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🏡 Guide 7 min read

First Home Buyer's Guide to Renovating

Buying a fixer-upper can be the smartest way into the property market — or an expensive mistake. This guide helps first-home buyers understand which renovations add genuine value.

The Golden Rule: Don't Over-Capitalise

Over-capitalisation means spending more on renovations than you'll recover when you sell. Research the price ceiling in your suburb before spending.

Renovations That Add the Most Value

  • 1 Kitchen update: returns $1.50–$2.00 for every $1 spent
  • 2 Bathroom renovation: strong ROI
  • 3 Street appeal: buyers form opinions in 7 seconds
  • 4 Additional bedroom: significantly increases value

The 'Lipstick Reno' Strategy

Fresh paint, new flooring, updated light fittings, new tapware handles, professional landscaping. Done for $15,000–$30,000 and frequently adds $50,000–$80,000 in value.

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