[jyl]

I think the place in question is in a very unusual market. Think rich foreign buyers paying cash and looking for chic, striking, more than upscale, très fashionable according to nouveau riche Asian tastes. Buyer has zero inclination to renovate, no more than they'd want to "renovate" the Lamborghini they're buying that weekend. Slapping a DIY facelift on a very outdated condo will simply set it up for someone else to buy, renovate, and profit.