Straight answers · Checked 20 October 2026
What should I fix before selling my house?
Short answer
Focus on cheap, visible jobs: repairs, paint, gardens, cleaning and styling. Big kitchen and bathroom renovations rarely return more than they cost, especially when prices are softening. There is no reliable Australian study of pre-sale returns, so be wary of anyone promising a fixed dollar uplift.
Usually worth it
Fixing obvious defects, fresh neutral paint, tidy front gardens, decluttering, and good photography.
Usually not
Full renovations started just to sell, unless a comparable-sales check shows a clear gap you can close quickly.
Paying for it
Some providers fund pre-sale work and are repaid at settlement. Compare the fees carefully before you sign.