Lake Properties
Lake Properties
5 alterations that add value to your house before summer
Summer sells. Buyers (and renters) picture long, sunny weekends, braais with friends, and easy indoor–outdoor living — so make your home answer that daydream. Below are five high-impact, practical alterations you can do now that feel friendly, not overbuilt, and that buyers notice first.
1. Supercharge your curb appeal
Why it helps: First impressions count — a tidy, welcoming exterior sets the tone and raises perceived value before anyone steps inside.
What to do:
- Give the front door a fresh coat of paint in a modern, confident colour and swap the hardware (handle, knocker, house numbers).
- Pressure-wash paths, driveway and exterior walls; repair cracked paving or a patchy lawn.
- Add simple, low-maintenance planting (native or drought-tolerant shrubs), a couple of potted plants and neat mulch.
- Update porch lighting — warm, attractive fittings make evenings look inviting.
Practical tip: Focus on neatness and symmetry rather than expensive landscaping. Small, clean details deliver big visual lift.
Budget & ROI: Low-to-medium cost with consistently high visual return — an affordable way to boost buyer interest quickly.
2. Create or upgrade an outdoor entertaining area
Why it helps: Summer = outdoor living. A defined, usable outdoor space (patio, deck, or paved area with shade) turns a garden into an extension of the home.
What to do:
- Add a simple wooden deck or level paved area with weatherproof furniture.
- Install a pergola, retractable awning or shade sail to make the space usable in midday sun.
- Consider a built-in braai or a neat, portable braai station — it sells particularly well in South Africa where outdoor cooking is cultural.
- Add ambient outdoor lighting (string lights, low bollards) to show off the space after sunset.
Practical tip: Use durable, low-maintenance materials and think about flow from kitchen to outdoors — buyers love easy access for entertaining.
Budget & ROI: Medium cost; high perceived value for summer-focused buyers. Even modest improvements here can significantly increase market appeal.
3. Give your kitchen a targeted refresh (not a full reno)
Why it helps: Kitchens are deal-makers. You don’t need a full remodel to make an impact — targeted updates improve looks and functionality without breaking the bank.
What to do:
- Replace tired handles and taps, update cabinet fronts or paint them, and fit a fresh backsplash if needed.
- Swap old light fittings for brighter, layered lighting (under-cabinet lights are great).
- Replace worn benchtop surfaces if they’re visibly damaged; otherwise have countertops professionally sealed.
- Declutter and stage: clear surfaces, hide small appliances, and add a bowl of fresh lemons or a small herb pot for summer vibes.
Practical tip: Focus on visible, high-touch items (handles, taps, light fittings) — buyers notice these first.
Budget & ROI: Low-to-medium cost with excellent return; a clean, modern-feeling kitchen can swing buyer decisions.
4. Open up light and airflow — windows and doors
Why it helps: Bright, airy homes feel more spacious and summer-friendly. Improving the connection between indoors and outdoors is a powerful value-add.
What to do:
- Replace or repair window frames and seals so windows open smoothly and look fresh.
- Where possible, install sliding or folding doors to the garden — they dramatically improve flow and light.
- Add ceiling or wall fans in living areas and bedrooms to show the home copes with summer heat.
- Upgrade to brighter, energy-efficient glazing where practical (improves comfort and is a selling point).
Practical tip: Even small changes that increase natural light (clean windows, remove heavy curtains) make a big difference during viewings.
Budget & ROI: Varies. Small fixes are low-cost with quick visual benefit; larger door/window installations are higher cost but can deliver strong ROI in markets that prize indoor–outdoor living.
5. Low-maintenance, waterwise landscaping + lighting
Why it helps: A neat, low-maintenance garden that looks good in summer convinces buyers they won’t be faced with endless upkeep.
What to do:
- Replace thirsty lawn areas with drought-tolerant groundcover, gravel beds, or attractive paving.
- Install a simple drip irrigation system for essential plants — it saves time and shows care.
- Add warm, subtle outdoor lighting to showcase paths and the entertaining area after dark.
- Use mulch generously — it looks tidy, retains moisture and reduces garden work.
Practical tip: Present the garden as a usable space (seating, dining, a small play area) rather than an empty plot — buyers picture themselves using it.
Budget & ROI: Low-to-medium cost; particularly appealing in hot, dry summers and a good selling point for eco-conscious buyers.
Small fixes that punch above their weight
If you’re tight on time or budget, these quick wins are worth doing before a viewing:
- Fresh interior paint in neutral tones.
- Replace tired light fittings and bulbs with bright, warm LED lighting.
- Deep clean and declutter — clear surfaces, tidy wardrobes and store away personal items.
- Ensure bathrooms sparkle: re-grout where needed, replace shower curtains with glass screens if practical.
Lake Properties Pro-Tip
Before you start, think like a buyer: focus on visible, functional improvements that support summer living (easy outdoor flow, shade, low-maintenance gardens, bright interiors). Don’t over-improve beyond your street — match the finish level to comparable homes in your suburb. Get two or three quotes for any major work, keep receipts and warranties, and if you’re in a sectional title scheme, check body corporate rules for outdoor changes. Small, well-chosen upgrades done neatly will usually win you more offers — and faster.
If you tell me your budget or the suburb, I can suggest a tailored, cost-prioritised short checklist to get your home summer-ready
you know of anyone who is thinking of selling or buying property,in Cape Town,please call me
Russell
Lake Properties
083 624 7129
www.lakeproperties.co.za
info@lakeproperties.co.za If
