Renovate before selling or not?

missile

Hi,
I own a freehold property which is currently occupied rent free by an elderly relative.

It is in good repair but would benefit from complete redecoration, new bathroom and kitchen. Occupant does not want the upheaval this would cause.

Hopefully not for a while yet, but I wonder if it would be easier / better to sell as is, when it comes vacant?

Anyone been in a similar situation?

sammyjammy

I wouldn't bother, people love to get what they believe is a bargain and want to do things their way,  I think its awful when people pull out brand new kitchens because they don't like the colour etc, chances are the extra money you get for it will match what you spent.

peterhjohnson

The usual advice is to sell as-is and not to renovate. This is because you will redecorate it in the "wrong" colours. Buyers will be unwilling to pay (enough) for your renovation expenditure. 
They won't like your taste in bathrooms or kitchens either and are likely to plan on replacing them.
There may be complications trying to sell a property that lacks a functional bathroom or kitchen.

missile

Thanks for your prompt responses. This reflects my own opinion. Family are all telling me that I should renovate. They all watch "homes under the hammer".
Another conundrum. Should I empty the property of old furnishings and deep clean or leave it so buyers can better picture? 

BJV

I would speak to an estate agent in your area. It will depend on what they think the house is worth in its current state and then what it would be worth with the work done.

Also factor in the time and hassle for you. 

The are 2 types of buyers: ones who want everything done urn key ready and ones who want to put their own stamp on it. I would wait until the time comes and then speak to a few EA's who will know your local area and local market. Once you know the figures you will be able to choose.

ProseccoGirl

If the structure and fabric of the building are all good , then I'd not bother with an internal renovation.

Some bigger jobs left undone might put buyers off though.    Windows, boiler etc etc.

If a house looks uncared for, it could be hiding stuff that will cost £££

theartfullodger

Depends: I've sold 3.5 houses in past 5 years (one jointly with sister, brother died).  The joint one hardly touched since he bought in 1971 (seriously).  The other three serviceable but tatty lower-end properties.  In all cases estate agentS said sell them as they are....

sammyjammy

I'd clear clutter and unnecessary stuff but leave beds etc, some people can't envisage a space without a bit of help and if they are first time buyers might be desperate enough that you could leave it!

housebuyer143

You can see a mile off someone who has redecorated and done it just to sell. The ones I have seen look cheap and nasty and actually put me off. You are better off selling it as it is and just listing it cheaper. 

TheJP

You will never recover the costs. Don't bother.

Brie

The only reason to do any renovation is if the current occupant is a heavy smoker.  Ripping out carpets, removing curtains will go a long way to allow the place to smell fresher.  If any painting is needed then keep it bland - nice magnolia and that would only be done if the place looks realllllly scruffy.  Otherwise it's a case of clearing away clutter and garbage and make sure the garden (if any) isn't an absolute jungle.