Renovate wisely: proven strategies to boost your home's return on investment
Renovating your home can enhance both lifestyle and property value.
Image: Freepik
Listen, I love a dramatic “let’s flip the room upside down” moment, or that “can we enter through the sunroom?” energy - it’s giving "Architectural Digest", okrr!
Renovating can be one of the smartest ways to grow your property wealth… and also one of the easiest ways to overspend, over-stress, and overcapitalise.
“Plan carefully, know your numbers, and always renovate with your future buyer in mind,” says Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property.
If you’re prepping to sell, flipping, expanding for a family, or downsizing, here’s what you need to know.
Renovating before selling
If you’re putting a home on the market, your goal is simple: spend smart and remove buyer objections. Fun fact: very few pre-sale renovations return more than 100% of your spend, so every rand must work hard.
Start with the basics: fix leaks, cracked walls, dodgy light fittings, broken cupboards, and damp spots. Small jobs, big reassurance.
Fresh, neutral paint, clean grout and well-maintained floors can completely transform first impressions because we are not living in a house with mouldy walls and neon-orange paint, thank you very much.
Kerb appeal is king. Trimmed hedges, pressure-washed driveways, neat gardens, and simple outdoor seating make the property feel larger and more inviting. But watch out for big-ticket splurges: a R150 000 kitchen in a R1 million home usually won’t earn you a proportional return.
Fresh, neutral paint, clean grout, and well-maintained floors can completely transform first impressions.
Image: Freepik
Flipping a property
Flipping is all about the numbers, you know, buy low, fix smart, sell high. It’s become the new obsession lately. Remember the “Flip It Like Disick” craze? No? Me neither… moving on.
Here’s the quick and dirty math: Profit = resale price − (purchase price + renovation + holding costs). If there’s no gap, you’re basically working for free.
Stick to cosmetic fixes rather than tearing down walls: paint, floors, kitchens, bathrooms, décor. Durable flooring, neutral kitchens and low-maintenance outdoor areas are your best friends.
And please, ditch the luxury brands or super-personal choices; your future buyer may hate your taste, and nobody wants that drama.
Pro tip: always budget a 20–30% contingency for surprises. Rotten timber, dodgy wiring, or plumbing nightmares love to pop up and ruin your margin faster than a bad TikTok trend.
Treat your contractors like partners: get written quotes, detailed specs, and make sure they’re registered, reputable pros. Your sanity (and bank balance) will thank you.
Renovating for a growing family
When your family grows, it’s about living well today while thinking about tomorrow. Extra bedrooms, bathrooms, open-plan living and safe gardens are must-haves.
Because once kids hit their teen years, baby, they want privacy! Studies show teenagers who have their own rooms feel more independent, sleep better, and even get higher grades - so don’t skimp on personal space.
Consider designing your home in functional zones, with the family living area connected to the kitchen for better flow and convenience.
Image: Freepik
Think in zones: family living linked to the kitchen, a quiet study doubling as a guest room, or a teen/play area. Storage and natural light are low-cost, high-value winners.
Swimming pools? Yes, they can add value, but check your suburb first. There’s no point in placing a foot-spa-sized pool if it’s not needed. Big layout changes? Call the pros - structural engineers, electricians, plumbers - because “DIY gone wrong” is a mood killer.
Renovating to downsize
Downsizing doesn’t mean compromise. Less space, more life! Renovate to create a manageable home, and consider a flatlet for rental income or extended family. Step-free access, wider doorways, walk-in showers, and low-maintenance finishes make life easier.
Flatlets need proper design: kitchenette, bathroom, storage, privacy, and safe parking. Consult property pros for zoning and rental potential. Avoid overcapitalisation and maximise both lifestyle and wealth.
Because nothing kills a vibe faster than a cramped home with furniture the size of an Antarctic glacier.
Key takeaways:
Know your goal and target buyer.
Understand your property’s current and potential value.
Set a realistic budget with a contingency.
Use qualified professionals for all major work.
Match your spend to the neighbourhood to avoid overcapitalising.