In The Castle, when Darryl Kerrigan proudly points to his humble suburban home, it’s clear his value for it goes far beyond bricks and mortar.
In his case, it’s not just about what it’s worth in terms of the dollars someone might pay for it — it’s about what it means to him and his family.
While Darryl might not have cared much about actual market value, the truth is, having that knowledge can help every homeowner, regardless of their plans – even if they plan to stay put in the face of mounting pressure to sell, from a giant airport!
Whether you have no plans to move, you’re thinking about renovating, or just curious, knowing your home’s potential sale value is like having a snapshot of where you stand. It doesn’t mean you’re selling, and it doesn’t come with strings attached. It’s simply knowledge — valuable, practical knowledge you can use however you choose.
Why knowing matters
We keep tabs on a lot of things in life. Your super balance, for example, might not be something you check every day, but it’s good to know it’s on track. Your bank balance for sure. To a lesser degree, your car’s resale value or even your local property market.
You might not act on it, but knowing puts you in control.
The same principle applies to your property. A market assessment — a quick check-in on your home’s current value — can give you clarity without any pressure to take action.
How it can be useful
- For the curious homeowner: Maybe you’re staying put, but it’s still nice to know how your investment is tracking. Has that new kitchen added value? Is your suburb becoming more sought after? Knowledge is peace of mind.
The fact is, very few people stay in the same place forever, so at some point, you will likely want to make a move. Knowing what your place is worth now, and looking into what you can do to improve that, can help set you up for a more stable and secure future. - For renovators or investors: If you’re thinking about updating, a market assessment helps you understand where you’re starting from and where your money will make the most impact.
A lot of people think they have a good idea of what their place is worth, but when all of the insights are added up, they can be in for a surprise – sometimes good, sometimes not so good. Before investing further, it’s helpful to know where you are now. - For future planning: Life changes. Maybe you’re not selling now, but down the line, you’ll want to know your options — whether that’s upsizing, downsizing, or making a fresh start.
You also might just be in the very early stages of thinking about selling and want to dip a toe in to see what you could possibly get for your place, and based on market trends, how that might change over time. That’s ok – in fact, it’s more than ok, it’s smart planning!
A snapshot of your position
A potential sale value isn’t about timelines or commitments — it’s about seeing where you stand. It’s like having the map in your back pocket, even if you’re not planning a journey yet. And when the time does come to move, you’ll be ready, informed, and confident.
For Darryl Kerrigan, his home wasn’t just his castle — it was his pride. Knowing its value doesn’t take away from what it means; it adds another layer of clarity to your ownership journey. And, as Darryl might say, “That’s going straight to the pool room.”
