How to unlock up to $20k in extra home value with easy DIY - realestate.com.au

Mercury

13-05-2025

Investors looking to sell their property can add an extra $10,000 to $20,000 in value by refreshing their bathroom through easy and inexpensive DIY, an industry expert said.
Celebrity interior designer and founder of Kurved by Design, Kellie Richardson says a few basic reno hacks were enough to increase the sale price of a home, at a time when everyday Aussie were counting every dollar.
Latest property data shows national home prices grew 3.71 per cent over the 12 months to the start of May and 3.35 per cent across all capital cities.
It means a $800,000 home now sells, on average, $26,800 more than it did a year ago, with a basic DIY reno potentially adding a further 2.5 per cent profit, according to Ms Richardson.
'You do not need a massive budget to make a big impact, especially when it comes to bathrooms. Property buyers generally look at the quality of the kitchen and bathroom and if they present well, this helps to get the sale over the line,' she said.
'In fact, if these areas present really well, they can help to lift the sales value of a home by…$10,000 to $20,000.
'You can go to Bunnings now and get really good round mirrors for $50…and even tapware, you can get brands like Borrelli for under $100 there, too.'
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Interior designer Kellie Richardson says a basic bathroom DIY could add thousands of dollar to a home's value.
With Australia's property market heating up and buyers becoming more discerning, Ms Richardson encouraged sellers to focus on strategic, cost-effective upgrades that could dramatically shift a home's appeal.
And it all starts with the bathroom.
'Bathrooms sell houses. They are emotional spaces for buyers and the good news is you can transform the entire vibe for under $1000,' she said.
Ms Richardson's budget bathroom styling strategy is part of a broader series of DIY hacks she shares with sellers looking to maximise sale price without overspending.
'Smart styling creates emotional impact and emotional impact drives better offers. You do not need $10,000 to add value. You just need to know where to spend $1,000 wisely,' she said.
Here are her top tips for elevating your bathroom without blowing your budget. Tapware
'Changing your tapware to matte black, brushed gold or even gunmetal is a quick way to bring a designer feel to the room. These pieces are easy to replace and often available in budget friendly kits from major retailers,' Richardson said.
'Simple changes can be done yourself or by a handyman.'
New tap ware is an easy and inexpensive way to freshen up a bathroom. Holders
'Towel holders, toilet roll holders and shower caddies can instantly upgrade a tired space. Brands like Barelli, available at Bunnings, offer sleek styles in contemporary colours including black that are simple to install and highly effective in updating the space,' Richardson said. Tile repaint
'Instead of retiling, which is expensive and time consuming, consider tile specific paint. It can completely transform the colour and finish of outdated tiles with a clean, modern look for a fraction of the cost,' Richarson said.
'Often these types of changes will only cost a few hundred dollars and deliver a transformative effect.'
A young woman attentively examines the ceramic tile in her hands during renovation work in the bathroom New basin
'A fresh basin can be purchased and installed for well under $200 and it can modernise a vanity instantly. Look for curved or organic shapes for a more up to date feel,' Richardson said.
'Again, affordable and budget basins can be purchased from Bunnings or other retailers online and provided there is no plumbing change, these can be replaced fairly easily. The impact is dramatic.' Bath spray paint
'For older properties with a dated or stained bath, resurfacing spray paint can make a huge difference. With proper prep and a little patience, your bath can look brand new without needing full replacement,' Richardson said.
Resurfacing sprays, new mirrors and new basins are also simple ideas to give your bathroom a new look. New mirror
'Swap out basic frameless mirrors for round, matte framed or backlit options. A new mirror is one of the most affordable ways to shift the overall tone of the room and add a focal point,' Richardson said. Colourful towels
'Ditch faded or mismatched towels. Choose lush, hotel style towels in warm neutrals or pops of colour to add energy and personality. Roll or layer them for a boutique look,' Richardson said.
New towels can give you bathroom a colourful new look. Plants
'Bathrooms love greenery. Add an indoor plant or two, like peace lilies or ferns, to soften the space and add life. Even artificial plants can create a calming, spa like feel,' Richardson said.