Introduction
When faced with a tired block of apartments—especially those built before the 1980s—should you invest in renovations before selling, or let the next owner handle upgrades? Simon Abbott’s 2026 guidance for Victoria owners:

Renovation vs Sale ‘As Is’—The Calculation

• Pros of Renovation: Higher headline rents, broader buyer pool, and potentially better street appeal
• Cons: Risk of overcapitalising, tenant resistance, delays in marketing

What Actually Matters to Buyers?

• Reliable “bones” (roof, structure, plumbing, electrics)
• Potential, not perfection—many investors prefer to add value post-purchase
• Documentation of past work matters more than a quick lick of paint

Simon’s Rule of Thumb

• Cheap cosmetic fixes can help: garden, carpets, external cleaning
• Major kitchen/bathroom jobs usually aren’t dollar-for-dollar recoverable

Real-World Example

A Richmond block in 2023: minimal spend ($5k on curb appeal/carpets) netted a higher sale than a similar block that underwent a $60k renovation, due to investor appetite for “add value” opportunities.

Summary & Action

Get a block-specific assessment before starting works—Simon’s advice is streamlined and investor-focused.

Ask Simon how to maximise your block’s appeal without overcapitalising.