Styling tips: Melbourne homes getting makeovers before sale earning big bucks
A trendy house plant, simple print on the wall or a fresh coast of paint could be all it takes to boost the sales price of a property. See what you can do to get your home ready to sell in 2020.
A fresh coat of paint or a humble house plant might be all it takes for vendors to cash in at a premium price.
More Melbourne homes are being styled prior to sale than ever before, which is helping owners earn top dollar, property experts say.
Marshall White Port Phillip agent Oliver Bruce said some simple styling “could often be the difference between a sale and no sale”.
“In my experience, it can add up to 10 per cent to the price of a property,” Mr Bruce said.
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“It’s becoming the norm and it’s important to be competitive on the market and stand out with a home that’s looking its best.”
With more private sales around the corner in summer, having a perfectly presented pad could be what it took to draw in a buyer during the market’s quieter months, he added.
It’s not just Melbourne’s elite taking up the trend, with apartments and units also being freshened up before hitting the market.
A tiny one-bedroom apartment at 7/35 Carlisle St in St Kilda sold $151,000 above reserve for $451,000, after the vendors splashed out $3500 for a stylist.
In Melbourne’s north, Mill Park vendors at 20 Cheviot Drive took updates into their own hands, adding new carpets and a fresh coat of paint before selling their home above reserve in November.
Port Melbourne resident Claire Stevens hired Renocliq director and interior stylist Alex Jackson to makeover her house at 12/105 Beach St before putting it on the market.
“For the last 14 years we haven’t spent much time or energy on the house as we’ve been raising three children,” Ms Stevens said.
“The styling that has been done is mind blowing, but it’s also a look that’s not going to alienate anybody.”
Ms Jackson said updating a home was “the most important part of an overall selling strategy”, which could help create a premium.
“Property stylists have an eye for detail as they are experienced in knowing the real estate market and what potential buyers are looking for in every space,” Ms Jackson said.
“It helps the seller achieve the best presentation possible and the best price on auction day.”
While stylists can cost from $3500 to $10,000, there are some simple DIY tricks for homeowners on a budget.
Decluttering rooms, removing personal items like photos and adding some greenery to interiors can draw buyers in. Freshly painted rooms, polished floorboards, new carpets and spruced up gardens can also make a massive difference to a buyer’s first impression.
There are only two auction weekends left in Melbourne, before private sales begin to dominate the market over summer.
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HOW TO STYLE BEFORE YOU SELL:
1. De-clutter: store and donate items to clear the space and make rooms look bigger
2. Depersonalise: remove photos and personal artefacts. You don’t want people distracted while walking through.
3. Add a splash of colour with some modern artwork or prints.
4. Create some warmth with soft rugs, throws or cushions.
5. Choose a natural colour scheme and update some of your decorations.
6. Add some greenery with flowers, natural or faux plants.
7. A touch of paint to refresh any tired rooms is a must. A neutral white can’t go wrong.
8. Update bedrooms with some fresh crisp white sheets and some cushions
9. Walk around and look for any defects that need to be fixed by a tradesperson.
10. Front and rear gardens are some of the most important parts of the house. Replace old grass or plants if its looking tired.
Source: Alex Jackson, Renocliq director and stylist
Originally published as Styling tips: Melbourne homes getting makeovers before sale earning big bucks