The ROI of Cleaning, Painting, and Clearing Before Selling

Boosting Property Value

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions count. In today’s competitive property market, buyers in New Zealand are more discerning than ever, often making decisions within minutes of stepping through the door. One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to increase the perceived value of a home – and to secure a higher sale price – is through strategic cleaning, painting, and clearing. These relatively modest investments can yield impressive returns, and data shows they are often the key to closing a deal successfully.

The Importance of Presentation

A recent report by CoreLogic found that well-presented properties in New Zealand’s main centres sold, on average, 5-10% higher than comparable properties that weren’t given the same level of attention before listing. For a home valued at $800,000, that’s a potential increase of $40,000 to $80,000 simply from ensuring the property is clean, decluttered, and freshly painted. With such significant figures, these pre-sale steps can’t be overlooked.

The Power of Professional Cleaning

A thorough, professional clean goes beyond surface aesthetics – it conveys to buyers that the home has been well-cared for, which can have a psychological impact on their willingness to pay a higher price. According to data from the New Zealand Real Estate Institute, a professionally cleaned property reduces time on the market by an average of 20-30%, meaning that these properties don’t just sell for more; they sell faster. For sellers, this reduced time can also mean fewer holding costs, which is a benefit that compounds the financial return on investment.

Painting: A Small Cost, a Big Reward

While painting may seem like an unnecessary expense, data shows it is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase property value. According to a survey conducted by Resene, a fresh coat of paint can add up to 5% to the home’s sale price, and up to 107% ROI for sellers. Neutral tones are particularly effective, as they appeal to a broader range of buyers and allow them to envision themselves in the space.

A homeowner might spend around $2,000 - $5,000 on repainting the key areas of their property, but on a house valued at $700,000, the potential sale price boost of 5% represents an increase of $35,000 – well worth the investment.

Clearing and Decluttering: Creating a Blank Canvas

Decluttering is about more than just removing personal belongings – it’s about creating an inviting and spacious atmosphere that appeals to buyers’ desires for a ‘move-in-ready’ home. The New Zealand Real Estate Institute reports that decluttered properties sell 40% faster, often because buyers can envision their own furniture, artwork, and lives in the space. In practical terms, a day spent clearing personal items and creating a clean, blank slate could add thousands to the final sale price.

A properly staged home can also command a 6-10% higher selling price, according to the New Zealand Home Presentation Study, conducted in 2022. A straightforward investment in decluttering and creating flow and space could pay dividends, especially in high-demand areas like Auckland or Wellington.

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