Date: 15th Dec 2021
Selling your home can be a stressful time, but it doesn’t have to be.
If you’re curious to know how to make your house worth more, we're here to give you great ideas.
Whilst there are certain things out of your control, like the location of your house, your neighbours, or the weather for your open home, there are some simple but powerful maintenance jobs and revamps you can do to make it more desirable to prospective buyers without breaking your budget. With the current market being so competitive, it's important to make sure your home is in top condition before you start looking to sell.
When it comes to preparing your home for sale, there are several things you should know before hitting the market. Our team has collated their top ways to increase home value in this guide. Maximise your property’s value and secure the best price with Tremains.
The first thing to do, prior to any home enhancements or renovations, is to get a market appraisal. A free market appraisal performed by a Tremains Consultant will give you a professionally informed idea of how much money you could get for your property when the time comes to sell.
Market appraisals also offer a good starting point when deciding whether you want to do renovations or make any other improvements. You may find that you don’t have to undertake significant renovations to justify your ideal asking price. Instead, sometimes simply decluttering and tidying, buying some modern appliances, and giving the backyard some maintenance is all you need to do to make your home more valuable.
Do you know your neighbours? What do the different houses look like down your street? What is the community like?
These are all important things to consider when it comes to selling your home. When people view your property, many buyers are likely to ask these questions.
Whether your neighbourhood is vibrant with young professionals, family-friendly and peaceful, or relaxed for retirees, understanding these traits can help you present your home in a way that aligns with the area's appeal, making it more attractive to prospective buyers who are drawn to those characteristics.
Take a walk through your neighbourhood and observe the styles and features of nearby homes. What stands out to you? What do you admire, and what do you dislike? Drawing inspiration from these properties can give you ideas on how to enhance your own home in a way that resonates with local trends, making it more memorable to buyers.
Image: Tremains - 9 Kauru Road, Waipatu, Hastings
Have you ever come across a house that seemed perfect, but its presentation fell short?
A clean, tidy and organised property is one of the most effective ways to ensure it makes a great first impression, and sometimes the minor details matter most.
When you're preparing your home for the market, go through the whole house and give each room a good, thorough clean and tidy. Wash down the walls and windows inside and out, pack away anything that looks cluttered in your home, and clear the space of any unnecessary belongings.
Where possible, bring out fresh decor to highlight the best features of your home - brownie points if it's all colour-coordinated! Neutral colours are a safe option, making it easy for prospective buyers to envision themselves settled in.
Image: Tremains - 62A McDonald Street, Napier
When you're putting your house on the market, you want to make sure it's the king of the kerb!
Before you sell, treat your home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint and clean the gutters, driveway, front door, garden, and other outdoor spaces that buyers will see upon arriving. This freshened look will elevate your home, making it stand out on the street.
You want prospective buyers to feel excited about coming inside. A clean exterior is a great way to set the standard high from the outset and create an inviting vibe. Plus, it’ll show that your property is well taken care of, which is a major appeal to buyers.
Some of these steps may seem quite minor, but they will make a big difference to attentive potential buyers trying to find the perfect new home.
Image: Tremains - 4 Tamatea Road, Taupo
Shared areas tend to be a key focus for home buyers, with their priorities on the functionality of the living room, kitchen, bathrooms and outdoor spaces.
Ensuring these rooms are tidy and have the right lighting and insulation can work wonders for the value of your property. Whether it means installing a heat pump to warm up the living area, double-glazing the windows, or popping a bar leaner on the deck for entertaining, these small changes make your property feel much more luxurious and comfortable for potential buyers.
Adding a few appliances to the kitchen, such as an air fryer, coffee machine, or baking mixer, will make the room feel fully functional and illustrate it as a pleasant space to spend time in.
Paying special attention to these areas when you prepare to sell will give your home a livable feel to interested parties, adding value to your property.
Image: Tremains - 103 Chaucer Road North, Hospital Hill, Hawkes Bay
Small swaps of decor or appliances could add thousands of dollars in value to your home without breaking the bank too much.
Is your kitchen tap looking a bit old or rusty, or are cabinetry handles wearing out or coming off? There’s no need for a whole new kitchen; simply updating these small features around your home will create a modern look.
Even the furniture in your home can make a lasting impression on those coming to view. Replacing old, tired couches in the living areas with new or upcycled lounge suites or adding cushions or throws to seating around the house can add to that homely and stylish aesthetic that draws in buyers.
When choosing new pieces as replacements and elevating your decor, be sure to consider the current colour scheme and vibe that your home is portraying, and choose aesthetically pleasing styles to match. The right colours and tones can work wonders in adding value to your property for those who come to view it.
Image: Tremains - 18 Seddon Street, Te Puke, Bay of Plenty
One of the simplest and most effective way to bring your home to life is with a fresh coat of paint. This simple job can spruce up any room, revitalise your property, and give your home a higher value.
The best part about refreshing your property's paintwork is that you aren’t just restricted to the walls - a simple paint job can bring your cabinetry or tiles a whole new life if they're looking a bit tired.
According to Resene, 2025’s home colour trends include shades inspired by relaxation and our connection with nature. Earthy neutral tones, moody red and burgundy, sky blues, and serene greens are both on trend and timeless.
If you’re wondering how to increase the value of your home, new paintwork has the potential to completely transform it, benefiting your final sale price without the need for extensive renovations.
Image: Tremains - 237 Clifton Road, Te Awanga
Not only does the inside deserve a refresh before it goes to market, but so does the backyard!
Beyond mowing the lawns, there are a few other areas you can concentrate on to give the exterior of your property a new personality and boost its value. If you've got a fence around your property, giving it a fresh lick of paint or a good waterblasting will give your home a cared-for impression. Consider freshening up the deck by staining or scrubbing it to have it look brand new, too. Shaping and pruning hedges and foliage throughout your property will also do great things for your backyard.
Putting your home on the market is also a great chance to clean up the garden shed, kids' trampoline, outdoor toys, and the pool or spa. Before each property viewing, clear any leaves to keep the yard in pristine condition.
Whether you have a paved back patio or a luscious grass lawn, giving your backyard a tidy-up will do a lot of heavy lifting for your property value.
Image: Tremains - 9 Kauru Road, Waipatu, Hastings
Tiles and backsplashes can be the biggest giveaway to a house's age and time of build - and can hinder your property's value if left untouched. Give your kitchen and bathroom a refresh before you sell with some sleek new tiling to increase the value of your home. A timeless suggestion for tiling is the subway pattern, with its versatility and neutrality making it more attractive to more people. Take the opportunity to go for a new colour scheme, or simply give the tiling in your home a refresh before it goes to market.
While you're at it, it can be a great opportunity to take a look at your kitchen and bathroom accessories for a sleek, clean and modern look to impress potential buyers and give the impression of a higher value house.
Image: Tremains - 82 Meeanee Quay, Westshore, Hawkes Bay
While often overlooked, the right lighting sets the tone for your home.
If your home is too dark or poorly lit, it can feel cold and uninviting to potential buyers. Alternatively, a home that is too light can feel like a surgical ward. Having the right balance of natural light and artificial light can make a great difference to the value of your home.
Feature lights are classy finishes that give your home an extra edge. Giving your tired or aged lighting fixtures a refresh can increase your home’s value. Light fixtures that combine style and smart technology continue to rise in popularity.
Lighting has a direct impact on mood, so strategically choosing options that work to evoke happiness, relaxation and comfort throughout different spaces in your home can leave a lasting impression.
Image: Tremains - 151 Guppy Road, Taradale, Hawkes Bay
Whether you're a big family or a couple in their first home, everyone loves good storage!
Homes with ample storage tend to have it highlighted in their property description, making it more appealing. Whether it’s bedroom, kitchen or bathroom storage, this feature is often a huge drawcard for buyers seeking their ideal home.
Having enough storage space for miscellaneous belongings is an underrated way to increase your home value. Review your cupboards, kitchen cabinetry, bedrooms and closets and identify if these areas could use an upgrade.
Practical enhancements like adding wardrobe rails, robe hooks, stand-alone cupboards, towel rails, and floating shelves are all simple ways to add more storage to your home and make it more attractive to future homeowners.
Image: Tremains - 123 Parekaawa Drive, Motuoapa, Waikato
Whether or not you should renovate before selling depends on your financial situation as well as your upgrade ideas. If you’re not totally satisfied with your market appraisal and are hoping to increase your home’s value, it may be worth renovating.
If you're looking to maximise your return on investment, consider strategic renovations that add more value to the sale price than they cost. If your house appears outdated, impractical or worn down, it’s definitely worth making some enhancements, especially in competitive markets. It’s important to make sure that the cost of your renovation won’t override the added value of your home. Always consult a professional when planning to renovate, and get multiple quotes.
However, if you are not in a position to carry out renovations, there are other easy ways to increase home value. Revamp rooms with new flooring, taps and handles. Even just decluttering your home or water blasting the exterior gives the illusion of fresh paint and ample space.
If you’re wondering what rooms to renovate, shared and well-used spaces will give you a high return on investment and appeal to buyers. Consider focusing your efforts on the kitchen or bathroom, or making improvements to your indoor-outdoor layout or flooring.
For a kitchen renovation, some ideas include adding a new granite or marble benchtop and backsplash, upgrading to modern, energy-efficient appliances, and updating the sink to be as functional as possible.
The cost of kitchen renovations in New Zealand depends on your location, the materials chosen, and the scale of the work, but typically ranges from $15,000 to $80,000. A simple refresh (like new benchtops and paint) will sit at the lower end, while a full redesign with custom cabinetry and premium finishes can push toward the top of that range.
It’s also important to know that kitchen renovations can be one of the most disruptive and complex upgrades to carry out. You may be without a working kitchen for several weeks, and delays are common. Managing contractors, permits, and budgeting for unexpected costs is all part of the challenge.
Before starting, have a clear plan and budget. Consider whether your kitchen layout needs to change, and think carefully about which features add real value, both in function and resale appeal.
For bathrooms, modernise the vanity and basin, opt for a walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead, and install fresh floor and wall tiles for a clean, updated look. Swapping out outdated tapware, adding a backlit mirror, or upgrading lighting and ventilation can also elevate the space.
As with kitchens, bathroom renovation costs in New Zealand can vary widely depending on your location, the materials used, and the complexity of the work. Prices typically range from $8,000 to $65,000, with minor cosmetic updates at the lower end and full rebuilds and plumbing at the upper end.
Bathroom renovations involve complex plumbing, waterproofing, and coordination between multiple trades, which can add time and cost, so hiring qualified professionals is essential.
Buyers value bathrooms that feel clean, fresh, and low-maintenance, so choose materials and layouts that are practical and timeless. Planning ahead, setting a firm budget, and allowing for unexpected expenses will help keep the project on track.
Additionally, looking at ways to improve your property’s indoor-outdoor flow is another valuable area to focus on, especially in New Zealand, where outdoor living is a sought-after lifestyle feature. Creating a seamless connection between your indoor living areas and outdoor spaces makes the home feel larger and boosts its appeal to potential buyers.
Consider adding a new deck or refreshing an existing one with updated timber, stain, or outdoor lighting. Installing large glass sliding, bifold, or stacker doors can dramatically open up the space, creating an easy transition from the interior to the outdoors.
While these upgrades can add significant value, they may involve council approvals, weatherproofing considerations, and skilled labour, so planning and budgeting are crucial. It’s also important to think about how the outdoor area will be used and design it to suit that purpose. Functional outdoor living space has become a major selling point, making this renovation a worthwhile investment when done well.
Old or damaged tiles and worn-out carpet are some of the most visible signs of a home’s age, and can significantly impact your property’s value and first impressions. Upgrading your flooring is a relatively simple but high-impact way to refresh your home.
Consider installing sleek new tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways, and fresh carpet in bedrooms and living areas to create a warmer, more inviting feel. For tiling, the subway pattern is a timeless and popular choice that works with a wide range of interiors. Its clean lines and neutral appeal make it especially attractive to a broad buyer market.
When it comes to carpet, explore plush neutral tones or cosy high-pile textures that offer comfort without overwhelming the space. Neutral shades also help potential buyers envision their own furniture and décor in the home, which can positively influence their emotional connection during inspections.
This is also a great opportunity to update your home’s overall colour scheme, especially if your flooring clashes with modern design preferences. Whether you’re aiming for a full flooring overhaul or simply refreshing key areas, quality tiling and carpeting can instantly lift your home’s appeal and perceived value before going to market.
Increasing your home’s value may seem like a project that requires you to spend money in excess, but the reality is that it can be achieved through small upgrades that work together to boost its total cost. Fresh paint and well-maintained outdoor space will interest buyers before they’ve even walked through the front door. Inside, cohesive furniture and fittings, functional and well-organised spaces, and modern revamps will truly impress them.
On the other hand, giving your home a makeover — especially in heavily used areas — can be a smart move. Just make sure you have a clear plan in place so you don’t overspend and eat into your potential profits.
Whether you’re going all in with a tactical remodel or focusing on subtle improvements, modifications that make sense with your existing home are a great way to increase your property’s value before selling.
Make your home stand out to buyers with the trusted support of your preferred Tremains Consultant. Whether you're ready to list now or planning ahead, we'll handle the details and take the stress out of the process so you can focus on what comes next.
Home Appraisal vs Valuation: What's The Difference?
What To Expect From Your Property Appraisal
Freshen Up Your Home: A Guide to Getting Your Home Ready for Spring
Create a clutter free entry way
Get Your Home Ready For Winter
