Should you sell your property or go for reconstruction?

When deciding to buy, sell or construct a house, it is crucial to understand your family’s housing needs. Additionally, factors such as current market conditions, price trends, and upcoming infrastructure in the vicinity will influence a property owner’s decision whether to sell the property and relocate or rebuild it into a spacious home. In this guide, we will discuss the pros and cons of selling a property vs reconstruction.

What is the process of selling a house?

The process of selling a property involves different stages. It begins with property valuation to determine the right price based on current market trends. The property selling process often involves home staging, wherein the owner could go for a major renovation or undertake minor repair work to attract potential buyers.  Before listing the property on the market, sellers are required to complete the necessary legal formalities, such as obtaining the required approvals and documentation to establish their rightful ownership of the property. Like purchasing a property, selling a property is a lengthy process that can take several months.

What is the process of reconstructing a house?

Compared to buying or selling a house, reconstructing a home may be considered a more complex project, as there are several regulations that a builder must follow. Besides budgeting, planning a house reconstruction project would also involve decisions around sourcing quality materials, finalising designs, setting a timeline and overseeing site preparation and demolition. Furthermore, during a house construction project, a builder must obtain various approvals, such as a building plan, NOCs, etc., from the relevant authorities.

When is selling a property better than rebuilding it?

Selling a house ‘as is’, that is, without any major renovation or construction work, may make more sense if the property is in good condition. However, the decision should be taken only after conducting a thorough inspection of the property. The property owner can hire professional property inspection services, which will effectively identify any potential issues and prevent hassles during the selling process. The seller may go for some upgrades, such as landscaping or installing smart features, to increase the property’s value. 

Besides, some of the common reasons why property owners opt for selling a home ‘as is’ include:

• When the owner wants to sell the property quickly: Listing a property in the market will help attract potential buyers immediately. This is an ideal move if the owner is moving to another city or country or if they are in urgent need of funds. 

• Owner is emotionally prepared: Selling a house is often an emotional decision for most people. Selling may be the right choice if the owner is emotionally prepared.
• Market conditions are favourable: The chances of getting an attractive deal increase in a seller’s market, that is, when the supply is higher than the demand from buyers. The owner may set a high price and negotiate their way to get a successful deal. Buyers may overlook some of the problems with the property. 
• If the seller accepts a lower price, they may consider lowering the price in a buyer’s market to sell their property quickly. This is often seen in cases where the buyer is taking the property ‘as is’ in return for a lower price.  
• When location is not fetching returns: If a homeowner faces location challenges, such as a lack of specific amenities or accessibility issues, selling the property may be a wise decision.
  

How to find out if reconstruction is better than selling the house?

Reconstructing a house typically involves significant costs, and the project may take several months or even longer. However, despite these reasons, rebuilding a house could be a better choice for a property owner for the following reasons: 

• Location is developing rapidly: The location is the key driving factor in the property market. The presence of business hubs, educational hubs and other social amenities in the vicinity increases the liveability factor of the areas. Moreover, an upcoming infrastructure project, such as a metro or expressway, is likely to drive property prices upward. In such cases, a redeveloped property may fetch a higher value than selling the property ‘as is’.
• When the property has major structural issues: The property owner should consider reconstruction if the property has major structural issues. This may be relevant if the property is old or has significant problems or damages that make it unsafe. 
• High renovation costs: For the owner, reconstruction of a house may seem like a better option if the estimated renovation costs exceed the cost of reconstruction. 
• Evolving space needs for the family: A growing family’s space needs may change over time. Hence, rebuilding the existing house into a bigger house could be an ideal move. Moreover, the owner may want to upgrade the house with modern facilities to lead a comfortable lifestyle. This is an excellent idea if the location is favourable and a bigger home is the only requirement. 
• Availability of funds and time for the project: If the owner plans to remain in the same locality for an extended period, they may undertake a reconstruction project if they have the necessary resources and time. This will increase the property’s value and fetch higher returns whenever the owner plans to sell or rent out the house. 

Factors to consider before selling or rebuilding a house

• Study the property’s age and structural condition: This is one of the key factors a homeowner should consider when deciding to sell, renovate, or rebuild a house. 
• Assess real estate market trends: It is essential to study market conditions and evaluate the supply and demand dynamics before making property-related decisions. 
• Ensure availability of finances: There are significant costs involved in both the sale and reconstruction of a property. The owner must prepare a detailed financial plan before taking any decision. 
• Understanding tax implications: Property sellers need to be aware of the tax implications such as capital gains tax, when selling a property. Knowing the methods to lower these tax liabilities will help them reduce their financial burden. Similarly, a property owner can opt for home loans to reconstruct their home and take advantage of certain tax benefits. 
• Zoning and building regulations: If one opts for the reconstruction of a house, it becomes necessary to be aware of the local regulations to prevent any legal hurdles. 
• Assess lifestyle needs: It is crucial to assess one’s lifestyle needs and future plans, whether one wants to sell their house and relocate or rebuild the property into a modern house.

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Any property-related decision, whether selling a house, renovating it or reconstructing it, should be backed by thorough due diligence and financial planning. First-time sellers and property owners may need guidance. Hence, it is essential to hire professional services for property valuation, property inspection, and brokerage. Similarly, one can approach a tax expert for taxation matters. One needs to consider their personal preferences, financial situation, long-term goals, and market scenario to make the right decision.

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