How Renovations Can Affect Your Brisbane Property Valuation -

Home renovations are often considered a smart way to improve both lifestyle and property value. But in Brisbane’s ever-evolving real estate market, the question many homeowners ask is: Do renovations always increase my property valuation?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

At Asset Valuations Group, we’ve valued thousands of properties across Brisbane—everything from modest suburban homes to high-end riverfront properties. And while certain upgrades can positively impact a property’s market value, others may offer little to no return, especially when they don’t align with buyer expectations or local trends.

In this article, we explore how renovations can affect your Brisbane property valuation, what adds value (and what doesn’t), and the legal and valuation implications you should be aware of.

🧾 What Is a Property Valuation?

Before diving into renovations, it’s worth understanding what a property valuation is. A property valuation is an objective assessment of your property’s market value on a specific date, carried out by a qualified and registered valuer.

In Queensland, all valuers must be registered under the Valuers Registration Act 1992 (QLD) and usually operate under the professional guidelines set by the Australian Property Institute (API).

Valuations are used for:

Buying and selling
Refinancing
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) reporting
Family law matters
Deceased estates and probate
Insurance purposes

🛠️ How Renovations Influence Valuations

Renovations influence value by improving the functionality, presentation, and market appeal of a property. But not all renovations offer the same return on investment (ROI), and their impact on valuation depends on:

The type and quality of the renovation
Local buyer expectations
Current market conditions
The property’s location and zoning
Whether the works were council approved

Let’s break it down.

🔼 Renovations That Typically Add Value

1. Kitchen Renovations

A modern kitchen can significantly boost valuation if it aligns with what buyers in your area are looking for. Open-plan layouts, stone benchtops, soft-close cabinetry, and quality appliances are often rewarded in Brisbane’s family-friendly suburbs like Carindale, The Gap or Camp Hill.

Valuer’s Tip: Avoid overcapitalising with ultra-luxury fit-outs in mid-tier suburbs—stick to quality that matches local expectations.

2. Bathroom Upgrades

Updated bathrooms, especially those with contemporary finishes, frameless showers, and good storage, usually contribute positively to a property’s value—particularly in homes with only one original bathroom.

3. Outdoor Enhancements

In Brisbane’s subtropical climate, buyers value usable outdoor areas. Renovations such as:

Covered alfresco dining spaces
Decking with ceiling fans
Landscaped gardens can all increase liveability and value.

4. New Flooring & Fresh Paint

These cosmetic improvements often deliver a high ROI at relatively low cost, especially if done professionally and using neutral, broadly appealing colours.

5. Structural Extensions or Additions

Second-storey additions, extra bedrooms, or new bathrooms generally increase value, particularly if they’re:

In line with the home’s existing structure
Compliant with council approvals
Completed by licensed builders

✅ Be sure to keep documentation of Development Approvals (DAs) and Building Approvals (BAs)from Brisbane City Council. Valuers may request these when assessing the improvements.

⚠️ Renovations That Might Not Add Value

1. Over-Customised Features

Gold-plated tapware, themed home theatres, or custom bars may suit your lifestyle—but might not translate to a higher valuation if they don’t appeal to the average buyer in your area.

2. Swimming Pools

In some Brisbane suburbs (especially outer or lower-density areas), pools may actually deter buyers due to ongoing maintenance and insurance costs. While pools may enhance value in prestige areas like Ascot or Bulimba, they’re not always a guaranteed value-booster.

3. DIY Renovations Without Permits

Unapproved building work is a red flag. It may lower your property’s marketability and cause complications during settlement, insurance claims, or refinancing. It can also create legal liabilities under the Building Act 1975 (QLD).

🔍 Valuers may apply a discount or exclude non-compliant works entirely from their valuation.

4. Luxury Upgrades in Modest Areas

Installing top-end fixtures or designer finishes in suburbs where median prices are modest may result in overcapitalisation—where you spend more than what the market is willing to pay.

📁 Documentation You Should Provide Your Valuer

To help your valuer accurately assess your renovations, have the following ready:

Before and after photos (if applicable)
Receipts or invoices for work completed
Development and building approvals
Details of contractors or builders used
Warranties or certifications (e.g. waterproofing, electrical work)

Having these documents available ensures your improvements are properly accounted for and legally compliant.

🧮 How Do Valuers Assess Renovations?

Valuers use one or more recognised methods to determine market value:

Direct Comparison Approach – comparing your property with recent sales of similar renovated homes nearby
Cost Approach – estimating the added value based on construction costs, depreciation, and market impact
Income Approach – used for investment properties, assessing how renovations affect rental income

A valuer will also consider:

The overall condition of the property
The quality and finish of the renovations
The balance between indoor and outdoor living spaces
Whether the renovations suit the property type and local buyer preferences

🔎 Real Example – Renovation Impact in Brisbane

Let’s say you own a 3-bedroom Queenslander in Annerley.

Before renovation, it had one original bathroom, dated kitchen, and minimal outdoor living space.
After renovation, you’ve added a second bathroom, updated the kitchen with modern appliances, repainted, and built a covered rear deck.

Provided approvals are in place, these renovations are likely to add measurable value—both from a livability and market comparison standpoint—especially in a suburb undergoing gentrification.

💬 Final Thoughts from Asset Valuations Group

Renovations can certainly add value to your Brisbane property—but only when done with purpose, compliance, and a solid understanding of the local market.

At Asset Valuations Group, our team of API-accredited, Queensland-registered valuers bring decades of experience and suburb-level insight to help you:

Determine if planned renovations will offer a return
Evaluate your property’s post-renovation value
Provide valuation reports for lenders, tax, legal matters, and more

How Renovations Can Affect Your Brisbane Property Valuation