Selling a house - to do it up or not?

tealady

Another vote for sell "as is". For example I HATE  baths so my 1st job would be to rip them out and replace with a double shower. If I saw a "doer upper" I would be happy cos I could have the house done up to my taste.
Just make sure the property is clean and has any urgent jobs done (eg leaking guttering)
Good luck

MFWannabe

Another vote for sell as it is
people have their own tastes 

goodadvice12

Lots of really helpful comments on here MANY thanks 

frogglet

I couldn't belive one of our viewers bought a house significantly smaller up the road by the same builder for the same price as ours , ours needed new kitchens and bathrooms. Even though they were white, inoffensive and 10 years old.
The other house was totally updated but a lot smaller.

robatwork

I'll buck the trend and say invest some time and money. I don't mean a new kitchen and bathroom suite, but paint every wall (white) and dress it for selling with some splashes of colour in paintings. Do things on a budget - you can rejuvenate a sofa with a cover and some cushions. We painted all our kitchen unit doors which were an orangey wooden finish, and ended up with a modern black and white kitchen for the cost of some Zinsser primer and 2 pots of paint. If some carpet is horrendous have a look at what's under - can you sand and varnish? Or replace with cheap carpet if it's a small area?

I think £1000 in materials and some elbow grease over 2 weeks intense cleaning and decorating will make you thousands, or ensure you at least get sensible offers. Just clean the bathroom - most people will be happy to rip out and put their own choice in anyway.

Lots of people can see potential, but some people really can't use their imagination when looking at old-fashioned houses. They have said as much on here lots of times.

Tippytoes

The last home I sold was clean, tidy and had been well looked after but feedback from the agents was that people wanted open plan and an extension into the roof and/or side/rear.  Some of the offers I received were so low, it was clear that some cheeky whatsits effectively wanted me to pay for their home improvements.  I held out and achieved the asking price from a couple who made it clear that they wanted to put their own stamp on the place but had the foresight to see beyond the colour of the walls.  I would not bother tarting up a place to accommodate others' aspirations.

getmore4less

some might have missed a key bit of information
Also, I live some distance from the house so it would be hard to manage any improvements/renovations 

onylon

If I had the time I would do a bit of work to make it look clean and well maintained eg. paint over any yellowing gloss, freshen up the grout, re-silicone, straighten up any cupboard doors that have dropped over time. I would then pay for an end of tenancy clean so that everything is sparkling and there are no off-putting smells.

I wouldnt bother with anything expensive unless its really off-putting or makes the place feel a lot smaller. I could be tempted by new taps, handles and lino if the rest of the kitchen/bathroom was in a good state and could be made to look new again. 

dimbo61

It's difficult enough you going to the property for a full day to clear the house of all the old furniture and chairs that seem to accumulate.
Hiring a van and getting help to carry heavy old wardrobes, unfashionable furniture and a thousand and one cups.
As someone who has totally refurbished an old house the rewire of the house involved ripping up floorboards, replastering, new bathroom and kitchen. 
As others have said, clear the junk but maybe leave the sofa, armchairs and dinning table + 4 chairs so each room has  clear use.
Take all personal photos, paintings, clothes etc.
Maybe get the garden cleared with the forest cut back.
Do not spend lots of money but keep the house warm and clean, clean, clean

AskAsk

we have always been told by estate agents not to do up a property to sell but i find that this is not great advice as it means your market is limited to people who can afford and are willing to take on the work.  it takes longer to sell a dilapidated property and you won't get a good price for it as there are less people interested in the property.

if you have the cash, i would do it up before selling it.