Not all works are equal. Some add lasting value and appeal to buyers; others cost a lot without ever paying off. With energy requirements tightening, a home's performance weighs more and more heavily on its price. Here is how to renovate usefully on the Vaud market, and make the most of the available support.
The works that raise value
Three families of works offer the best return: the kitchen and bathrooms, which trigger the purchase; everything that brings light and volume; and energy performance, increasingly scrutinized. Outdoor spaces (balcony, terrace, garden) also add real perceived value.
The works that pay off little
Conversely, highly personalized fittings and luxury above the neighborhood's standing rarely pay off: this is over-investment. On resale, you do not recover an 80,000-franc kitchen in a standard building.
Energy performance and the CECB
The CECB (cantonal building energy certificate) rates a home's performance from A to G, like household appliances. The CECB Plus adds an advisory report with costed renovation scenarios.
A good rating reassures buyers and avoids the discount tied to works to plan. A poor rating, on the other hand, becomes a negotiating argument to bring the price down.
The right reflex: have a CECB drawn up before selling. It is a concrete, costed argument that inspires confidence and smooths the negotiation.
Before a sale, a coat of paint and good home staging often pay off more than a heavy renovation: get a valuation before reaching for the checkbook.
Subsidies and Vaud support
The Buildings Programme and cantonal support back insulation, window replacement and the switch to renewable heating (heat pump, solar). The amounts depend on the type of works and the conditions in force.
Golden rule: the subsidy application must generally be filed BEFORE starting the works. And these energy measures are often tax-deductible on top of the subsidy: see our guide to real-estate taxation.
Budget, quotes and tradespeople
A well-controlled project starts with several compared quotes and a realistic schedule. Always set aside a reserve for the unexpected: on an older property, surprises are the rule, not the exception.
- Several compared quotes, line by line
- Schedule and coordination of the trades
- Reserve for the unexpected (10 to 15% of the budget)
- Any required authorizations (facades, condominium, municipal)
- Local tradespeople with verified references
Renovating before selling: what to do
Before a sale, the reflex is not to renovate everything. A light refresh (neutral paint, small touch-ups, home staging) often offers a much better return than a major renovation, which the buyer will redo to their own taste anyway.
Have your property valued first: a broker will tell you which works pay off before the sale, and which are not worth it. See our valuation guide.
Mistakes to avoid
The recurring pitfalls: over-investing above the neighborhood, neglecting energy, underestimating timelines and budget, and forgetting to file the subsidy applications before starting. A well-framed project is half the result.
Frequently asked questions
Which works raise value the most?
The kitchen and bathrooms, bringing light and volume, and energy performance. Outdoor spaces also add strong perceived value.
Is the CECB mandatory?
It is required in certain situations (notably when replacing heating or, in some cases, when selling). Beyond the obligation, it is a concrete selling argument.
What is the difference between the CECB and the CECB Plus?
The CECB rates performance from A to G. The CECB Plus adds an advisory report with costed renovation scenarios and their expected gains.
Which subsidies for renovating in the canton of Vaud?
The Buildings Programme and cantonal support back insulation, windows and renewable heating. The amounts vary with the works and the conditions in force.
Should I apply for the subsidy before or after the works?
Before, as a rule. Filing the application once the project has started often forfeits the right to the support.
Should I renovate before selling?
Not necessarily. A light refresh and home staging often offer a better return than a major renovation. Get a valuation first to target the useful works.
Is home staging worth it?
Yes, it is one of the best cost/result ratios before a sale: a tidy, neutral and bright property sells faster and for more.
Are the works tax-deductible?
Maintenance works are deductible from income; energy measures too, with a possible carry-forward. Value-adding works reduce the real-estate capital gain on resale.
How much should I budget for the unexpected?
Count on 10 to 15% of the works budget, especially on an older property where surprises are frequent.