Cheap reno wins vs expensive fails: What adds real value

Small fixes for a big win: it’s time for renovations that actually add value

Not all renovations are created equal. Some upgrades could cost you thousands without adding a cent to your resale value.

In this Ask the Experts episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook is joined by Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz to reveal which home improvements genuinely increase property value, and which ones are a total waste of money.

Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to be smart about where you invest in your home, understanding the return on renovation is crucial.

A $50,000 kitchen revamp might look stunning, but will buyers actually pay for it?

We cover:

• Kitchen and bathroom renovations: high impact or high risk?
• The low-cost power of painting, decluttering, and deep cleaning
• Pools: luxury feature or long-term liability?
• Do outdoor upgrades like decks and landscaping pay off?
• Simple layout changes that boost value more than cosmetic tweaks
• Best renovations for a $5K–$10K budget

If you want to increase your home’s value without overcapitalising, this episode is your essential guide to renovation decisions that make a real difference.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.