As the market shows signs of recovery, vendors prepared to put work in will reap rewards, says Susan Edmunds. 

AFTER A tumultuous 18 months, the real estate market seems to be shaking off some of its malaise. Prices are showing signs of stability and sales volumes are increasing. 

But although confidence is growing, prices are still down on the peaks of the housing boom. To get top dollar for their properties, vendors need to put in some extra work and strike the right balance between presenting their home sat their best and not overcapitalising when easy returns are not guaranteed. Jane Eyles-Bennett, of Hotspace Consultants, says to make renovation work pay in the current market, do not spend more than 7 per cent of a home’s value on doing it up.