Style to Sell
Case study
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The Property:
Two-bedroom flat in a Victorian villa
The Client:
Rented a similar property through FK as a student – then bought this flat to live in before renting it out. Seven years later it needed substantial refurbishment. He decided against the £24,000 upgrade and put the property on the market. There was little or no interest.
The Problems:
- Boiler 'condemned' by Corgi
- With the onset of Winter, the water system was drained down (due to lack of working central heating boiler), making the flat even colder with likely further deterioration.
- Inadequate tiling in bathroom which led to the plaster rotting around the shower
- Redecoration well overdue
- Outdated stained dark wood throughout
- Grey carpet and busy curtains did not meet current expectations
- Worn out furniture
The Solution:
A budget makeover, carrying out all essential improvements and sufficient to ensure a good short-term let and make the interior attractive for the selling market thereafter. The overall cost was reduced to £14,500.
Makeover Principles:
Aim for light and bright:
Redecoration included off-white walls, white woodwork and replacement white tiles in the kitchen and bathroom. Silver colour knobs updated the kitchen units and linked through to curtain poles, light fittings and the vinyl floor. The carpet was replaced with a more neutral earth tone. Pale turquoise (aqua) was chosen for the sofa and armchair and continued as an accent colour on white ground curtains, in cushions and in ornaments. This colour also links well with glass which we used to tile the existing coffee table and in the desk and dining table. Glass reflects light and opens up space.
The Outcome:
The property let to the first tenant who viewed it and when the selling agent was invited back, their reaction was, "Wow… this will add another £20,000 to the price."
Case study
- Case Study 1
- Case Study 2
Case study 2« Previous case study
The Property:
Top floor, two-bedroom flat conversion.
The Client:
An overseas investor with Finder Keepers, advised by FK, after many years of continuous letting, to either upgrade the flat or to sell and re-invest. The landlord decided to sell – but with little interest, the property remained empty for months.
The Problems:
- Redecoration well overdue
- Outdated stained dark wood and dark metal frame windows
- Carpet worn through and curtains shabby
- Worn out furniture
- Slightly outdated kitchen and bathroom
The Solution:
Replacement flooring, curtains and lighting throughout – slight aesthetic improvements made to the kitchen and bathroom to bring them in line with current market expectations. A furniture rental package was also supplied. The overall cost was £8,500 plus the furniture rental package.
Makeover Principles:
Aim for modern, striking and fresh:
Redecoration included off-white walls and white woodwork. The carpet was replaced with a more neutral earth tone. The colour scheme chosen was black, white and a selection of reds with solid oak furniture. The sofa and armchair were in co-ordinating shades of red/rust/orange and cushions and ornaments reflected the scheme throughout the apartment.
The Outcome:
The property sold at the full market value to the second person who viewed it – and all the furniture was purchased in addition.