Before and after: how a £9k renovation added £36k to this Glasgow flat

Buying a property blind isn’t for everyone — but sometimes, a calculated risk pays off big.

I bought a one-bedroom flat in Glasgow at auction for £55,000.

I never stepped inside before the sale was completed and I had the keys.

I based the purchase purely on the home report and a drive-by viewing. But I had a plan: keep costs low, focus on design-led renovation choices, and add value through smart layout changes and styling.

With just over £9,000, I transformed the flat completely and sold it a year later for £91,000.

The renovation breakdown

Here’s how the budget was spent and why it worked:

• New kitchen – £2,630
  A compact but modern kitchen with clean lines, open shelving, and neutral finishes.
  Before photo: dated cabinets, poor layout
  After photo: open-plan, light-filled kitchen/dining space

• New bathroom – £1313
  A small space made to feel bigger with full tiling, bold fixtures, and good lighting.
  Before photo: worn fittings, yellowed suite
  After photo: boutique-feel bathroom with fresh tiles and black taps

• Labour – £4650
  Including wall removal, kitchen and bathroom fitting, floor laying, door fill, plastering, boiler service.

• Extras - £500

  Flooring, paint, decorative extras.

What added the most value?

• Layout changes made the space feel twice as big.

• New kitchen and bathroom designed to be attractive and nice to be in

• Clean, modern finishes appealed to first-time buyers and investors.

• Staging, photography and full video made it stand out online — essential for generating interest fast.

I didn’t overspend, and I didn’t renovate emotionally. I focused on what matters: good design, practical updates, and clear visual impact. The result? A £25k+ return after costs.

This is exactly the kind of project I now take on for clients. If you have a flat or house that needs unlocking — whether to sell or rent — I’d love to help.