Blank Canvas: Why Selling Without Floor Coverings Can Be a Smart Strategy
When it comes to selling a home in original or renovator condition, many owners face the dilemma: do you spend time and money on pre-sale improvements, or list the property as-is?
One practical approach is to present the home without floor coverings — and there’s a sound strategy behind it.
Take carpet, for example. Old carpets are often stained, worn, or odorous. Replacing them might improve appearances, but will it actually increase your sale price enough to justify the spend if there are other things that would also need updating? In many cases, the answer is no.
Here’s why:
- You avoid showcasing dated or damaged finishes – Stained carpets can turn buyers away before they look deeper. Bare floors, on the other hand, are honest. They don’t hide anything, and that transparency builds trust.
- You give buyers freedom to design their way – Flooring is a very personal choice. Whether it’s timber, tiles, vinyl planks, or carpet, many buyers already have strong preferences. Presenting a blank canvas lets them visualise their own ideas without having to factor in the cost (and waste) of ripping out something new they didn’t choose.
- You save time and avoid unnecessary spend – If the property is priced appropriately, buyers will expect to do work. Flooring is often part of a bigger plan — such as removing walls, reconfiguring layouts or updating kitchens. Installing new flooring just to sell might be money down the drain if the buyer plans to change it anyway.
- You can list sooner, sell faster – Instead of waiting on trades or trying to project-manage quick fixes, this strategy allows you to list the home promptly and let the price reflect the condition.
We recently listed a renovator home using this exact approach. It was cleaned, the yard tidied, and old carpet & window furnishings removed and it went to market without any attempt to cover or disguise its age. The result? Strong enquiry, honest conversations, and interest from buyers who appreciated the opportunity to shape the home their way.
When budget, time or practicality don’t allow for a renovation, selling “as-is” isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about meeting the market with clarity.
Renovating to sell doesn’t always mean a good result. You may get a higher price but still end up with less overall.
Want advice on whether this approach suits your property?
Give Lachlan Evans a call on 0418 185 220. Lachlan will help you weigh up the options and choose the strategy that fits.