Kitchens hold a lot of power during a house sale as they are typically the top of the priority list for buyers.
Certain kitchen features can not only add value to a property but also have the opposite effect.
If you’re planning to up the value of your property or just looking to sell in the near future, Ruth Lavender, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens, has pointed out the key features that are known to devalue a property.
She explained that these features have a huge effect on kitchens as they often “make or break” how a potential homeowner sees themselves living in the property.
Poor storage
A lack of kitchen storage can “quickly” knock the price of a property, according to the designer.
Dated materials
Dated decor and materials, such as orange-toned oak seen in old kitchen cabinetry, can “devalue your property massively” and even “put buyers off”.
However, painted finishes, particularly white, cream and grey are more in vogue, and can therefore “help boost the value of your house”.
The value can come down even more if cabinets are laid out in an “unusual or unworkable” way as home buyers are increasingly looking for convenient, open-plan and airy spaces.
Bad workmanship
Bad workmanship is also one of the most common reasons why a house can lose its value.
Ruth said: “Uneven floors, badly wired electrics and poorly fitted kitchen units, can all impact the property’s value, especially if they are deemed as unsafe or a hazard.”
So how much can be lost on a sale through undesirable kitchen features? Ruth noted: “It can be hard to put an exact figure on how much money could be lost as a result of undesirable kitchen features.
“However, in the worst-case scenario, if the kitchen is a dealbreaker to potential buyers, a sale could be lost entirely.
“Fitting a new kitchen can help to fast-track the sale of your property and provide an effective return on investment.”
To minimise the risk of losing value when selling a home, Ruth advised choosing a well-thought-out design that offers a workable space for any family.
