Ask the Agent: Chris Skarlatos from The Agency

 When renovating a home, knowing where to invest can make all the difference—especially in a tightly held, design-driven market like Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. 

To help homeowners make smarter renovation decisions, we asked a local real estate agent, Chris Skarlatos from The Agency, Surry Hills, to share his insights on what buyers truly value, what drives price up at auction, and which features consistently deliver the strongest returns.

Q: What are some key styles or features that are attracting buyers in 2026?

Buyers in 2026 are prioritising open-plan living with seamless indoor to outdoor flow. Homes that feel light, airy and connected to the outdoors are performing exceptionally well.

Ensuites  or at minimum, two well-appointed bathrooms are increasingly expected, particularly by young families and upsizers. Natural light is non-negotiable, and features such as skylights and large glass doors add significant appeal.

Where space allows, a backyard that can accommodate a pool is highly desirable. More importantly, buyers want outdoor areas that function as a true extension of the internal living space somewhere they can entertain, relax and host family and friends year-round.

Q: What are buyers willing to pay extra for?

Buyers are willing to pay a premium for well-designed homes with strong attention to detail.

Quality kitchens, beautifully finished bathrooms and thoughtfully planned outdoor entertaining areas consistently command stronger results. It’s not just about aesthetics  it’s about functionality, flow and cohesive design throughout the home.

Q: Outdoor upgrades or interiors — which matters more to buyers here?

Interiors generally matter more, but they must be done properly. Poor workmanship or mismatched finishes can negatively impact on the prospective buyers.

That said, when interiors are strong and the outdoor area complements the home, the combination creates a far more compelling offering and often drives stronger competition.

Q: If you had a limited budget, where would you put it for maximum impact on resale value?

Presentation is critical. If working within a limited budget, I would prioritise:

- A fresh coat of paint (internally and externally)
- Replacing or polishing flooring
- Updating door handles, tapware and light fittings
- Professional styling where possible

These relatively simple improvements can significantly elevate a home’s presentation and ultimately its sale price.

With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Chris Skarlatos is known for his client-first approach and commitment to achieving outstanding results. Specialising in residential sales across southeast Sydney, Chris is deeply connected within the local community. Over the past five years alone, he has achieved more than $450 million in sales.

Get in touch with Chris directly via Email or head to The Agency Website for more info - https://theagency.com.au/