Do kitchens and bathrooms really sell houses?

There’s no denying that both the kitchen and the bathroom (or bathrooms), are two of the most important spaces within a home. Unlike many other rooms within a property, the kitchen and bathroom can often be the focal point. Both rooms are difficult to hide, and many buyers want to see these rooms in action. This is particularly evident when considering the kitchen is the engine room of the home.

Think of the kitchen and bathroom as big-ticket rooms – often they hold the power to attract or turn away potential buyers. However, they can also be the most expensive rooms in a house to renovate. Today we’ll be discussing some of our handy tips to level-up your kitchen/bathroom game, to add overall value to  your property.  

When it comes to preparing to sell your house, putting in the time to prepare and style your kitchen and bathroom has the potential to make all the difference. You want to sell a lifestyle and let your prospective buyers be able to envision themselves within the home. This is why it’s so important to nail the kitchen and bathroom – first impressions last! While many buyers may not recall minor details in the bedroom or living area, the kitchen and bathrooms are a different story. 

This doesn’t mean you have to completely renovate both rooms in preparation to sell. As a rule of thumb, no more than 2% of the property value should be spent on renovating these rooms. If your bathroom is relatively new or in good condition, a deep clean will do wonders for it. Finish it off with nice towels, greenery, hand wash, a candle etc. Remember, you not only want to capture the attention of buyers that pass through, but those online as well. 

If your bathroom is dated but everything is still in working order, opting to paint the tiles can help to completely change the room, likewise updating tapware. A neutral colour is best as it allows for the space to be as light & bright as possible & will appeal to more buyers. Giving your bathroom a more modern feel and look can go a long way when it comes to selling your house. If there are items in the bathroom that desperately need to be repaired, it is best to consider replacing them.

BEFORE: Dated bathroom

AFTER: Tiles painted, vanity replaced, cracked shower screen replaced.

Bathroom makeover was managed & styled by RAHS.

When it comes to the kitchen, you really are selling the heart of the home. Prospective buyers need to walk in and imagine themselves, or their families in there – especially if your prospects love to cook! More often than not, if you are selling a family home, your buyer will consider cooking to be an integral element of their day-to-day lifestyle. Thus, your kitchen needs to live up to their expectations and vision, of being able to enjoy the cooking process in a functional and aesthetic space. A modern kitchen can make a whole house feel organised, clean and fresh. However, a kitchen renovation can be a costly endeavour. Instead of this, a minor makeover can be all that is needed in order to reinvent your kitchen, prior to selling. Swap outdated, discoloured appliances for new ones and consider updating the lighting to bring a more contemporary feel to the space.

Repainting the walls and cupboards can also do wonders for your kitchen. Again, opt for a neutral and modern colour that gives the space a fresh and new feeling. Your prospective buyer needs to feel right at home when they first walk into the kitchen, A clean, airy, light and bright kitchen can make or break their decision to buy your home.

A beautifully styled home is what can draw potential buyers in and some small (and cost-effective) changes in both these major rooms can really make all the difference.

We believe that the kitchen and bathrooms truly do help to sell a home as well as the lifestyle. You want to maximise your property’s ‘wow’ factor and going the extra mile can really persuade those potential buyers to register their interest in inspecting your home. 

Right At Home Staging know how to capture the attention of prospective buyers and can style your home so they just can’t help but come along to your next inspection! Get in touch today so we can begin your staging journey.