Even in a cautious market, South African homeowners preparing to sell can unlock significant value with simple, strategic renovations that don’t break the bank. That’s according to Antonie Goosen, Principal and Founder of Meridian Realty, who says small upgrades often deliver the biggest returns.
“In many cases, sellers are tempted to embark on expensive renovations before listing,” says 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.”
Goosen highlights paint as the top return-on-investment improvement. “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.”
Lighting is another area where minor changes can yield major results. “Outdated or inadequate light fixtures can make a home feel dull and dated.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.”
When it comes to curb appeal, Goosen says first impressions matter more than many sellers realise. “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.”
Inside the home, Goosen recommends decluttering and smart staging to allow potential buyers to visualise their own lifestyle in the space. “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.”
While full kitchen or bathroom renovations can be expensive and time-consuming, Goosen says small targeted updates in these areas often pay off just as well. “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.”
Even minor maintenance issues should not be overlooked. “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,” says Goosen. “Buyers are quick to notice them, and even subconsciously, it can influence how much they’re willing to offer.”
Goosen also emphasises the importance of gardens and outdoor areas, especially in lifestyle-driven locations like Pringle Bay, Hermanus or Somerset West. “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.”
He adds that window treatments are another overlooked opportunity. “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.”
With more buyers prioritising energy-efficiency and smart living, Goosen suggests including a few affordable green features. “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.”
Another small change that can have a surprisingly big impact is showcasing storage potential. “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 small changes is to position the home to appeal emotionally as well as rationally. “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.”
While property markets fluctuate and buyers become more value-conscious, Goosen believes these accessible upgrades offer sellers the best chance of securing a strong offer. “You don’t need to overspend to increase the value of your home,” he says. “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.”
He concludes: “At Meridian Realty, we work closely with our clients to help them make informed, practical choices when preparing to list. Every property is unique, but the same principle holds true—well-presented homes sell better. With a few simple tweaks, sellers can stand out from the competition and attract serious buyers willing to pay a fair price.”
