Paint jobs are one of the most budget-friendly ways to boost your property’s value, but how much of a difference do they really make?
Real estate agents across Australia agree that a few tins of paint applied with the proper tools can boost your home’s asking price by up to 5%. A fresh coat inside and out helps properties sell faster and at better prices. In fact, research suggests specific paint colours could add even more value to your home.
Let’s talk about why house painting is so popular and what professional painting can do for the value of your home.
The benefits of a fresh coat of paint
A fresh coat of paint does more than just change colours. It can refresh a tired old space, turning it into a place you and your family will actually want to spend time in. It’s also one of the easiest and cheapest ways to change the look of a home. Unlike big renovations that take months of planning, council approval, and hiring a lot of tradespeople, painting can be done quickly and gives you results right away.
Boost curb appeal with exterior painting
Anyone who says you should never judge a book by its cover clearly hasn’t worked in real estate. First impressions can make all the difference, and potential buyers see your home’s exterior first. A crisp paint job will boost your kerb appeal dramatically and help your home stand out in a crowded market. It’s like polishing your car before you sell it. It doesn’t change what’s under the hood, but it makes people feel better about the whole thing.
Keeping the paint fresh in Newcastle’s climate, where salty sea air and sun exposure can really hurt, also protects your home from damage.
Make interiors feel bigger and brighter
Paint has amazing powers to change how interior spaces look. Light colours bounce natural light around, making rooms look bigger and more open. Cool tones of blue and green can make walls appear farther away, creating more visual space. You can even trick the eye into thinking there is more space than there actually is by using only one shade of a neutral colour throughout.
Different paint techniques can make spaces seem even larger:
- Horizontal stripes make a room look wider
- Vertical stripes pull your eyes up and make ceilings appear higher
Paint finishes play a vital role too. Gloss and semi-gloss finishes reflect more light, which helps illuminate the whole room.
Creating a move-in ready impression for buyers
Most people don’t want to paint after buying a house, so move-in-ready properties naturally attract more potential buyers. Think about your feelings when you walk into a home with clean, fresh walls vs a home with stains or faded patches. A nicely painted interior shows cleanliness and attention to detail, which leaves a positive impression on buyers.
Never underestimate how a freshly painted home affects buyers mentally. Using fresh, neutral colours gives potential buyers a blank canvas, so they can picture their own furniture and personal style in the space. Being able to immediately picture themselves in the space often leads to higher offers and quicker sales.
What really affects the value increase?
While a fresh coat of paint can boost property values, not all projects give you the same return on investment. You’ll need to know which factors are more likely to increase value before getting the brushes out or investing in a paint job.
Interior vs exterior painting
Both types of painting add value to a property. Exterior painting creates better kerb appeal and a positive first impression that can lead to higher property values. But according to a survey conducted by Home Gain, interior painting can give you a whopping 107% return on investment, while exterior painting returns around 55%. The best approach combines both types of painting and focuses on areas that create the most visual impact.
Where colour choice comes in
If you want to sell, neutral is the best colour for you. Strong, unusual colours can make it hard for buyers to picture themselves living in your home. Think of soft greys, warm whites, or classic beige colours. When you’re outside, stick with classic combinations that go with the street.
A paint and colour trends report by Fixr found warm earthy tones were gaining popularity as an interior colour palette. Other colours can certainly work, and you might find buyers with the same sense of style. But buyers will start to think about how much it will cost and how much work it will be to paint it again, which usually means lower offers.
The role of paint quality and application method
The quality of paint you use and how it’s applied make a big difference in terms of durability and looks. Professional painters use better tools and methods to create smooth, even finishes that buyers love, and high-quality paints last longer so you won’t have to repaint as often. DIY painting might save money upfront, but professional work often creates a better finish that adds more value, especially on big, complex projects.
How to increase the value of your house with paint
The right timing of your paint job can make a big difference in your property’s sale price.
When is the best time to paint before selling?
Your best bet is to paint right before putting your property on the market. Fresh paint will make your home look amazing in listing photos and during inspections, which could help you sell faster and at a better price. To avoid the high humidity, autumn is usually the best time to paint around Newcastle and Port Macquarie. Spring can be good too, but there is a higher chance of rain for exterior projects.
As the painting experts, we can help you decide the best time to get your paint job done to see the best results.
Choosing the right areas to focus on
High-traffic areas deserve your attention first to get the best results. A well-painted entryway sets the tone for a great first impression, while the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom all play a vital role in shaping what buyers think of your home.
Hiring professionals vs DIY
Painting is one of the more accessible DIY jobs you can do around the home, but before you go shopping for brushes, take a good look at your painting skills and how complex the job is. While doing it yourself might seem cheaper upfront, professional painters work faster and avoid mistakes that could hurt your home’s value. Professional help also comes in handy for tricky spots like high ceilings or detailed trim work.
Ready to boost your property’s value?
A strategic paint job remains one of the smartest investments before selling your home. It makes your home more appealing and allows buyers to envision themselves in your space. But the best results come down to a few factors, including the colour you choose and which areas you decide to focus on.
Your decision to hire the pros or DIY depends on your skills, but the team at George Painting is here to help. We’ll take the guesswork out of every job, helping you pick the right colour scheme for your space.
Ready to get your home on the market? Contact us for a free quote today
