In this article, we guide you step-by-step with practical advice designed for homeowners preparing to sell their property.
Before talking about paint or energy reports, it’s useful to understand what buyers and agencies focus on. Several elements influence the selling price:
Of course, you cannot change the location, but you can improve:
The goal of the improvements isn’t only to “repair” but above all to highlight the property’s existing strengths to justify a better selling price and attract more buyers.
Homestaging is often the first step—and one of the most profitable—before considering any major renovation. It’s all about presenting the property in a way that helps buyers easily picture themselves living there.
A very cluttered home looks smaller. Store everyday items, remove oversized furniture, and take down family photos and strong decorative elements.
Result: the rooms feel larger, the surface appears more spacious, and each area becomes easier to understand.
A few simple habits:
An airy living room, an uncluttered kitchen, and a bright bathroom can create a real “favourite” effect.
Without starting major works, you can improve the atmosphere with:
The goal: create a neat impression without overdoing it.
Once homestaging is complete, certain targeted improvements can significantly boost the appeal of your apartment or house.
Repainting walls with neutral, light colours instantly refreshes the space and reduces visible wear, giving the property a more modern feel.
This is often one of the most profitable upgrades, especially in the living room, hallway, and bedrooms.
If the flooring is damaged or outdated, you can either install laminate or good-quality vinyl, or restore old parquet by sanding and varnishing it. Using a consistent type of flooring throughout the property improves visual harmony and reassures buyers about maintenance.
The kitchen is a key room. There is no need for a full renovation to make it more appealing. Painting cabinet doors, changing handles, and replacing a very worn worktop can create the impression of a more modern space without a complete overhaul.
Buyers prioritise cleanliness and practicality, so you can:
These adjustments, when well executed, significantly improve the room’s appeal without requiring major renovations.
Energy performance has become a major factor. A poor rating can deter buyers or lower the selling price. Without insulating every wall, there are affordable solutions to improve your score.
For example:
These actions reduce heat loss and improve everyday comfort.
A well-maintained system reassures buyers:
You can also look into available financial assistance for certain energy upgrades (attic insulation, heating system replacement, etc.). Even without major work, showing that you’ve addressed energy concerns is a strong selling point.
Every homeowner has a different budget and timeline. Here’s a simple way to organise the work.
Objective: focus primarily on presentation.
Objective: improve overall perception of the property.
Objective: include energy efficiency improvements.
The goal isn’t to transform everything, but to invest where it will have the strongest impact on selling price and speed of transaction.
Case #1: Small apartment for a first-time buyer
A studio or one-bedroom apartment often appeals to first-time buyers who pay special attention to how well the space is optimised. They look for a small, practical, functional kitchen that’s well-equipped for daily use. Reasonable charges are also essential for this audience, who generally want to keep expenses under control.
In this context, a well-executed homestaging, a well-organised main room and a spotless bathroom can be enough to significantly enhance the property’s appeal.
Case #2: Family house with garden
For houses, buyers focus heavily on the layout of bedrooms and family spaces, as they want to easily picture their daily life there. They also pay close attention to the condition of the garden, terrace or balcony—true assets when well maintained. Comfort in both winter and summer is another major factor, especially as thermal efficiency becomes more important.
Highlighting outdoor spaces, improving access and demonstrating efforts on energy performance can therefore make a significant difference and greatly enhance a home’s value.
Case #3: The property may also appeal to an investor
In some areas, your property may attract buyers focused on rental investment. They will assess rental potential, equipment condition, and the level of renovation required after purchase.
A rental-ready, clean, and functional property will immediately be seen as a more reassuring opportunity. If you plan to rent out your property, read our article on how to prepare and furnish your property for a furnished rental, and contact us to discuss your project.
Even with good intentions, certain pitfalls often appear:
It is better to choose a few well-targeted actions than many poorly chosen ones.
Which types of improvements are most profitable for increasing a property’s value?
Generally, painting, flooring updates, partial kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and thoughtful homestaging offer the best balance between cost and impact on the final price.
Should the kitchen or bathroom be fully renovated?
Not necessarily. In many cases, good cleaning, a few targeted replacements (vanity unit, taps, worktop), and more neutral decor are enough to modernise these rooms.
How much should I invest before selling?
It depends on your situation and the initial condition. The key is not to spend more than what the local market can return. A professional estimate can help you decide.
Is it useful to improve energy performance if I plan to sell?
Yes—especially if your property has a low energy rating. Even limited improvements show that the issue has been considered and can reassure buyers about their future energy bills.
Increasing your property’s value before selling doesn’t necessarily require major works. By combining homestaging, targeted small renovations, and simple actions to improve energy performance, you can:
If you’re unsure about priorities or budget, don’t hesitate to contact a real estate agency:
Thinking about selling? Now is the perfect time to take stock, define an action plan, and bring your property to the market in the best conditions.
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