If you are thinking about selling your home in Southland, one of the biggest questions is whether to renovate it first or sell it as is. Making the right call can have a big impact on how quickly your home sells and what price you can sell it for.
At Todd & Co Realty, we regularly help homeowners decide which improvements are worth doing and which are best left for the new buyer. Below, we look at the upgrades that bring the best return and the small touches that make a lasting impression.
Why It Pays to Plan Before You Sell
Renovating before selling can be a smart move, but not all improvements add equal value. In many cases, light cosmetic work can achieve more than a costly renovation. A fresh coat of paint, well-kept gardens, or modern fittings can help your home stand out to buyers without stretching your budget.
According to property research across New Zealand, well-presented homes with strong kerb appeal can sell for up to ten percent more than tired-looking properties. Kitchens and bathrooms remain the top areas where value can be added, but smaller changes often have just as much effect in the Southland market.
Before you decide where to spend, it helps to know your property’s true market value. You can request a Free Property Appraisal from our local team to get an accurate idea of what your home is worth right now and whether upgrades will give you a better return.
The Top Home Improvements for Southland Sellers
1. Refresh the Kitchen
The kitchen is often the first room buyers notice. Updating cabinetry, benchtops, tapware and appliances can make an immediate difference. Full renovations are not always necessary. In many homes in Southland, a tidy, functional kitchen with modern finishes is enough to impress buyers. Neutral tones, clean lines, and good lighting work best.
2. Modernise the Bathroom
A dated bathroom can make an otherwise good home feel old. Simple changes such as a new vanity, tiles, mirrors and fittings can freshen the space. For sellers in Invercargill or Riverton, focusing on a clean, modern bathroom renovation often makes a noticeable impact during open homes.
If you are unsure what to prioritise, our sales team can guide you. Sell with Todd & Co Realty to learn how we help homeowners prepare their properties for the market.
3. Boost Kerb Appeal
First impressions count. Buyers often form opinions within seconds of arriving at a home. A neat lawn, trimmed hedges, painted fences, and a tidy driveway all create confidence. Adding simple landscaping or outdoor lighting can lift your home’s presentation considerably.
In Southland, where many homes have generous sections, outdoor presentation is a key selling feature. A few weekend projects can make a big difference.
4. Create Outdoor Living Space
Southlanders love to spend time outdoors. A well-designed deck or patio adds instant appeal. Even a small seating area with planters or a pergola can extend the living space and make the home feel more inviting.
If your property already has a good garden or lawn, highlighting it in your marketing photos can help buyers picture themselves living there. Our guide on How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell includes useful tips for staging both indoor and outdoor areas.
5. Improve Warmth and Comfort
A warm and dry home is highly valued in Southland’s climate. Upgrading insulation, adding a heat pump, or improving ventilation can attract more buyers and help your property meet the Healthy Homes standards.
Boosting comfort and easing buyer concerns, these upgrades can speed up the sale process.
When to Hold Back on Renovations
It is possible to spend too much. Large-scale renovations do not always translate into higher sale prices. The goal is to improve your property just enough to stand out without overspending.
How Todd & Co Realty Helps You Decide
Our Southland agents work with sellers every day who face the same choices. We take a practical, data-based approach that saves you time and money.
- We start with a free appraisal to understand your property’s current market value.
- We advise which improvements could deliver the best return, based on current buyer trends in your suburb.
- We support you through the sale process, from preparing your listing to final negotiations, ensuring you achieve the best possible result.
With more than 160 years of experience helping Southlanders buy and sell properties in Southland, we know the local market inside and out. For homes in Invercargill, Gore, Te Anau, Stewart Island or Winton, our advice is always tailored to your area and your goals.
Talk To Trusted Southland Real Estate Agents Today
Renovate or sell, the goal is the same: to present your home in the best possible light. Small, well-chosen upgrades can increase your home’s appeal and reduce time on the market.
Before you pick up the paintbrush or call a builder, talk to the team at Todd & Co Realty. Our free appraisals and honest advice will help you make the right decision for your property and your budget.