How to Add Value to Your Home Before Selling in 2026!

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter and in today’s competitive Western Australian market, small strategic upgrades can make a big difference to your final sale price. Whether you’re preparing a family home in Fremantle, a coastal townhouse in Coogee or an investment property in the southern suburbs, focusing on improvements that buyers genuinely care about can help you stand out and maximise your return.

Here are some practical, cost-effective ways to add value to your home before putting it on the market.

1. Refresh Your Street Appeal

Buyers often form an opinion within seconds of arriving at a property, and strong street appeal immediately sets the tone for a positive inspection.

Simple upgrades can include:

• Repainting the front door for a clean, modern look

• Pressure-cleaning driveways and pathways

• Adding new mulch, plants or greenery

• Updating outdoor lighting

• Tidying lawns and garden beds

In coastal suburbs like South Fremantle, Coogee and Hamilton Hill, replacing weathered fixtures and modernising your façade can also help your home feel fresh, contemporary and well cared for.

2. Update Key Living Spaces

Not every renovation needs to be major. In fact, small cosmetic updates in the right areas often deliver the best return.
The kitchen and bathrooms remain the two highest-impact zones when it comes to buyer sentiment.

Consider improvements such as:

• Replacing tapware, showerheads or cabinet handles

• Painting old cabinetry

• Updating benchtops with cost-effective laminate or engineered stone

• Installing new splashbacks

• Refreshing silicone and grout

• Upgrading to modern pendant lighting

Today’s buyers respond well to clean, neutral, light-filled spaces, a look that’s simple to achieve without undertaking a full renovation.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency and Comfort

Energy efficiency has become a major selling point, especially in WA’s warm climate. Buyers increasingly look for homes that will help reduce running costs.

Value-adding upgrades can include:

• Installing LED lighting throughout

• Adding ceiling fans

• Improving insulation

• Tinting windows

• Installing solar panels (which are especially appealing in Perth’s sunny conditions)

Even small touches, like modern block-out blinds or sheer curtains, help enhance comfort and add a contemporary feel to your interiors.

4. Refresh Paintwork and Flooring

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home and make it feel updated. Light, neutral tones create a sense of space and allow buyers to easily picture themselves living in the property.

If your flooring is worn or outdated, consider:

• Replacing carpet in bedrooms

• Sanding and refinishing timber floors

• Installing hybrid or vinyl plank flooring is a popular, durable, coastal-friendly option

In homes near the beach, like those in Port Coogee or North Coogee, modern, low-maintenance flooring is a major drawcard.

5. Enhance Outdoor Living Areas

Outdoor spaces are highly sought after in Western Australia, where the weather is perfect for year-round entertaining. Buyers love properties that offer inviting alfresco areas that blend indoor and outdoor living.

Simple upgrades may include:

• Repainting decking

• Adding new paving

• Replacing old patio covers

• Installing café blinds

• Adding low-maintenance plants or privacy screening

For maximum appeal, style your outdoor area with an outdoor setting, rugs and greenery to help buyers imagine themselves enjoying the space.

6. Complete Minor Repairs and Maintenance

Small issues like dripping taps, cracked tiles, stiff doors, or outdated fixtures can quickly turn buyers off or create the impression of poor maintenance.
Addressing these low-cost repairs ensures your home feels loved and “move-in ready,” which often leads to stronger offers and quicker sales.

Final Thoughts

Adding value before selling doesn’t have to involve major renovations. In most cases, strategic cosmetic updates, thoughtful presentation and attention to detail are all you need to attract strong buyer interest and maximise your sale price, especially in high-demand suburbs across Fremantle, Spearwood, Coogee and the surrounding areas.

If you’re thinking about selling and would like personalised advice on which upgrades will deliver the best return for your property, the Empire team is always here to help.

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