What a fresh coat of paint could be hiding in an older home

There’s just something about an older home that’s been given a new lease on life. With spacious rooms, high ceilings and larger plots, older properties often have a charm that newer homes struggle to replicate. Add freshly painted walls, modern flooring and updated interiors into the mix, and an older property can easily feel almost brand new.

According to Adrian Goslett, CEO and regional director of REMAX Southern Africa, prospective buyers should remember that there is a difference between a home that has been modernised and one that has been well-maintained.

“Older homes can offer incredible value, especially when it comes to space and charm. However, buyers shouldn’t assume that a property has been fully upgraded just because it looks modern. Beneath the surface, there could still be ageing materials, hidden damage or years of wear and tear that may require costly repairs down the line.”

Over the years, an older property may have undergone several repairs and renovations. While these improvements can make a home look more appealing, they don’t necessarily mean that underlying problems have been resolved.

For example, a freshly painted wall might conceal recurring damp problems, while modern flooring could be hiding deteriorating materials beneath it. In some cases, previous owners may have conducted temporary repairs instead of addressing the root cause of an issue, leaving future homeowners to deal with the aftermath.

Goslett advises buyers to ask about the property’s maintenance history, especially if there are signs of repeated repairs. Finding out what work has been done and whether previous problems were properly resolved can help buyers identify potential expenses that might not be immediately apparent during a viewing.

Another consideration is whether previous renovations have changed the property’s original structure. Walls may have been knocked down, and additional rooms may have been added to provide more space. Although these improvements can make a property more functional, buyers shouldn’t assume that all alterations were carried out correctly or with the necessary approvals.

Where relevant, buyers should request approved building plans and seek professional advice to establish whether previous alterations comply with building requirements and have been completed safely. Unauthorised additions could require further approval or corrective work, while poorly executed structural changes may lead to costly repairs.

“A fresh coat of paint can make an older home look brand new, but it doesn’t change when the property was built or how it has been maintained over the years. Buyers shouldn’t be discouraged from considering older properties, but they should look beyond the modern finishes to ensure they understand both the benefits and potential costs of owning one,” concludes Goslett.

Issued by Kesia Cloete