Israel’s real estate market, which over the past year has turned into a buyers’ market, now comes with a clear checklist of demands, including a reinforced safe room, parking and storage space. In many cases, the absence of one of these elements is a deal breaker. Even when the apartment itself is solid, the overall setting, from the building entrance and stairwell smell to lighting and shared gardens, can influence buyers just as much as the kitchen design or the direction the apartment faces.
In these circumstances, many homeowners feel they are caught in the middle. On one hand, they do not want to embark on a major renovation just before selling. On the other hand, they understand the apartment is unlikely to sell quickly in its current condition, and certainly not at the price they hope to achieve.
The good news is that there is no need to tear down walls or spend hundreds of thousands of shekels. A series of small steps can completely change the impression a property leaves behind and significantly raise its perceived value. Some involve light renovation, others focus on design and maintenance, and many are about creating a sense of order, cleanliness and light.
Eran Siv, chairman of the Renovation Contractors Union and importer of Siv stone products, says selling an apartment is an emotionally and financially complex process, but one that can be made easier and more profitable. A bit of paint, improved lighting, some styling, and targeted upgrades in the kitchen and bathroom can make the entire apartment look different.
Five relatively simple steps that can make a real difference
Upgrade the bathroom without renovating
According to Siv, the bathroom is always at the top of buyers’ inspection lists. Even inexperienced buyers quickly notice peeling tiles, dark grout, an outdated bathtub or an uninviting shower. At the same time, no seller wants to take on a full renovation before a sale, which involves demolition, plumbing work, noise and mess. It is expensive and intimidating.
That is why adhesive cladding solutions using thin sheets have become increasingly popular in recent years. These include products such as Sive Stone's panels, sheets just 2 to 3 millimeters thick made of dense, flexible stone that does not absorb water and is applied like wallpaper.
"There is no need to remove existing tiles. The stone is simply glued onto the current surface, allowing a bathroom to be upgraded in a single day", Siv says. The cost is significantly lower than a full renovation and avoids weeks of disruption. The range is wide, with more than 80 designs, from concrete looks to marble, in various sizes.
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Bathroom upgrade using premium polymer cladding and wood-look tiles
(Photo: Avi Kabalo)
These sheets are not limited to bathrooms. Some homeowners choose to apply them to a single wall in the dining area, living room, children’s room or above the kitchen counter. It is an effective way to hide a worn wall, add texture or upgrade one eye-catching area.
With one simple action, the apartment can look as if it has undergone a broader renovation. Since many companies offer cladding tiles, it is worth comparing options to find the product that best suits your needs.
Give old kitchen cabinets a new look
The kitchen is another space that can make or break a deal. Buyers enter an apartment and are immediately drawn to the kitchen, the heart of daily activity. When a kitchen looks clean, bright and elegant, buyers tend to assume the entire apartment is well maintained and worth the price. Since renovating an old kitchen is costly, there are several simple ways to quickly refresh its appearance.
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Replacing only the cabinet fronts instead of the entire kitchen
(Photo: Courtesy of Egger)
Siv says laminates can be applied to cabinet doors, creating an instant transformation. What once looked yellowed or worn suddenly appears modern, clean and minimalist. Others choose to replace only the cabinet fronts while keeping the existing frames, achieving the look of a new kitchen at a much lower cost.
An old, cracked or stained countertop can make a kitchen seem neglected, even if the cabinets are in good shape. Today, quality countertops are available at reasonable prices, and replacing just the surface can transform the entire kitchen for a few thousand shekels. There is no need to dismantle everything.
Lighting also plays a key role. A new fixture above an island, a pendant light over the counter, or LED strips under cabinets can dramatically change the atmosphere at a reasonable cost. With the right lighting, the kitchen feels more open, warm and professional.
A new floor in 48 hours
One of the most cost-effective upgrades in terms of value is new flooring. Laminate parquet installed over existing tiles throughout the apartment creates the impression of a full renovation. In practice, the work usually takes two to three days, with no demolition, minimal mess and no debris removal.
It works so well because flooring covers a large area and sets the design tone, whether warm, clean, modern or upscale. It gives a total look of a tidy, updated apartment at a relatively low cost, typically between 120 and 150 shekels per square meter, including installation.
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Lighting plays a central role in creating the home’s atmosphere
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Walls, lighting and cleanliness
The apartment’s overall appearance strongly influences buyers, so the home must look fresh and well maintained at the time of sale. One of the simplest and most effective upgrades is a fresh coat of light-colored paint. Even if the existing paint is in reasonable condition, refreshing it is relatively inexpensive and almost always worthwhile. Sometimes it is also worth repainting the front door or replacing its handle, a small change with a noticeable impact.
Lighting upgrades are another fast and affordable improvement. A large, attractive fixture in the living room, warm lighting in the dining area and focused lighting in hallways can transform the atmosphere throughout the home. If there is a garden or balcony, pleasant outdoor lighting creates a sense of care and quality, even if the space itself is simple.
Small defects can distract potential buyers. A broken power outlet, a loose handle or a shutter that does not close properly may seem minor, but they draw attention away from the apartment’s strengths. Everything should be fixed before showings.
Siv also strongly recommends a deep, professional cleaning. Hiring a cleaning company to scrub windows, shutters and tracks, refresh grout, clean cabinets, and tidy the yard and balcony can make the apartment look as if it has just been renovated.
Home styling
Once the apartment is tidy, clean and well lit, styling becomes critically important. Thoughtful home styling can make the space feel pleasant and inviting. What works especially well are large plants that bring the outdoors inside, soft cushions on the sofa, minimalist artwork on the walls, light curtains that play with light and shadow, a dining table centerpiece, and organized shelving in shared spaces to create order, color and visual interest.
Many buyers also look for storage solutions. A small unused room can be turned into a walk-in closet or a neat home office. High ceilings can be used for hanging shelves. If space allows, a temporary storage unit in the yard can be a practical addition. The key is not to overcrowd the space, but to create a sense of cleanliness and openness, without making the apartment feel empty.