Thanks a million for your inputs, everyone. Maybe this indicates that I am a little anal on this issue and it's great to hear other opinions. (but I'm still confused)

To clarify, this is the PPOR we're looking to convert equity from (do have to live here, sorry Milly). I am quite happy living without BIWs and if we put to rental market, it would be furnished with utterly appropriate standing wardrobes. You're right Harley, I ain't luggin neither.

Still can't work out why up to $5000 of yukky built-in is worth more (val = +$8000) than, say, $3000 of hardwood 1920's cabinetry (val = +$0). Would it make a difference if they were dynabolted to the walls? If I were a buyer, I would see BIWs as a EXPENSE which would LOWER my offer. Removing "sore-thumb" fittings and restoring original features costs $$$$ Surely fittings should FIT the context.

I completely understand the prospective tenant perspectives, but a tenant with major storage concerns aren't going to go for this unit anyway, due to floorage and storeys-up. Anyway, don't valuers look for saleability, rather than leaseability.

Please shut me up by proving my naïvety.