Owning a home these days feels like a distant dream to some, as high costs and supply deficiencies continue to bug the housing sector. If you’ve managed to snag a slice of real estate in Swan Hill or other cities in Australia, you deserve a pat on the back.
With keys in your hand, you’re probably looking around, thinking, ‘How do I make this place mine without blowing what’s left of my savings?’ To give you an idea, more than 30% of Australian homeowners allocated AUD$ 5,000 to AUD$ 15,000 for home improvements in February of last year. Over five per cent had a budget of AUD$ 100,000 or higher. (1)
Don’t worry if you don’t have too much left for a full renovation. There are smart and impactful updates that add value and personality to your home with minimal costs. Heed these affordable home improvement ideas to transform your property without emptying your bank account.
Your Best Mate for a Fresh Start
Residential property prices have only slightly declined, and, as of December 2024, averaged AUD$ 865,000 in capital cities and around AUD$ 571,000 in the rest of Victoria. With such significant costs, maximising your post-home purchase budget is crucial. (2)
If there’s one thing that can give you the best bang for your buck, it’s a fresh coat of paint. It’s a simple update that anyone can tackle with a bit of elbow grease and a few online video tutorials. This way, you’ll save on labour costs and get the results you want from the get-go.
Replace tired and patchy walls with a neutral palette that brightens a space. Light, earthy tones and blue paint can make any space feel bigger and resonate with the Australian landscape.
If you want to add drama and interest, paint one side of your bedroom or living room walls matte black. For contrast, mix it with soft white trim or a light-coloured hardwood floor. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Classy Interior Design on a Dime
Let’s make the interior fit your style and preferences. Inject your personality without the hefty price with these budget-friendly options:
Make Your Couch the Heart of Your Home
Let’s be honest. You’ll spend a good chunk of your time on your couch. Where else can you binge on a new series, catch up with your mates, or have a cuppa?
Your sofa should be functional and aesthetic at the same time. A budget designer sofa is definitely out of the picture for first-time buyers, but you’ve still got many options left. Go for multi-use furniture to make the most of your spending and space. If you prefer a fold out couch, for instance, get it from a reliable and affordable retailer.
With more people wanting to stay at home during days off, having a single piece of furniture that is useful for both sitting and sleeping has become attractive. In fact, an increasing number of Australians turn to these versatile solutions as they don’t take up too much floor space.
Another popular and durable option is a pull out couch, which transforms into a comfortable bed when the built-in mechanism is pulled. Top it with a slipcover and add throw pillows or blankets for a more luxurious look.
Living Room Touches
Your imagination is the limit when it comes to your living room. However, you must stick with certain design principles to make it work.
- Art and décor: You don’t need expensive artwork to make a statement. Look for prints online or visit local markets for unique pieces. Op shops are fantastic for quirky finds that add character to your living spaces.
- Greenery: Potted plants bring life and freshness to any space. You can pick up affordable native plants from local nurseries or propagate cuttings from friends for free.
- Window treatments: Light and sheer curtains or modern roller blinds can brighten a room. They let natural light in, leading to an airy and cheery atmosphere. An attractive window trim can also do wonders in uplifting your kerb appeal.
Always study your home’s colour scheme when designing your indoor and outdoor spaces. A general rule of thumb is to combine light colours with bold colours to create visual balance and maintain an appealing and elegant look.
Update the Fixtures
Outdated fixtures can drag the whole place down. Apart from being an eyesore, it can affect how your living spaces function. If you’re seeing signs of water damage that you’ve never noticed before the home sale, have professionals check your bathroom plumbing immediately.
Fixing it on your own can be tempting to skip installation costs. However, it’s best to leave complex plumbing and electrical network upgrades to professionals for your peace of mind.
After guaranteeing that your plumbing is in tip-top shape, move on to less urgent concerns, like switching to built-in kitchen cabinets to maximise space. Consider an appliance lift by adding energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens.
Do the same to your bathroom cabinets and other fixtures. Swan Hill homes can also benefit from a bathroom ceiling fan to enhance comfort during the summer months.
Small Fixes With Big Impact
Kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and outdoor living enhancements bring in the highest return on investment. Three years ago, kitchen renos were the most popular home improvement project, with most homeowners spending AUD$ 20,000. The majority used their savings (82%) while others swiped their credit cards (17%) to fund the activity. (3)
You don’t have to spend as much, though. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make all the difference.
Here are some budget-friendly upgrades you can do:
Change the Hardware
Replace dated cabinet or bathroom hardware with modern, sleek models to give the room a more contemporary look. The same goes for door handles, towel bars, and taps. Updating the bathroom mirror? Put a new frame on it or install a backlit mirror for understated elegance.
Lighten Up
Old and daggy light fixtures can make any room feel sad. Elevate your entire kitchen’s style by incorporating cabinet and ceiling lighting. Combining feature lighting and ambient lighting can also do wonders in and outside your property.
For example, use the ambient lights as a base to provide an even glow throughout the room. Then, identify the elements you want to be highlighted by feature or accent lights. Layering techniques involve using different types of illumination sources and positioning them in various areas for depth, dimension, and drama.
Don’t Forget the Exterior
You don’t have to add a deck or patio to enjoy your yard. Start with inexpensive home additions like outdoor lighting. If you can’t afford a major landscaping project right now, keeping your yard clean can be enough. Pulling out weeds, making fresh mulch, and adding fresh plants can instantly boost your exterior appeal.
Closing Thoughts
Elevating the look and feel of your first home takes time and patience. It doesn’t have to burn your pockets, either. Start with these affordable home makeovers before embarking on bigger projects. You don’t have to do them all at once. Pick a few projects, tackle them one by one, and seek professionals when addressing complex tasks. Have fun styling your new dream home!
Citations
- ‘Distribution of budgets from completed or planned home improvement projects in Australia as of February 2024’. Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1535509/australia-home-renovation-budgets-distribution/#:~:text=According+to+a,100%2C000+Australian+dollars
- ‘PropTrack Home Price Index – December 2024’. Source: https://www.realestate.com.au/insights/proptrack-home-price-index-december-2024 (see table)
- ‘Australians are spending savings on renovations as costs blow out’. Source: https://www.nine.com.au/property/news/australians-are-spending-savings-on-renovations-as-costs-blows-out/a4e420f3-53dc-4557-bb80-cc81acecdec0#:~:text=The+median+cost+of+a,to+$230%2C000%2C+the+survey+found.&text=The+outlay+for+a+reno,using+a+gift+or+inheritance.
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