Housing agents Sellhousefast.uk consulted 34 estate agents, interior designers and property professionals across the UK to find out the best way to increase your property’s value when updating your kitchen.
And the results are unsurprising: 72 per cent of experts claim that spacious and modern storage units are the feature that adds the most value, closely followed by fitted, energy-efficient appliances (66 per cent) and durable, stylish worktops (60 per cent).
With the kitchen taking the role of the hub of the home, being used for so much more than just cooking but also, dining, working, socialising (and dancing!), it’s considered a key space for buyers, sellers and renters alike. So much so, that the National Association for Estate Agents (NAEA) states that if you can only afford to renovate one room, it should be the kitchen.
Results of the study by Sellhousefast.uk
Here’s some advice from three of the experts...
Craig, a property consultant from London, says:
‘With a kitchen renovation, think about what buyers/renters want from a kitchen. They prioritise on safety, so make sure all integrated appliances are from reputable brands and fitted by professionals. Get lighting which creates an atmospheric ambiance. The more storage the better, so make full use of the layout to accommodate as many sufficiently-sized storage units as possible.’
Barry, a freelance designer from Liverpool, says:
‘If you’re making changes to your kitchen for the sole purpose of adding value to the property, then my recommendation would be to make subtle and simple changes. Not only will it be cost-effective, but a simple style will speak to most homeowners when choosing a new property. If the storage units are old and worn-out, replace them with spacious and slick storage units.’
Robby Du Toit, managing director at Sellhousefast.co.uk, says:
'The kitchen is certainly a focal room which people are now utilising for more than one purpose. In doing so, homeowners are looking for a kitchen that is stylish, modern and highly functional. The great takeaway from the consulted experts is that lavish and over-the-top additions are not needed to enhance the condition and aesthetics of a kitchen.'
