How to choose between re-sale value or your personal interior preferences

removalists

A couple of clients recently have repeatedly talked about re-sale value. That is how the interior design project we’re working on now will affect the re-sale value of their house. I find this curious. Primarily because the client is spending a lot of time and money on their project. And instead of focusing on what they want, they’re focusing on what potential buyers may want at some point in the future. So how do you choose between re-sale value versus your personal interior preferences?

Re-sale value, interior preferences, property styling

When the time comes to sell your property, it’s likely (not a must) that your real estate agent will suggest staging your property.

Staging your property for sale usually requires a property stylist to come in and add furniture and décor to your house to appeal to buyers.

The style of this furniture and décor is usually Modern, Contemporary or a bit of both and aims to make your house as beautiful and as on trend as possible to appeal to wide range of buyers.

Property styling is successful when a potential buyer forms an emotional connection to your house because they can see themselves living in it due to the aspirational styling.

This is a highly effective exercise and can significantly increase the sale price of your house.

But the aim of interior design is different. Interior design aims to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces for the client or home owner not the buyer.

What contributes to resale value

When clients talk about re-sale value I remind them of the other attributes that buyers are looking for such as location.

While I’m not a real estate agent or property expert, fundamental factors such as location, amenities, schools. As well as the size of the house, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and so on all impact re-sale value.

I’d go as far to say that these fundamental factors impact re-sale value more than interior design decisions you make.

The reason I think this is because I’ve worked with many clients who have recently bought a house and want to renovate it. Mostly it’s changing the colour of the walls or renovating key spaces such as kitchen and bathrooms.

So I usually advise my clients to focus their time, energy and money on what they want. What will make their home enjoyable and aspirational for them rather than the buyer. Mostly, because the buyer is likely to make their own changes.

Everyone is different and has different functional and style preferences and requirements. So trying to factor in a potential buyer in your interior design decisions seems like a waste to me. You can’t anticipate what a buyer wants or what truly attracts them to your house at some point in the future.

To get the most out of your home if you’re working with an interior designer, the focus should be on overcoming functional problems. Incorporating and addressing your functional goals and achieving your version of an aspirational space.

Choosing between re-sale value versus your personal interior preferences shouldn’t be a factor. Focus on what you want and what will make you happy in your home. Rather than concerning yourself with buyers and re-sale value.