To celebrate the launch of Hortons Lettings in Grantham, we sat down with Liam Fish, Area Letting Manager for Hortons in the area, to find out how a new kitchen can increase the value of your home…
With thanks to Liam Fish of Horton Lettings in Grantham (Photo courtesy of Hortons)
When considering a kitchen renovation, most home owners will have their own needs, comfort and enjoyment in mind - but with research showing that a new kitchen can boost the value of your property by anything from 5 to 15%, it's worth also taking a moment to think about what potential buyers might make of your kitchen design decisions, too, should you ever come to sell.
“A kitchen renovation can increase the value of your home if the choice of colours, quality of the kitchen worktops, space, appliances and overall appearance sets a premium overview for the rest of the home, explains Liam. “The kitchen is naturally the room with the most value in it, with the majority of the other rooms often being empty when purchased or let.”
But what exactly are potential buyers looking for in a kitchen when viewing a home? “The majority of feedback I get is on the amount of space that is on offer,” says Liam. “Is there availability for additional appliances such as a tumble dryer and dishwasher? Shaker-style cabinetry is also very popular among new homeowners.
“In my opinion, it all comes down to personal preference. On one end of the scale, a luxury and bespoke kitchen is a must-have, while on the other end of the scale, a basic kitchen allows the buyer to have a vision of their own.
“However, low quality kitchens that have a super niche colour palette would be something to stay away from. The design also needs to be well thought-out to maximise storage space and functionality. In short, money spent on a luxury, high-end kitchen will ultimately add the same if not more value to any sale price.”
Money spent on a luxury, high-end kitchen will ultimately add the same if not more value to any sale price.
So, if you're keen to maximise the value of your home, installing a well-made and thoughtfully-designed kitchen is a good place to start, but it's also worth considering how to appeal to potential buyers in other areas of your home, too.
Kitting out other rooms with bespoke fitted furniture to really make the most of the space - think fitted wardrobes in bedrooms and dressing rooms, hidden shoe and coat storage in hallways and boot rooms, and even alcove and media units in living areas and play rooms - not only provides ample storage and improves the overall aesthetic of your home, but it also ticks one more thing off that potential buyer's shopping list, as Liam explains: “Fitted furniture can increase the value of your home as it's one less thing that a potential buyer has to imagine within the space. It also allows the estate agent to expand on their marketing strategy with the opportunity to showcase the additional features. Both of these things, along with the convenience, will increase your home's value.”
Our top tips for designing a house-value boosting kitchen
Make the most of every available inch with bespoke kitchen cabinetry
Consider integrated appliances for a sleek finish
Opt for neutral colours and classic Shaker-style cabinetry for mass-market appeal
Invest in high-quality worktops, such as quartz or granite, that will stand the test of time
Think carefully about the layout of your kitchen - a good place to start is with the 'golden triangle' - if space allows, aim to place the fridge, hob and sink on the three points of a triangle to maximise functionality and avoid unnecessary laps of the kitchen during prep.
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