Is this the secret to a successful renovation in Canberra?

Many homeowners have embarked on renovations during the pandemic thanks, in part, to a windfall of increased equity over the last two years.

Agents say the most successful ones are those that deliver consistency between the old and the new with very efficient floor plans.

Matt Shipard of Hive Property says this Mawson property is a case in point.

“The homeowners spent some 10 years living in the home to get a real understanding of what they wanted to achieve in a renovation and the feeling they wanted to create,” he says.

“The result is a home that feels spacious and works really well between its parts and its integration with the outdoor spaces.”

Shipard says there are many elements that go into a successful renovation: “Maximising light is usually a high priority as is spaces to suit the ages and needs of different family members.”

Samantha Granter of Belle Property Canberra says the perception of a successful renovation often starts with kerb appeal as far as potential buyers are concerned.

“First impressions count and buyers are then keen to see how consistently the story is told throughout the home,” she says. “That all comes down to the planning and detail of the design.”

Granter says sought-after elements that future-proof a renovation investment include multiple living options or rooms that can be used for multiple purposes.

“Beyond those, big points of focus are the appeal of kitchens and bathrooms – there’s no underestimating their importance,” she says.

“Other elements include the comfort level of the master suite and the integration of the outdoor spaces.”

• Windfall: Canberra’s rapidly increasing values have delivered windfalls through increased home equity. That extra value can be translated into funds to finance a home renovation with plenty of bling for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Pros: A renovated home is appealing to homebuyers because they get everything they want in a home without having to go through the learning and experience curve of managing the process themselves.
• Cons: There are only so many tradies in Canberra and building supplies are under pressure. Homeowners undertaking their own renovations need to be mindful that schedules may not run to plan.

Check out our top pick of renovated homes for sale:

Mawson

View property

Everything old is new again in this stunning Mawson renovation that has delivered a new lease on life to a family home that first made its debut more than 50 years ago.

You might guess an era from its homestead-inspired exterior, but it’s a totally different story inside.

The four-bedroom home delivers 167 square metres of luxury living and adds to that a well-appointed al fresco entertaining space highlighted by a sparkling 11-metre pool.

All of that on a massive 960-square-metre block.

The entrance leads onto recycled tallowwood flooring that flows throughout the home. The hallway leads into a generous, light-filled hub that includes kitchen, dining and living areas. A striking feature is a central natural-brick feature wall with built-in television and welcoming gas fireplace.

The chef’s kitchen sparkles in white with Miele appliances, stone benchtops and a breakfast bar. 

The main suite is accessed off the hub, and parents will appreciate the separation from the balance of the bedrooms at the front of the house. This space is also highlighted by a brick feature wall and has a spacious walk-in wardrobe and an en suite with a bath. 

The other bedrooms share a rumpus room, family bathroom and powder room.

Home comfort is delivered through ducted cooling and heating and the EER 5 rating is assisted by double and single-glazed windows.

Families will love the outdoor kitchen, awning walls, that big pool and impeccably landscaped gardens.

Price guide: $1.95 million +

Auction: 2pm, February 19

Agent: HIVE Property, Matt Shipard 0408 218 179

Or try these:

Mawson

View property

Price guide: $1.5 million +

Auction: 6pm, February 18

Agent: Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley, Tim and Justine Burke 0411 878 587

Scullin

View property

Price guide: $850,000 +

Auction: 12:30pm, February 19

Agent: PRD Canberra, Alex Wang 0402 169 387

Wanniassa

View property

Price guide: $900,000 +

Auction: 9am, February 26

Agent: Luton Properties Tuggeranong, Kelsey White 0414 422 824