'It's the most valuable room in a house' - Britons can sell their home faster and for more by making kitchen upgrade that 'can add serious value'

'It's the most valuable room in a house' - Britons can sell their home faster and for more by making kitchen upgrade that 'can add serious value'

Britons discussing house prices and getting on the property ladder

GB NEWS
Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 19/03/2024

- 18:46

Updated: 25/03/2024

- 14:27

New kitchen countertops may boost your house price by thousands

Britons looking to sell their homes can ensure they fetch a higher price with a few simple home improvements.

According to a property expert, updating the kitchen works wonders, particularly upgrading countertops.


People spend a great deal of time in their kitchens. It's not only a place to cook and enjoy food, many Britons use the kitchen as a social spot for gathering loved ones together. Therefore, the space you have cultivated in your kitchen is paramount when you come to sell.

"Preparing your home for viewers is important. It will not only ensure your property sells faster but for a higher sale price; potentially adding thousands of pounds to its value," said the Director of HomeOwners Alliance.

Couple next to kitchen countertops / For sale signs

'Upgrading kitchen countertops is expensive, but can add serious value'

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Angela Kerr said: "The kitchen is the most valuable room in a house. It is worth the most per square foot and can make the difference when buyers are unsure."

There are things Britons can do to revamp their kitchen before putting it on the market, including some small tweaks that cost nothing, and other more expensive investments.

The expert recommended: "Upgrading kitchen countertops is expensive, but can add serious value."

Another way to fetch more for your home may be to "consider refacing your kitchen cabinetry". Angela explained that this is "much cheaper than installing new cabinetry and often as effective".

"Consider upgrading the plumbing fixtures and white goods, but keep in mind that while that could make your property sell faster, you will be unlikely to recoup their full value."

For a cheap way to improve a kitchen, Angela advised going on a tidying mission.

Britons may be able to get a better price for their property if they "declutter" the surfaces in their kitchen, simply leaving one bowl of fruit on the side.

Get rid of any papers, bags, cooking utensils and groceries that are usually found on a kitchen counter. The expert also advised getting rid of "bulky appliances" that aren't being used.

But while some decluttering is essential - you want the potential new homeowners to imagine themselves living in the property - it's important not to "depersonalise" the place.

Angela said: "Consider removing any bulky furniture that makes the room feel small and replacing it with smaller furniture.

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Kitchen

Declutter but do not depersonalise

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"But, don’t make it look like a generic hotel; leave some personality. Apart from anything else, it gives unimaginative buyers suggestions as to what they might do."

Another way Britons can increase the value of their property is by avoiding a lighting mistake that is an "immediate turn off for buyers".

A property expert explained that modern lighting styles can entice buyers by making a space feel "bright, new, and comfortable".

For Britons looking to sell, an expert revealed the sophisticated front door colour that will grab a buyer's attention fast.

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