The Times House & Garden
 
The Times Real Estate

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Sydney House Buyers Are Becoming More Astute

If you are thinking of selling your home, it’s important to note that Sydney house buyers are getting more savvy at house inspections. They know what they want and what to look for. They’re taking a close eye to the quality of your renovations, like checking that plumbing and electrical work is done legally by a licensed tradesperson. You’ll also find them turning on every appliance to check they are working and that water in is running up to code.

With the booming prices in the Sydney housing market, it is no surprise that house buyers are taking a microscope to their potential investment, many hiring the services of a very thorough building inspector.

This means that if they find any issues they’re going to subtract the cost and time it will take to repair them from your house offer – which translates to major lowball offers!

What Can You Do to Get the Upper Hand Again?

Getting the house offer you want may need a little give and take. If you are in a more suburban area where buyers are planning to settle down, they can be especially picky. When you give them a building report, you don’t want any glaring problems presented to them. It may be worth getting in a couple of tradies to fix up some problems. 

So, what are some recommended fixes?

Hot Water Service

Servicing your hot water system is probably a good idea if there are leaks and odd noises that can put off a buyer. Hot water systems are usually neglected, so you were probably due for a service anyway!

Leaky Toilets, Taps, and Pipes

Leaking toilets, taps and pipes are obvious to buyers. It can make the whole house feel rundown or neglected. It can also allude to deeper plumbing issues or defects – whether they exist or not. Luckily, leaky taps are usually easy to fix.

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains can look and smell bad. Like leaks, they can make the home feel rundown, but they are simple to repair.

Gutters

Curb appeal is particularly important to buyers. It gives a sense of the property value. Visual plumbing upgrades are the way to go. Especially with the rainy Sydney weather, gutters may be your first point of call. If they are breaking down or detached, get them fixed as soon as possible.

Mould

Water marks, damage, and mould need to be addressed immediately – from the root cause. Besides being unsightly, it also poses health risks and can affect the structure of the home. It can also cause all sorts of problems for your house buyer. 

Ask your plumber to find where the problem is coming from. Moisture issues can be a big deal, so it needs to be removed completely.

Is It Worth Calling in the Tradies?

If you are unsure about what to fix to secure the best return, call in an experienced licensed plumber. They’ve seen enough Sydney renovations to know what sells and what is worth fixing. Learn more here.