Even in a cautious market, South African homeowners preparing to sell can unlock significant value through small, strategic upgrades that don’t require major capital outlay.
According to Antonie Goosen, principal and founder of Meridian Realty, it’s often the simple improvements that deliver the biggest returns.
“In many cases, sellers are tempted to embark on expensive renovations before listing,” said Goosen. “But the truth is, you can achieve a higher selling price by focusing on a few key areas that enhance the overall presentation of the home.”
1. A Fresh Coat of Paint: Top ROI Improvement
Goosen identified painting as the single most impactful upgrade when preparing a home for sale.
“A fresh coat of neutral paint—think soft greys, warm whites or classic beige tones—immediately refreshes a property and creates a modern, move-in-ready feel. It’s the simplest way to make a space look bigger, brighter and well cared for. Buyers notice when a home looks clean and recently updated.”
Neutral tones create an inviting blank canvas and help prospective buyers picture themselves living in the space.
2. Lighting: Small Upgrades, Big Impact
Outdated or dim lighting can immediately date a home. Goosen advised that even inexpensive lighting updates can transform the atmosphere.
“Outdated or inadequate light fixtures can make a home feel dull and dated. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient LED fittings instantly lifts the atmosphere. Adding ambient lighting in key areas like the lounge or kitchen also helps to create a warm, inviting space—something that has real emotional appeal for buyers.”
3. Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter
First impressions begin before a buyer even enters the property. Small touches to enhance the entrance can set a welcoming tone.
“Your front entrance sets the tone for everything that follows. Something as simple as repainting the front door, adding a new welcome mat, and placing a potted plant or two near the entrance can make a home feel more inviting before the buyer even steps inside. It shows attention to detail and pride of ownership.”
4. Decluttering and Staging: Help Buyers Visualise
Inside the home, Goosen recommended decluttering and staging as essential for buyer appeal.
“Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living there. That’s hard to do if every surface is covered in personal items or if the rooms feel cramped. Removing unnecessary furniture, storing away clutter and using light, neutral décor elements can dramatically change the feel of the home.”
5. Kitchen and Bathroom Touch-Ups
Full renovations may not be necessary—targeted updates can provide similar returns at a fraction of the cost.
“Replacing old cupboard handles, upgrading taps or mixers, installing a new backsplash, or regrouting tiles are all relatively inexpensive changes that give kitchens and bathrooms a more modern, updated feel. You’d be amazed at the difference a simple new vanity mirror and lighting can make in a bathroom.”
6. Fix Minor Repairs
Small maintenance issues can impact buyer perception more than sellers realise.
“Dripping taps, cracked tiles, sticky doors, and squeaky hinges might seem like small things, but they create an impression that the home hasn’t been properly cared for,” said Goosen. “Buyers are quick to notice them, and even subconsciously, it can influence how much they’re willing to offer.”
7. Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
Especially in lifestyle-driven areas like Pringle Bay, Hermanus, and Somerset West, outdoor appeal is key.
“Outdoor living is a huge part of the South African lifestyle, especially in coastal and country areas. A neat, well-maintained garden, mowed lawn and tidy patio can add substantial value to your home. Consider planting hardy indigenous shrubs, cleaning up your outdoor furniture, and perhaps even adding solar-powered lighting to enhance the space.”
8. Window Treatments and Natural Light
Letting in natural light is an often-overlooked opportunity to improve a home’s appeal.
“Old or dusty curtains can really date a home. Swapping them out for clean, neutral blinds or curtains that allow in plenty of natural light can lift an entire room. Also, clean your windows properly—natural light is one of the biggest selling points for any property.”
9. Add Simple Green Features
Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important to today’s buyers.
“Simple additions like energy-efficient lightbulbs, a programmable thermostat or solar outdoor lighting aren’t expensive, but they do signal to buyers that the home is modern and future-focused. These kinds of upgrades can also help reduce long-term utility costs, which is an increasingly attractive factor for buyers.”
10. Highlight Storage Potential
Functional space is always a plus, and small changes can help showcase your home’s storage value.
“Storage is a major consideration for many families. Adding built-in shelves, decluttering existing cupboards, or installing simple organisers in wardrobes and kitchen cupboards makes your home feel more practical and liveable.”
According to Goosen, the goal of these upgrades isn’t just to increase value—it’s to help buyers form an emotional connection.
“Most buyers don’t walk into a house and do complex calculations. They walk in and get a feeling. They imagine Sunday braais in the garden, or how the lounge would look with their furniture. As a seller, your job is to help create that feeling.”
Cost-Effective, High-Impact Improvements
While the property market remains competitive and value-conscious, these affordable improvements can have an outsized impact.
“You don’t need to overspend to increase the value of your home,” he said. “In fact, some of the most effective improvements cost less than R10,000 in total but can add hundreds of thousands to the perceived value—especially if they help your home sell faster and with less negotiation.”
