If you’re thinking about selling your home in Thetford, you may be wondering whether it’s worth doing some work before putting it on the market. Should you give the place a refresh — or leave it as is? Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide.
The pros of renovating or redecorating
• Better kerb appeal. First impressions matter, and small updates can make your home stand out from the street.
• Stronger marketing photos. Buyers scroll through property listings quickly, so an attractive, well-presented home has a much better chance of catching their eye.
• Potentially higher offers. A tidy, move-in-ready home can attract more viewings — and possibly more competitive offers.
• Added value. Depending on the improvements you make, you could increase your property’s value.
• Appeal to more buyers. Many buyers prefer a home that doesn’t require renovation work.
According to Rightmove, homes in need of improvement typically sell for around 12% less than move-in-ready properties — showing that presentation really can pay off.
The cons
• Upfront cost. Renovations can be expensive, and there’s no guarantee you’ll recover every pound spent.
• Different tastes. A new owner might rip out your freshly decorated kitchen or bathroom anyway.
• Quality risk. Poorly executed work can backfire, making the property less appealing.
• Buyers love a project. Some buyers actively seek out fixer-uppers because they’re cheaper upfront and offer the opportunity to customise over time.
Research by Yopa suggests that fixer-upper homes are increasingly popular, as buyers enjoy spreading the cost of improvements rather than paying a premium for perfection.
So, what’s the best approach?
While it’s tempting to think every buyer wants a newly renovated home, that’s not always true. What matters most is that your property feels clean, well cared for, and free from obvious issues that might deter interest.
Address small maintenance problems, refresh tired décor if needed, and make sure rooms feel bright, tidy and inviting — but don’t overinvest in major works unless you’re confident it’ll add real value.
If you’d like some honest advice about whether to renovate or sell as-is, get in touch with our Thetford team today. We’ll provide a free valuation and share expert guidance on what’s likely to give you the best return.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
