Renovation before selling: how much to invest and in what?

Why consider renovation before selling?

Selling a property often raises the question of the profitability of renovation before going on the market.
Many sellers want to make the best possible impression, but are unsure how much to invest and whether the investment will actually pay off.
The truth lies somewhere in between: well-chosen works can increase the value of the property, attract more serious buyers, and speed up the sales process, while excessive investment rarely brings a proportional return.
The key is to find a balance between what buyers expect and what is actually profitable.

Assessment of the situation: where to start?

Before any adaptation, it is necessary to realistically assess the condition of the property.
Buyers first notice the cost that awaits them during the tour – from dilapidated floors to damaged walls.
If the space is maintained, even small interventions will leave a strong impression.
If it has not been renovated for a long time, larger works may be justified, but only if the location or floor plan is attractive enough to find a buyer who knows how to appreciate it.

Cosmetic interventions that bring the biggest return

Minor renovations often have the greatest effect.
Freshly painted walls, quality lighting, and a tidy space immediately create a better impression and increase the sense of value.
Improvements such as replacing sockets, switches, dilapidated ceramics in smaller parts, or branded faucets may seem small, but they signal care for the space to buyers.
Well-executed home staging also plays a big role.
Furniture that opens up the space, neutral colors, and details that bring warmth help the buyer to more easily imagine life in that home.
These interventions carry minimal cost and can significantly speed up the sale.

Larger renovations: when do they really pay off?

Adaptations to the kitchen and bathroom are often the most expensive, but also the most attractive to buyers.
However, profitability depends on the value of the property and the market in which it is sold.
In Zagreb, Istria, and on the coast, buyers are increasingly looking for a furnished space they can move into immediately, while in the continent they often accept older installations if the price is adjusted.
If it is a luxury property, unfinished or outdated bathrooms can significantly slow down the sale.
In such cases, the modernization of the space – underfloor heating, new sanitary ware, quality ceramics – usually pays off, because it raises the overall impression and justifies the higher price.

How much is enough to invest?

The general rule of the market is that no more than 1–3% of the value of the property is invested in renovation before sale, unless it is a premium segment.
It is important to be guided by functionality: investments that solve a specific defect (humidity, poor carpentry, dilapidated installations) almost always increase the probability of a successful sale.
On the other hand, investments that are too specific and expensive – such as a designer kitchen or luxury furniture – the buyer may not be able to valorize, especially if they are planning their own adaptation.

Differences among cities and regions

The price and type of renovation that pays off differ from city to city.
In Zagreb, buyers increasingly value energy efficiency, new carpentry, and good insulation.
In Istria and Dalmatia, the visual impression is crucial – a modern space, quality ceramics and design that follows the Mediterranean style.
On the Adriatic islands, buyers most appreciate functionality, outdoor spaces and solutions that facilitate maintenance.
Sellers who understand these differences more easily adapt investments to the real expectations of the market.

When is adaptation the right choice?

Renovation before sale is profitable when it clearly contributes to the impression, functionality, and value of the property.
It doesn't have to be big or expensive – often a little refreshment, a change of lighting or staged staging is enough for the space to get a completely new energy.
The goal is to create the impression of a home that the buyer can move into immediately, without worrying about additional costs.
If you are considering selling and want to assess the profitability of renovation, our team of experts will be happy to assess your space and advise you on which investments can bring the best result on the market.