It just feels friendly.” and, “It has a positive feeling about it.” are common when buyers enter homes which are well-maintained. This is down to people making very fast assumptions immediately upon entering a home.
Buyers will often assume:
A freshly painted home is well-maintained and has been loved
There will be less chance of hidden maintenance issues
They can move in without having to book any tradespeople first
These assumptions will add up to prospective buyers having an all-round good feeling about your home.
How much value can fresh paint add?
Whilst painting your home in Adelaide before selling might not always increase the formal valuation, what it does do is increase buyer competition. This can indirectly lift your final sale price.
In many Adelaide home sales, freshly painted properties tend to attract more buyer interest during inspections and spend less time on the market. Painting improves marketability and helps buyers to envision themselves in the space.
Interior vs exterior painting before selling a property in Adelaide
Interior painting is important because whilst the exterior also affects perception, it’s the interior that people care most about. Making spaces feel brighter and larger is vital and old, chipped or dark coloured paint won’t acheive this.
Light, clean neutrals will make people feel comfortable and able to imagine their own furniture and artwork inside.
When it comes to exterior painting this is important too - damaged or weathered facades can let in moisture and cause long-term damage. Prospective buyers know this and if theyr’e looking at a freshly painted exterior, then confidence will be higher.
Cost of pre-sale painting in Adelaide
Costs will vary depending on the size of the property and it's current condition. Properties which may not have been refreshed for a long time will need more preparation and potentially filling of gaps and holes.
As a general guide:
Small unit: lower cost range
Average 3 bedroom home: moderate investment
Larger or heavily worn homes: higher cost due to preparation of surfaces
A quote will list all areas to be covered and you can discuss this on your first contact. Let your painters know which areas you’re most concerned with - is it just one room? Or the whole house?
You can book a painter to paint only some areas, you don’t necessarily need to have the entire house repainted.
DIY Painting vs professional painting - is it worth the risk?
As a general rule, it’s best not to try to tackle the painting of your property yourself. Unless you are already experienced in painting and decorating, you will probably find that the reality of the task is quite tricky and very hard work.
DIY painting might seem like a cheaper option but it can affect how buyers percive the property.
Professional painting offers:
Clean and consistent finshes
Fast turnaround
Better inspection impression
No visible brush or roller marks or patches
The reality of painting an entire house for someone not trained is that it takes a lot more preparation than bargained for. The entire floor needs to be protected, surfaces may need extensive sanding which is messy and hard work. Then there’s the skills needed for hole filling and ensuring a smooth, even finish.
Professional decorators are not only trained to tackle all of this and more, they also have all of the right equipment.
Final verdict - is it worth it?
The key is to be strategic: - especially if you’re on a budget.
Focus on high impact areas such as the main living areas and entries
Use neutral, modern colours
Don’t over-capitalise on unnecessary work
In many cases, a well-executed paint job is one of the simplest ways to make your property stand out. If you’re looking for a quote on your property, let us know and we’ll book your quote.