Increase property value: The children have left home, you are planning to move to a smaller apartment - but how do you get the best possible price for your property?
The good news is that you can significantly increase the market value with targeted measures - often at a manageable cost. We will show you how to prepare your house or apartment optimally for sale and which investments are really worthwhile.
1. fresh look through painting & home staging
First impressions count. Freshly painted walls and bright, tidy rooms immediately convey confidence. Complemented by discreet home staging, prospective buyers can better imagine the property as their new home.
- Costs: approx. €2,000-€4,000 for 80 m² apartment (painting work, simple decoration)
- Benefit: Increase in value of up to 10-15 %, significantly faster sales time
2. renew floor coverings: Old out, modern in
A worn carpet or yellowed PVC is a deterrent. New laminate or parquet flooring makes a high-quality impression.
- Costs: Laminate: €20-40/m², parquet: €30-45/m² incl. laying
- Benefit: Higher residential value, better sense of space, positive perception during viewings
Tip: Use light-colored coverings in small rooms.
3. modernize bathrooms: Small updates with a big impact
An outdated bathroom can be a dealbreaker. But it doesn't have to be! New fittings, fresh grouting and a glass shower screen can work wonders.
- Costs: Partial renovation from €1,500/m², complete renovation approx. €2,000/m²
- Benefit: Significantly more modern overall impression, increases sales opportunities
Tip: Here is a useful Building cost calculator
4. improve energy efficiency: Sustainability pays off
Many buyers pay attention to heating costs and energy indicators. A valid, good energy performance certificate is mandatory - but also a selling point.
- Measures: Insulation, replace windows, retrofit thermostatic valves
- Costs: Highly variable, simple measures from €2,000
- Benefit: Better energy certificate, long-term cost reduction for buyers
More info: you will find here
5. electrical check & safety: creating trust
An inspected and maintained electrical installation conveys a sense of security. A strong selling point, especially in older buildings.
- Costs: E-check from €150, renewal approx. €60-120/m²
- Benefit: Risk minimization, positive feeling for buyers
6. upgrading the outdoor area: garden & façade
A well-kept garden, new paving or freshly painted railings make a big difference. The façade is also part of the first impression.
- Costs: Garden maintenance from €500, facade painting from €3,000
- Benefit: more attractiveness, better photos, more inquiries
7. increase property value through professional valuation
Before you invest: Obtain a well-founded market value analysis. This will help you avoid over- or underinvesting.
- Costs: often free of charge through brokers, otherwise €300-800
- Benefit: Realistic pricing strategy, better sales arguments
More info: you will find here
Cost-benefit overview: Comparison of value-enhancing measures (Austria 2025)
| Measure | Costs (approx.) | Potential increase in value | Promoting sales? |
| Coloring & Home Staging | €1.800-4.000 | up to 15 % | ✅ |
| Replacing floor coverings | €1,500-5,000 (depending on area) | up to 10 % | ✅ |
| Modernize bathroom | Part: from €4,000 Full: €8,000-15,000 | up to 12 % | ✅ |
| Energy optimization | from €2,000 (windows/insulation) | up to 8 % | ✅ |
| Electrical check / refurbishment | E-check: €150-300 Refurbishment: €60-120/m² | up to 5 % | ✅ |
| Garden & outdoor area | Maintenance: from €500 Facade: from €3,000 | up to 7 % | ✅ |
| Real estate valuation | €0-800 (often free of charge from the estate agent) | priceless | ✅ |
Key Takeaways
- Small measures with a big impact: color, order and light make all the difference
- Modernizing bathrooms and floors massively increases the value of your home
- Safety, energy and technology are not a buyer's luxury, but a duty
- Clarify which investments are worthwhile with valuation and broker advice
- First impressions count: Top-quality garden, entrance area, facade
Conclusion
If you want to achieve the best possible sales price, you should make targeted investments in upgrading your own property. The following applies: not everything has to be expensive, but it should make strategic sense.
Are you unsure which measures really make sense for your property? Let us advise you without obligation - we at Kroy Real Estate will be happy to help you.
Frequently asked questions about increasing property value (FAQ)
Is it really worth renovating before selling?
Yes - especially if there are visible defects or outdated areas (bathroom, floors, walls). Buyers pay close attention to first impressions. Investments of €3,000-10,000 can increase the selling price by up to 15 %.
Which measure brings the most value?
According to experts, it is primarily visual measures such as painting work, modern floor coverings and bathroom updates. They provide high psychological added value at comparatively low cost.
Are there subsidies for value-enhancing measures?
Yes - for example for energy-efficient renovations (windows, insulation). The Austrian funding landscape varies from region to region.
How much time should I allow for implementation?
Smaller measures (painting, flooring) take 1-2 weeks. Extensive renovations (bathroom, electrics, insulation) take 3-6 weeks. Important: start planning and contacting tradesmen in good time.
When is the best time to take action?
Preferably directly before marketing - but with a buffer. This way you benefit from a fresh impression without any new signs of use. Photos and exposé should be created immediately after completion.
