Kitchens
If you want to get top dollar for your house, then your kitchens must sparkle, and your bathrooms must look like they’ve never been used. Why?
Because most buyers are willing to pay a premium for a house that doesn’t need any major work. If buyers see that the appliances are old and worn and the bathroom fixtures are blue or mauve, they make the assumption that the rest of the house is outdated and want a major discount. Don’t let buyers’ chip away at your equity. The investment you make up front in the kitchen and bathrooms yields your best return on investment. An updated kitchen gets your house sold faster.
Why Should You Bother?
Increase in value
A survey found that homes with a well-designed kitchen sell for an average of 7.5% more than homes with an outdated kitchen. That might not sound like a huge difference, but on a $800,000 home, that translates to a $60,000 increase in sale price. Additionally, homes with high-end bathrooms also tend to sell faster than homes with less impressive bathrooms.
Less Time on Market
Average Return On Investment
In a recent study it was found investments in a new kitchen resulted in an average 62% return on dollar invested on a full, refurbished kitchen or full renovation.
When it comes to buying a new property, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms to consider. In fact, it is often considered the heart of the home, where meals are prepared, and family and friends gather to spend time together. This is why a good kitchen can make a huge difference when it comes to property sales.
A good kitchen can add value to a property and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Here are a few reasons why a good kitchen is so important in a property sale:
Functionality
A kitchen needs to be functional, with enough space for cooking, storage, and food preparation. A well-designed kitchen can make cooking and cleaning easier, and this is something that potential buyers will appreciate. A good kitchen should have plenty of counter space, cabinets, and drawers for storage, and easy-to-use appliances.
Style
A good kitchen should also be stylish and visually appealing. It should match the overall style of the home and be consistent with the latest trends. A modern kitchen with sleek appliances and clean lines can add value to a property, while an outdated kitchen can detract from its overall appeal. The right color scheme, lighting, and materials can also make a big difference in the kitchen’s overall appearance.
Socializing
As mentioned earlier, the kitchen is often the heart of the home, and it is where family and friends gather to socialize. An open-plan kitchen that flows into a dining area or living room can create a sense of space and make the home feel more welcoming. A good kitchen should also have enough seating for guests, so that everyone can sit and socialize comfortably.
Do This First
- Make your kitchen look more spacious by removing everything from the counter like the coffeemaker, toaster, flour container, etc.
- Your eat-in kitchen and dining room should have a table and chairs in it to showcase the rooms’ purpose.
- Remove extra chairs or furniture from your dining room table to make the room look larger.
- Set the dinner table or counter bar to help buyers envision the room.
- Make sure the inside of your cabinets are organized and clean. Store non-essential items elsewhere to make the cabinets look more spacious.
- If your cabinets show wear and tear, you might want to paint them. A simple trick to update the look of your cabinet doors is to replace your current knobs with new ones.
- Make sure that your counter is spotless and shiny.
- Remove notes, pictures and coupons from the refrigerator door.
- Keep garbage and recycling bins out of sight.
- Keep the exotic spices and fish to a minimum when cooking the night before a showing. Work towards achieving a “clean” smell.
- Get rid of kitchen odors by pouring hot salt water down the drain twice a week. Also, grind some lemon rind in the disposal unit if you have one.
Quick
Wins
Declutter and Deep Clean
-
Clear the benchtops – Remove appliances, mail, and clutter to make surfaces look spacious.
-
Scrub everything – Clean sinks, taps, grout, stovetops, rangehoods, and inside the oven.
-
Organise cupboards – Buyers will open them; tidy shelves and stack plates neatly.
Refresh Surfaces
-
Replace old handles – Swapping out dated cabinet hardware instantly modernises the space.
-
Re-grout or touch-up tiles – Fresh, clean grout makes splashbacks and floors look newer.
-
Add peel-and-stick splashback tiles – A quick, stylish upgrade without a full renovation.
-
Repaint cabinets – A fresh coat of paint in neutral tones can completely lift dated cabinetr
Upgrade Fixtures and Features
-
Swap out old taps – A sleek new faucet can make the whole sink area feel upgraded.
-
Install new lighting – Pendant lights or modern LED strips brighten and modernise instantly.
-
Update power points and switches – Replacing yellowing plates makes a subtle but sharp impact.
Style it Simply
-
Add greenery – A small potted herb (like basil) or vase with fresh flowers adds life and colour.
-
Style with wood and stone – Use cutting boards, a bowl of lemons, or a mortar and pestle.
-
Set the scene – Place two wine glasses and a bottle on the bench, or open a cookbook.
-
Use fresh, neutral scents – Vanilla or citrus scents are inviting; avoid overpowering air fresheners.
Make it Functional and Inviting
-
Ensure good lighting – Open blinds, clean windows, and turn on lights for inspections.
-
Add soft textiles – A neutral tea towel and clean floor mat make the kitchen feel lived-in but tidy.
-
Highlight storage – Leave one cupboard open (neatly arranged) to show depth and capacity.
