Update and restyle

Garden spaces are still very popular with buyers, with a big emphasis on ease of maintenance.

Water-hungry lawns and labour intensive plant beds are falling out of favour, but outdoor entertainment areas are in high demand. Homeowners with a flair for DIY could do well to combine these two trends by adding paved or gravel sections to their garden, and possibly a pergola or a built-in-braai.”

While paving may be hard work, it is DIY friendly, as is the basic brickwork required for a simple braai. Construction plans for braais and timber pergolas can be found online, and all supplies are available at your local hardware store.

Low maintenance doesn’t mean bare of all greenery and life – try to at least keep a border of plants or creepers, and definitely preserve any mature trees.

Bathrooms may be tricky to totally revamp as a DIYer, but even small updates can make a big difference here. Try a fresh coat of paint on your walls and ceilings and replace old-school towel rails and accessories with more modern versions. You can also refinish your bathroom cabinets, or replace your vanity entirely. Adding a few stylish mirrors or display shelves is a great idea as well.

Retiling makes a huge difference, but it’s a pretty big DIY. If you’re not up for a project of that scale, consider refinishing your existing tiles using the specially formulated tile paints that are now available.

If you do decide to paint your tiles, just remember to follow the instructions very closely. For the best finish, avoid areas like shower enclosures that get wet on a regular basis.