In the latest episode of Love It Or List It Australia, Nick and Bec have a common property conundrum – keep renovating their home for their growing family or move out?
Nick is a country boy from Victoria and really struggles in the Brisbane heat – he likes their partially renovated Queenslander but would love a place with a pool and he’s totally over renovating.
Bec can see the potential in their small but charming Queenslander and thinks there’s space to be found in their existing floor plan with some clever redesign.
“The house is just too small, needs too much work, too much effort,” says Nick.
This couple ran out of steam half-way through a renovation, so the property still needs a fair bit of TLC.
The cramped living room. Picture: Love It Or List It Australia
“We did so much work on this place. I like the style and what we’ve done so far. I love it,” says Bec.
The couple also loves the area but can their cosy home keep them both – and baby Adeline and the family bulldog – happy in the long-term, or is it time to get the boxes out?
Andrew Winter and Neale Whitaker hosts of Love It Or List It Australia take a look at the property and offer their advice.
List it: Why now is a great time to sell
The three-bedroom house is located in Morningside, a popular suburb in Brisbane and it is currently valued at $635,000.
“The house is in an ideal area but they need a bigger family home,” says Winter.
“Space is limited,” admits Whitaker.
“But there’s scope to remove a wall and open it right up. A decent renovation could transform the whole feel of the place.”
Whitaker feels confident that the house could have a much bigger bathroom and even a man cave for Nick.
But Nick isn’t completely convinced that another reno is the way to go.
“My concern is despite a second renovation it’s still going to be a three-bedroom house with only one bathroom and no pool.”
The home’s only bathroom is in need of a revamp. Picture: Love It Or List It Australia
Love it: This could be their forever home
Whitaker says the house could still become a forever family home, with the right kind of renovation.
“A fresh paint job would give this place a new lease of life,” says Whitaker.
“Get the proportions of the rooms and the lighting right and you’re half way there,” he adds.
The living room has the potential to be bright, breezy and modern. Picture: Love It Or List It Australia
The median price for a three-bedroom home like this one in Morningside is currently $680,000. Would a renovation really lift the value of the house?
Whitaker is confident that he can rekindle both Nick and Bec’s love for their cosy Queenslander, making the home feel much larger and modern, while preserving its heritage and charm.
A man cave like this could make up for not having a pool. Picture: Love It Or List It Australia
“I can make this little house the best version of itself,” says Whitaker.
“I can see a light, bright, contemporary family home with a lovely kitchen/diner and even a funky man cave with a whiskey bar.”
“I can help them upsize while staying in the same area,” says Winter.
So will the pair fall for their home all over again or will they take the plunge and list it?
Watch Love It or List It Australia now exclusively on Foxtel’s Lifestyle to see what Nick and Bec did with this home.
For more Love it or List It Australia videos and expert advice go to lifestyle.com.au