Never conceal defects! As the seller, you are liable for defects that you have deliberately concealed, even after the sale. TIP: Not all defects are the same. Always have a defect assessed by an expert beforehand and find out about the options for rectification and the costs involved.

Renovate property before selling?
Once owners have made the decision to sell a property, the question often arises as to whether renovation or even refurbishment is worthwhile before the sale in order to achieve a better selling price.
In fact, the purchase price levels for renovated and unrenovated properties have changed significantly. The price differences can be very large, especially when it comes to the energy efficiency of the building.
When it comes to renovations and refurbishments, professionals distinguish between fundamental work and measures that are primarily for maintenance or beautification.
What is the difference between decorative renovation work and refurbishment work?
Painting walls, putting up new wallpaper, or replacing flooring are considered "decorative renovation work." These are mainly cosmetic repairs that are not a priority for the preservation of the building, but improve the first impression. Properties in a well-maintained condition appear more valuable to potential buyers, and there is less room for negotiation on the price. Decorative renovations are relatively inexpensive and can ultimately make a significant difference to the sale price.
The situation is different for genuine defects or wear and tear, which can significantly reduce the quality of living. These include, among other things, the replacement of the heating system or the replacement of thermal insulation and insulation. If extensive renovation work still needs to be carried out, this can deter buyers who want to move in as quickly as possible. Financing banks are also paying increasing attention to the condition of heating systems and are requiring buyers to contribute more of their own capital or even imposing conditions requiring the heating to be replaced.
On the other hand, owners must ensure that such renovation and refurbishment costs remain profitable. If renovation is not worthwhile, a quality real estate agent will point out outdated or inefficient heating systems to prospective buyers before the viewing and take any price reductions into account when determining the asking price.
Simple, standard, and upscale amenities
Simple fittings mean that floor coverings are missing or worn. The kitchen and bathroom are not tiled, are in poor condition, and there is no central heating. Normal amenities, on the other hand, allow the property to be moved into immediately, without meeting modern living standards. As a rule of thumb, properties with upscale amenities increase the value of a property by approximately 15 to 20 percent, while basic amenities reduce the price by about 15 percent.
Is it even worth renovating and investing large sums of money?
Renovation or refurbishment is always worthwhile if the increase in value of a property is higher than the costs incurred. Simple cosmetic work is worthwhile in most cases. Otherwise, it is often difficult to find interested buyers for properties with basic fittings, or the property falls into the hands of bargain hunters. Buyers also often estimate renovation costs to be higher than they actually are and are reluctant to pay too high a price.
The basis for any project should always be an accurate calculation of the costs. It is worth consulting your local real estate agent for this. An expert can estimate whether the project is worthwhile even before the renovation begins. This minimizes the risk of investing money in renovations that cannot be recouped through the sale.
Would you like to sell your property and are considering renovating or refurbishing it before the sale? Let us advise you!
Notes
For reasons of better readability, the generic masculine form is used in this text. Female and other gender identities are expressly included insofar as this is necessary for the statement.
Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific case.
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