For the past five years, fully renovated apartments have been in high demand. With rare exception, when an apartment was last renovated over 10 years ago, most buyers will want to redo the entire home. As a result, when an owner wants to sell, I’m often asked whether it’s worth renovating first. The short answer is usually “no.” Renovations are expensive, time-consuming, and rarely deliver the return on investment sellers hope for.
That said, there are scenarios where innovative, strategic improvements—and even small, discreet upgrades—can make a real difference, especially in a competitive or challenging market. Additionally, there’s a subset of buyers who value apartments that feel good and are well-maintained: homes into which they can “move in first” and renovate later. This is especially important for budget-conscious buyers who may not have the extra funds available to undertake a major renovation right away.
Why Renovating Before Selling May Not Pay Off
Renovation costs have risen dramatically in recent years, driven by inflation, rising labor costs, and increased tariffs on materials. As a result, most sellers won’t recoup the cost of significant upgrades. Buyers also often prefer to renovate according to their tastes and timelines. Before launching into a major remodel, it’s worth taking a step back to weigh the pros and cons.
But there’s a middle ground: putting your home’s best foot forward is still incredibly important. Today’s buyers are looking for properties that are move-in ready or at least don’t require immediate work. Minor upgrades and cosmetic improvements can go a long way in creating a home that sells faster. The key is to identify cost-effective upgrades that will make a meaningful impression.
High-Impact, Low-Cost Updates That Make a Difference
Rather than gutting the kitchen or bathroom, a seller can focus on smaller projects with high visual and emotional payoff. Here are some of the top updates to consider:
1. A Fresh Coat of Paint
If your home hasn’t been painted in a while—or if the walls are scuffed, dingy, or painted in bold colors—start here. A fresh, neutral paint job can make the entire space feel brighter, cleaner, and newer. It also minimizes imperfections and helps buyers imagine themselves living there.
If your home hasn’t been painted in a while—or if the walls are scuffed, dingy, or painted in bold colors—start here. A fresh, neutral paint job can make the entire space feel brighter, cleaner, and newer. It also minimizes imperfections and helps buyers imagine themselves living there.
2. Flooring Fixes
Refinishing hardwood floors is an excellent move if the apartment is empty, but it can be difficult and disruptive if it is still furnished. A simpler win? Remove old carpeting and consider putting down an attractive neutral area rug. Worn or outdated carpet can drag down the appeal of an otherwise attractive space.
Refinishing hardwood floors is an excellent move if the apartment is empty, but it can be difficult and disruptive if it is still furnished. A simpler win? Remove old carpeting and consider putting down an attractive neutral area rug. Worn or outdated carpet can drag down the appeal of an otherwise attractive space.
3. Smart Kitchen Touch-Ups
Instead of full renovation, consider:
Instead of full renovation, consider:
- Refacing or painting cabinetry
- Installing new countertops and/or a modern backsplash
- Replacing dated fixtures and cabinet pulls
- Swapping out old appliances for clean, energy-efficient models
These updates can give the kitchen a refreshed feeling without the cost or disruption of a gut renovation.
4. Bathroom Boosts
Bathrooms can be upgraded with relatively minor changes like:
Bathrooms can be upgraded with relatively minor changes like:
- Regrouting tile
- Reglazing tubs or tile
- Updating the vanity or sink
- Replacing outdated fixtures
- Swapping out old mirrors or lighting
The goal is to create a space that feels clean, functional, and move-in ready.
5. Fix the Obvious
Nothing turns buyers off faster than visible signs of neglect—leaky faucets, broken light fixtures, or appliances that don’t work. These issues create a poor first impression and raise concerns about overall maintenance.
Nothing turns buyers off faster than visible signs of neglect—leaky faucets, broken light fixtures, or appliances that don’t work. These issues create a poor first impression and raise concerns about overall maintenance.
Keep Upgrades Neutral and Appealing
If you do make improvements, keep your audience in mind. Avoid trendy or overly personal choices. Stick with timeless, broadly appealing styles that allow buyers to envision themselves living there. Neutral tones tend to work best.
If you do make improvements, keep your audience in mind. Avoid trendy or overly personal choices. Stick with timeless, broadly appealing styles that allow buyers to envision themselves living there. Neutral tones tend to work best.
When Staging (or Pricing) Is a Better Strategy
In many cases, the best investment isn’t a renovation—it’s staging. Creating a functional furniture, attractive layout helps buyers see the home’s potential. Even something simple like turning an unused nook into a home office can increase perceived value. Well-placed, stylish furniture can make all the difference in how a home shows.
In many cases, the best investment isn’t a renovation—it’s staging. Creating a functional furniture, attractive layout helps buyers see the home’s potential. Even something simple like turning an unused nook into a home office can increase perceived value. Well-placed, stylish furniture can make all the difference in how a home shows.
And if your budget doesn’t allow for staging or improvements? Work with an experienced real estate agent to price the property strategically. A well-priced home that needs work can still sell quickly, especially if buyers see it as an opportunity rather than a burden.
The Bottom Line
Renovating before you sell is usually not necessary, as it rarely delivers a strong return on investment. However, smart, budget-conscious upgrades can significantly enhance appeal, ease buyer concerns, and help your listing stand out in a competitive market. Every property is different, so it’s essential to work with an experienced agent who understands which minor improvements make the biggest impact. The right guidance can help you target broad buyer preferences, meet your selling goals, and maximize your home’s potential.
Renovating before you sell is usually not necessary, as it rarely delivers a strong return on investment. However, smart, budget-conscious upgrades can significantly enhance appeal, ease buyer concerns, and help your listing stand out in a competitive market. Every property is different, so it’s essential to work with an experienced agent who understands which minor improvements make the biggest impact. The right guidance can help you target broad buyer preferences, meet your selling goals, and maximize your home’s potential.
