When you’re looking at which home improvements add the most value to your house, it’s worth looking at upgrading your kitchen. As the old saying goes; kitchens and bathrooms sell houses.
So does upgrading your kitchen add value to your home? It’s estimated that a new kitchen will improve your property’s market value by up to 6%. But it’s important to keep the price bracket of your kitchen to match with the price bracket of your home. Be aware that what you spend on your kitchen doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you’ll make back every penny you spend.
Therefore, when you look at which home improvements add the most value to your house, you need to look at those that have maximum impact.
Does upgrading your kitchen add value to your home in the UK?
The simple answer to the question “does upgrading your kitchen add value to your home?” is yes it most certainly does. If your budget is only enough for one room in your house, make it the kitchen. But see below about what else to upgrade on your home.
Most people spend the majority of their time at home in the kitchen. Plus buyers know how much it will cost to replace a kitchen. Those home buyers who are looking for a house that’s ‘ready-to-go’ will want to see a remodelled kitchen.
A great looking kitchen will sell a house. If it’s done well a new kitchen can add up to 6% to the value of your home.
The price bracket of your kitchen should match the price bracket of your home
Whilst a new kitchen will add value, there’s no point in spending more on your kitchen than it’s going to add in value. But conversely, if you own a more expensive home that’s worth in excess of £500,000 you don’t want to be scrimping on the cheapest kitchen you can find.
Here’s a few examples of what upgrading your kitchen may add to the value of your home.
The home values below are before the new kitchen upgrade
- Home value £150,000 – Added value = £9,000; Suggested maximum kitchen upgrade cost £5,000.
- Home value £200,000 – Added value = £12,000; Suggested maximum kitchen upgrade cost £6,500.
- Home value £250,000 – Added value = £15,000; Suggested maximum kitchen upgrade cost £8,500.
- Home value £300,000 – Added value = £18,000; Suggested maximum kitchen upgrade cost £10,000.
- Home value £350,000 – Added value = £21,000; Suggested maximum kitchen upgrade cost £11,500.
- Home value £400,000 – Added value = £24,000; Suggested maximum kitchen upgrade cost £13,500.
- Home value £500,000 – Added value = £30,000; Suggested maximum kitchen upgrade cost £16,500.
The above are only estimated numbers and there’s no guarantee of the 6% uplift. However, the 6% value uplift for adding a new kitchen has come from the Nationwide Building Society.
A kitchen upgrade is not just about adding value to your home
Having said what I’ve said in the section above about the maximum spend on upgrading your kitchen, there’s another consideration. If you’re looking to sell your house quickly, having a new and modern kitchen will help you to sell your house fast.
It may be that you’re prepared to spend a bit more on your kitchen, simply to make sure your house sells more easily. But you’d be silly to spend more than what a kitchen adds in terms of value to your home.
More Reading: How to sell your house quickly for a good price (Plus 7 mistakes to avoid)
Other thoughts for upgrading your kitchen to add value to your home
Here are a few more thoughts to consider when upgrading your kitchen in order to add value to your home.
Ideas to save money on your kitchen upgrade
- Consider DIY and upgrade the kitchen yourself.
- Consider worktops and door replacements only instead of a whole new kitchen. Add new and modern handles to make this cheaper upgrade complete.
- You could repaint or spray your old doors, as this will save costs. Add new and modern handles to make this cheaper upgrade complete.
- Look for ex-showroom kitchens, as this can save up to 50-60% on the price of a new kitchen.
More Reading: Top 7 Reasons Houses Don’t Sell (You Must Read This)
Ideas for making a kitchen that will be popular when selling your house
- When you’re choosing your kitchen make sure it’s in keeping with the age and style of your house.
- Choose a neutral colour scheme where you’re installing a new kitchen to sell your house.
- Good lighting is key, so make sure you have plenty of down-lights, up-lights and new ceiling lighting in the kitchen.
- Look to maximise storage and design an easy-flowing kitchen. Think about worktop space too.
- Make sure the space is clutter free and has clean work surfaces.
More Reading: When is the best month to sell your house in the UK (Key selling months in the UK)
What else to upgrade in your home
Whilst earlier in this article I did say if you only have the budget for one room, spend it on your kitchen. But having said that, there’s no point in spending money on updating your kitchen, when the rest of your house is a mess.
You need to think about these other home improvements, alongside your new kitchen when you’re looking to sell your house.
- Painting and decorating your whole house in neutral colours will improve its look and will help your house sell. This is the painting of both the inside and outside.
- Tidy and landscape your garden.
- Create kerb appeal and a great first impression.
- Consider updating your bathroom or bathrooms.
- Clean your roof.
- Paint or update your windows.
- Clean or upgrade your soffits and fascias.
- Consider new flooring and carpets where these are either out dated or tired and worn out.
- Tidy, clean and de-clutter your house and make it smell nice.
When you’re spending money on improving your home, always be aware of the ceiling price of your road. Every home in every street has a ‘ceiling price’. The ceiling price is the maximum price you’d expect to achieve as a resale, based on similar properties in your road.
For example, if you were to transform your terraced house into the Buckingham Palace, it’s unlikely that someone will pay the price you would want for it. Be realistic about what your home is likely to achieve when you list it with an estate agent.
More Reading: How to choose an estate agent (Don’t choose before reading this)
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Do the recomended cost vs house value per kitchen include an extension or is that just for the kitchen fitting
Hi Paul, the recommended cost vs house value is for the kitchen only – not an extension. Depending on where your property is and how well you do the extension, this could add more value. But check with your local estate agent beforehand, as you have to be careful about not over-spending on a property.
Hi Russell,
I thought that would be the case, thanks. The extension would be small, basically push the rear wall of the current kitchen out to match the existing extension that is on the rear of the garage, then knock the wall out between the kitchen and this “back room” to make one large square kitchen., otherwise it would be an awkward “L” shape
Hello Paul, That sounds sensible and an extension that shouldn’t cost too much to accomplish. This will then make a much nicer and larger kitchen to your house too. Let me know how it goes.