The first rung on the property ladder is often restricted to a smaller apartment or house simply because of the limited budgets that define early adulthood.
And while it would be lovely to snap up a five-bedroom mansion in a prestigious area, the reality isn’t like that for most of us. Instead, we do our best to build a lovely, warm home in a more modest affair.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer preparing to jump on the property ladder or about to sell your first home, you’ll discover plenty of room for improvements.
As an experienced agency in our suburb, we’ve seen some marvellous upgrades of small houses and units that change our impression of their size, enhancing their market value. And we thought we’d share these observation to inspire you.
Paint principles
Colour has a significant impact on people’s impression of a property’s size. If you only do one thing, repaint your home. Choose light colours and neutrals as these make each room feel open and welcoming. Feature walls of a more striking tone can add some contrast but if you want to sell again soon, leave it neutral.
Floor it
A more ambitious approach is to change the floor plan, embracing open-plan living. This can be expensive, especially if you remove supporting walls, but a wise investment. Warm, beautiful wood makes a superb flooring, although there are countless and less expensive alternatives – just keep the flooring consistent to create a sense of flow and space. .
Kitchen catch-ups
Create a kitchen where you can sit and enjoy a coffee with friends and the occasional neighbour who might drop by for a chat. Even a small table for two can create a cosy nook. This adds an extra dimension to your entertaining options.
Embrace outdoors
If you can create a kitchen or dining space that flows into your back garden, you’ll nail the space challenge. A small deck or balcony that allows you to entertain guests in the warmer months is ideal. Even if you have a tiny balcony, a chair to stretch out and watch the world go by outside can make all the difference.
Storage sensations
Always look out for neat storage options as you renovate. Possibly the biggest challenge in smaller homes is finding spots to put everything. If your budget allows, talk to a carpenter or custom wardrobe or storage builder. Tailor-made storage solutions add both utility and value to your home.
Bathroom beauties
A modern bathroom makes a statement of quality about your home. The impact is usually far more significant in smaller apartments and houses than large ones, making it a great investment opportunity.
Moon shot
A moon shot is a phrase for an ambitious idea. So consider going into the roof and see whether you have room for an attic conversation. If it’s possible, call in a specialist company. They should have the experience to give you the best ideas and designs.