Renovating an apartment before selling in Salzburg: Michael S., owner of a charming little garçonnière in the leafy Parsch district of Salzburg, was faced with a classic ownership issue at the beginning of 2025: Renovate or sell directly? His apartment was no longer the youngest, the last tenant had left his mark - and at first glance through the rooms, it was clear that there was potential here. But was the investment worth it?
The initial situation: 32 m² garçonnière in Salzburg-Parsch
Michael S. owned an apartment on the third floor of a typical apartment building from the 1960s. Without an elevator, but with a distant view and the best micro-location. The floor was wavy, the bathroom was retro-chic (but not in a good way), the kitchen was from a time when cassette appliances were still standard.
- Condition: in need of renovation, but functional
- Market price unrenovated: Ø 5,200 €/m²
- Market price renovated: Ø 6,100 €/m²
Parsch is one of Salzburg's "expensive districts" with a stable price level - a clear advantage for sales strategies with renovation. More info at Salzburg real estate market 2025
What does a renovation in Salzburg really cost?
Michael asked for quotes and compared the guide values with those from specialist sources and estate agent networks. It turned out that many renovations can be carried out cheaply as long as no load-bearing elements are affected.
Tip: For homeowners in Salzburg, it may be worth taking a look at the renovation funding provided by the state of Salzburg. Grants are available for thermal improvements, age-appropriate living and energy measures, among other things. More info here
Renovation costs - usual range in Austria (as of 2025)
| Measure | Costs (low) | Costs (high) | Ø costs/m² or flat rate |
| Paint walls | 15 €/m² | 28 €/m² | approx. 640 € (for 32 m²) |
| Laying the floor (laminate) | 25 €/m² | 45 €/m² | approx. 960 € |
| Bathroom renovation (4 m²) | 1.500 €/m² | 2.500 €/m² | approx. 8,000 € |
| Electrical check + minor repairs | 150 € | 500 € | Ø 300 € |
| Fitted kitchen (entry-level model) | 2.500 € | 5.000 € | approx. 4,000 € |
Total costs realistic: between 11,000 € and 15,000 € depending on the standard.
Sample calculation: How much does the renovation cost?
- Selling price unrenovated: 32 m² × 5.200 € = 166.400 €
- Selling price renovated: 32 m² × 6.100 € = 195.200 €
- Renovation costs: approx. 13.900 € (conservative)
- Additional revenue: 15.000 € net
When is it worth renovating before selling?
Michael asked himself: "How much is too much?" - A crucial consideration. Because not every renovation pays off. The focus is on measures with a quick effect at a calculable cost.
Yes, if...
- the apartment is visually outdated but technically sound.
- typical defects are eliminated (e.g. yellowed walls, stained floor).
- the target group attaches importance to immediate usability (e.g. investors, singles, expats).
No, if...
- load-bearing elements would be affected (moisture, statics).
- the apartment is in high demand anyway (e.g. due to heritable building rights, allotment of location).
- You are under pressure in terms of time - quality needs planning.
Checklist: Which measures really make a difference?
| Measure | Recommended for sale? | Comment |
| Paint walls light and neutral | ✅ Yes | Visually increases size & brightness |
| Uniform flooring (laminate, vinyl) | ✅ Yes | Modern overall impression |
| Replacing fittings in the bathroom | ✅ Yes | Small effort, big effect |
| Compact fitted kitchen | ✅ Yes | Expectation among buyers under 35 |
| Check windows/doors & maintain if necessary | ✅ Yes | Minimal investment, high confidence effect |
| Designer upgrade or luxury materials | ❌ No | Oversized for small objects |
Extra tip: DIY or professional?
Michael initially considered renovating himself. But after talking to an estate agent, it was clear: Not everything is easy to do yourself. Small painting jobs? Yes. Electrics or bathroom? Better to let the professionals do it - if only because of the warranty.
What buyers expect in 2025
According to a survey of Real estate agents in Salzburg many buyers expect the following:
- A neat, fresh first impression
- No investment backlog (bathroom, kitchen, floors)
- Documentation on renovations (invoices, photos)
- Ready to move in - particularly important for expats or investors
Tips from professionals for owners in Salzburg
Michael collected more tips from conversations with estate agents, tradespeople and online forums:
- Analyze comparable objects in the same street (ideal: 3-5 examples)
- Ask regional estate agents - they often know buyer profiles (e.g. "Singles over 30 looking for apartments ready for immediate occupancy")
- Always start the calculation with 400 €/m² as a guideline
- Secure tradespeople early on - Salzburg has high capacity utilization
Key takeaways - renovate apartment before selling
- Renovations can bring 10-20 % price increase
- Particularly worthwhile for small, well-located apartments such as those in Parsch
- Ø market prices Salzburg-Parsch: 5,200-6,100 €/m²
- Realistic refurbishment costs: € 11,000-15,000 with standard equipment
- Better to modernize than overinvest
Conclusion: Strategic restructuring instead of overinvesting
Michael S. has shown: If you renovate with a plan, you can increase the property value in a targeted manner. Instead of "luxury for all", he opted for Targeted effect - and sold successfully within six weeks. Modernization is therefore not an end in itself, but a tool. Used correctly, it can be worth its weight in gold - or at least a plus of €15,000.
Let us advise you!
Are you facing a similar decision to Michael? Then contact Kroy Immobilien for a non-binding consultation.
- We help you with the realistic market assessment
- We will tell you honestly whether and which refurbishments make sense are
- We have a Regional network of craft businesses
- On request we organize the entire preparation - up to the successful marketing
Get advice now: Contact us easily by email or telephone Contact us
