Want to put house on market but do I need new kitchen, decorating etc. to maximise value?

[Xenon101]

I want to place my house on the market. If I'm being honest I havn't been the most house proud owner. In ten years I've hardly decorated. The kitchen, although fully functional does need updating/replacing. Do I spend money on these enhancements, and if I do, will I get the expenditure or more back when sold. Basically is it worth taking a few grand less and leaving it as it is?
Thanks.

[tamborine]

The auction TV programs seem to sell neglected prop's at reasonable prices......worth a try but put on a 'reserve price' so you dont lose out.

[katerich48]

It all depends - some people are happy to take on a project and others (my sister included) just want somewhere that's clean that they can move straight into without any hassle and get on with their lives...The fact that your house needs work may put some people off especially if they are not good at DIY....

[Pigletion]

If you don't want to replace something like the kitchen/bathroom, then that's fine, it will just be reflected in the price. People often buy a house kowing these rooms will need sorting and they like choosing the new stuff. As long as it hasn't got any damp, plumbing problems and nothing is broken etc.

As for the rest of it, just make it look clean and tidy. Don't spend loads, just remove/hide clutter and maybe add a lick of neutral paint if it's really necesary. Lots of people do expect that they will have to decorate their new home (or want to), so if it's neutral at least they can live with it for a few months whilst they get sorted.

It's better to make the house look as big as possible and to enhance the positives than spend money on a full redecoration.

Hope you're successful

[BrookeBond]

Hi, just from a personal point of view - when we bought out current house nearly 2 years ago it had just been decorated. Everywhere was really neutral (ie.cream) including walls, carpets etc. Because it was so clean and nice we put in an offer within 10 minutes and i suppose paid around �10,000 more than we would have had we to replace kitchens, bathrooms, decor etc. It is only now that we are getting around to re-painting and it was a huge selling point for us. Whatever you do good luck in the property market.

[dot.haukes]

you should get a couple of agents round and ask their opinion on the vale and how that is reflected in the price. Check out the local area and see what else is on offer similar to yours and see what condition the others are beong offered in, if they are immaculate work out how much more the vendor is asking against what you would need to spend to get yours up to that standrad. if it ainlt worth it stay as you are, but declutter and tidy up abit inside and outside your property

[woofgang]

it depends too on what else is for sale in the area and what the expectation is. Where I live you'd take a big hit of you tried to sell it un-house doctored. It might be worth having a look on a property website to see what else is for sale in your area, what its like and the price then you can make a decision what to do.

This is a good one, if you register with them (free) you can also look at what houses have sold for in your area.
http://www.primelocation.com/