00VILLA GUIDE
Villa repairs worth doing before selling
Buyers notice stains, smells, noisy AC and sticking doors in the first minutes of a viewing, and an inspection will find leaks and damp that paint cannot hide. Fixing what is visible and what is genuinely faulty before listing usually matters more than a cosmetic makeover — and avoids awkward negotiations when an inspection report arrives.
01PART
Fix the faults that show
Ceiling stains, damp patches, mould in wardrobes and peeling paint signal water problems. Find and fix the source before repainting, or the stain returns during the sale.
- Trace and fix stains before repainting.
- Treat mould and its cause.
- Repair loose tiles and fittings.
02PART
Make systems run smoothly
Service the AC so every room cools quietly. Fix running toilets, slow drains and weak showers. Make sure gates, garage doors and intercoms work for viewings.
- Service AC units.
- Fix plumbing niggles.
- Check gates and intercoms.
03PART
Gather the paperwork
Records of servicing, repairs and extensions reassure buyers. Label the board and note where valves and isolators are; it shows the villa has been cared for.
- Collect service records.
- Label the board.
- Note valve and isolator locations.
04QUESTIONS
- Should I renovate before selling?
- Usually not fully; fix faults and visible defects first.
- Will buyers inspect?
- Many do, and findings affect negotiations.
- Is repainting enough?
- Not over active damp or stains; fix the cause first.
- Do records matter?
- They show the villa has been maintained.
- Should the pool be serviced before viewings?
- Yes. Clear water and a quiet, tidy plant room make a good impression and avoid questions during an inspection.