When considering home renovations to increase your property’s value, one of the first rooms which comes to mind is the kitchen. Kitchen renovations not only make your home more functional and appealing to you, but they also add additional value to your home and make the property more attractive to prospective buyers should you sell it. But how much can a new kitchen add to your property value? And what areas should you invest your budget for the most value added to the home?
How can renovating a kitchen add value to your home?
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. A kitchen is considered ‘the heart of the home’ and walking into one which has seen better days can put prospective buyers off.
If your existing kitchen is dated, damaged, or otherwise unappealing, buyers are more likely to see it as another cost which will come when they purchase the property, potentially causing them to rethink an offer. By renovating your kitchen, you renovate one of the most-used spaces in the house, making it much more attractive to buyers should you decide to sell your home.
The quality of your kitchen reflects the quality of your home
The condition and style of your kitchen should reflect the rest of your home. If your kitchen space is well thought out and optimised for the space, it will feel welcoming and attractive to buyers and visitors. A house which is well-kept with hardwood floors, large windows, and an ensuite can be let down by a kitchen which doesn’t meet the same standards, and can even have an impact on the house price should estate agents and potential buyers feel it needs replacing.
Remember, the condition of your kitchen reflects the condition of your home, so even if you’re not thinking of selling your property any time soon, refreshing your kitchen space helps to refresh your home.
Making your home move-in ready
Many buyers not looking for a ‘fixer-upper’ appreciate the quality of a well-thought-out functional kitchen. Seeing a property which is ‘move-in ready’ means little to no work for the buyer once the keys are handed over, which is something many buyers are willing to pay extra for.
How much value does a new kitchen add?
How much value a new kitchen adds to your home will depend on many factors. What materials you choose for your cabinets and worksurfaces, along with what layout and appliances you choose will all have a substantial impact on the added value.
Here at Direct Kitchens, we have a huge range of kitchens which can transform your living space. No matter your budget, a brand new kitchen can add substantial value to your home, but ensuring it is done correctly and designed by a professional is important to ensure you add the most value possible to your home. Renovating your kitchen without considering what future buyers are looking for will reduce how much value the new kitchen adds to your home.
On average, a new kitchen adds 5-6% to the value of your home
As we’ve mentioned, how much a new kitchen affects your house’s value when it is put on the market is dependent on the style, materials, and appliances you choose.
On average, a new medium-sized kitchen adds 5-6% to the value of a home. The percentage might sound small, but it’s quite significant. For example, a home valued at £300,000 could see an additional £15,000-£18,000 increase in value from a kitchen remodel.
If you’ve gone all out and installed high-end modern appliances, custom cabinetry, and innovative design features, you could see even greater returns on your investment of up to 10%. Generally, the higher the quality of the kitchen, the greater the impact it will have on the house value.
Sought-after features boost value further
Buyers love unique features, and if your new kitchen comes with clever storage solutions and feature-rich appliances, you could see an even bigger boost in your property’s value.
When you come to designing your new kitchen, consider what innovative storage solutions and appliances are on offer. Features like a walk-in pantry, smart fridge, and hidden extractor fan will be very attractive to any future potential buyers.
How to know if your kitchen needs renovating
Not sure if your kitchen renovation is overdue? Here are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time for an upgrade:
Your laminate is bulging: If your countertops appear to a “wave” on the surface, it’s a sign water has seeped in, causing the laminate to expand. This is not just unsightly, but also a potential red flag for buyers as it can bring into question the condition of the rest of the kitchen and home.
Your cabinets are damaged: Chipped doors, peeling vinyl, or stained surfaces are unsightly and can reflect badly on the state of your kitchen and home. Buyers notice these details, so if your cabinets are looking a little worse for wear, a refresh could make all the difference.
Your layout isn’t working: The annoyance of an unproductive kitchen layout is hard to ignore. If your kitchen layout isn’t functional, it’s time to rethink how to improve the flow. Buyers are all about convenience and practicality, so consulting with a designer to optimise the layout of your kitchen could see greater returns on your investment.
The style is outdated: A dated kitchen can make your home feel like it’s stuck in the past. If your kitchen style doesn’t mesh with the rest of your home, buyers might be less interested.
Remember to match your kitchen style to the rest of your home. If your cosy cottage with wooden beams had a high-gloss ultra-modern kitchen, this would look out of place and unattractive. Alternatively, a modern home with skylights and a refined style would benefit from a matching kitchen to continue the elegant and streamlined look throughout the home.
What style adds the most property value?
The right kitchen style can make your home more attractive to buyers and, therefore, effect how much value is added to the home. But which style adds the most value?
The style that works best will depend on the size and layout of your kitchen. Consider the features already present in your home and kitchen, these elements can help guide you in designing your new kitchen and ensure it doesn’t look out of place.
For example, homes lacking natural light benefit from white surfaces which can help reflect what light there is, making the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.
If your home is a charming cottage, installing a sleek, ultra-modern kitchen might feel out of place. Instead, opt for a design that complements your home’s character such as rustic wooden countertops or farmhouse sinks.
If you have French doors that open to a garden, use natural elements like wooden worktops in your kitchen renovation to create a seamless flow between the outside and inside spaces. Additionally, styling your kitchen with potted herbs, flowers, and other outside elements will help to make your new kitchen feel like it was made for the space.
Top 5 kitchen renovation upgrades that add value to a home
If you’re thinking about renovating but don’t know where to start, focus on these key upgrades that are sure to add value:
Choose your layout carefully
An efficient, open-concept layout is a big selling point. It maximizes space and makes cooking and entertaining easier, especially for larger families. For larger kitchens, creating a focal point such as a breakfast bar or island can make the layout easier, for smaller kitchens, not placing appliances too close to each other will make the space more functional and feel larger.
Invest in modern appliances
Think of appliances as the finishing touches to your kitchen. Upgrading to modern energy-efficient appliances is a major plus for buyers, especially those looking to cut down on utility costs. Modern appliances make cooking easier and quicker, which will not only be a bonus to you but also to any potential buyers when you come to sell your home.
Match your kitchen countertops to your home
As we’ve already mentioned, the style of your kitchen should match the style of your home. High-quality countertops such as wood, quartz and marble are not only beautiful but durable, making them highly desirable. Additionally, durable countertops are more likely to retain their value over time, meaning they are still likely to add to the value of your home, even if you choose to wait a few years before selling.
Choose timeless kitchen cabinets
Cabinets (and worktops by addition) have the greatest visual impact on your kitchen. Cabinets which are peeling, chipped, or otherwise damaged will be instantly noticeable and can make the entire space look unloved, even if everything else is pristine.
Upgrading your kitchen cabinets can transform your kitchen space, and if you opt for soft-close doors, can have a large impact on adding value to your home.
Consider smart storage solutions
Having ample storage in a kitchen is important, especially for a well-used kitchen and large families. There’s nothing worse in a kitchen than not having space for your bowls, cutlery, pots and pans, so having enough space to fit your crockery is imperative. Creative storage solutions such as pull-out pantries, hidden compartments, or deep drawers will make your kitchen more functional and appealing.
How much will a new kitchen cost?
As mentioned above, the cost of a new kitchen will depend on the size, style, and materials chosen for the renovation. For a basic guideline, we’ve considered the average costs for common styles of kitchens.
Starting costs for a new kitchen renovation
Small kitchens (think shaker style or traditional style kitchens) can start as low as £1,800. These kitchens are perfect for smaller homes and properties where you want to make a good impression without breaking the bank.
Starting costs for a modern kitchen renovation
If you want handleless cabinets and high-quality countertops, modern kitchens often start at around £2,750. At this price range, you can expect a sleek, stylish kitchen with modern materials and finishes.
Starting costs for a medium-sized kitchen renovation
The average cost of a medium-sized kitchen renovation is about £10,000, including installation. This price tag typically includes 12-14 units, along with upgraded appliances and worktops.
Remember, the cost will vary depending on the size of your kitchen and the materials you choose, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.
The kitchen is undoubtedly one of the most valuable rooms in any home. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for the long haul or you’re prepping it for sale, kitchen renovations can add significant value to your property. With the right layout, quality materials, and a functional design, your new kitchen could be the star of your home—and a major selling point when you eventually decide to put your house on the market.