Your Kitchen Sells Your Home

Friday 21/02/25 

When preparing to sell a property, a pre-sale refresh can make a big difference -fresh paint, new carpets, and minor updates help boost appeal. But what about the kitchen and bathroom? Should you renovate them before listing?

While it depends on the property, in most cases, a well-planned kitchen renovation offers the best return. Buyers see the kitchen as a key feature that reflects quality and style of the home, giving them confidence in the home. The key? Spend wisely and renovate right! 

Before You Begin 

Speak with local agents and request a comprehensive property appraisal. Ask for their advice on which renovations will add value and what potential selling price you might achieve with improvements. Their insights will help you define your renovation strategy and budget effectively. 

If their recommendation is to renovate both your kitchen and bathrooms but your budget only allows for one, prioritize the kitchen. 

While both areas are equally costly, the kitchen’s appeal is more immediately noticeable to buyers.  

Also, consider your timeline—a custom kitchen renovation typically takes between two to three months from design to installation, so plan accordingly. 

Apartment, Unit, or First Home Buyer Market

A modern, functional kitchen is especially attractive to young couples and first-home buyers, who often have limited budgets and prefer to avoid extensive post-purchase renovations. Many of these buyers also consider the resale potential in future. 

Renovation Strategies

• Redesign the kitchen with a modern layout and invest in premium-quality custom cabinetry;
• Focus on functionality and smart storage solutions;
• Maintain a neutral colour scheme, a clean and timeless look that appeals to a broad audience;
• Avoid overly personal design choices, such as an orange glass splashback;
• Steer clear of costly structural works or relocating plumbing if possible; 
• Consider the flooring options -either follow the existing kitchen foot print or cover the floor if it remains in good condition. 

Materials Suggestions

• Cabinetry: Standard-range laminate finishes in neutral tones;
• Benchtop: High- quality Laminate (HPL) or Standard-range engineered stone;
• Splashback: Textured, modern tiles are cost-effective and add visual interest without overwhelming the space; 
• Appliances: Reputable brands from their entry-level ranges or high-quality old models from appliance clearance centers can also be an attractive option; 

Examples of Smart Kitchen Renovations

Prahran Kitchen Renovation |Townhouse | Compact Size Kitchen  

Carnegie Kitchen Renovation |Unit | Compact Size Kitchen  

South Yarra Kitchen Renovation |Apartment | Compact Size Kitchen 

Mid-to-High-End Homes in Sought-After Locations

If your home is situated in a desirable area—such as a prestigious suburb, a family-friendly school zone, or an area with strong buyer demand—and boasts a solid overall appearance with renovation potential, investing in a premium kitchen redesign and renovation can offer excellent returns. 

Many homeowners in this market renovate not only to enhance their living experience while they remain in the property but also to boost its resale value in future.  The growing families are always active bidders for these kind of property. 

Renovation Strategies

• Redesign the layout to create an open-plan kitchen, perhaps by adding a large entertaining island;
• Integrate smart storage solutions, such as ample drawers and a spacious pantry; 
• Keep in mind that buyers in this category expect high-end finishes, quality craftsmanship, low maintenance, and modern conveniences; 
• Avoid complicated designs and finishes that require high maintenance – style like French Provincial Kitchen may not suit most buyers and it is also overly costly; 

Materials Suggestions 

• Cabinetry: Premium finishes that complement your home’s value and style;
• Benchtop: Premium engineered stone for family homes; for luxury properties, granite or quartz are better choices than marble due to its durability; marble can easily stain that affect your resale in future; 
• Splashback: Seamless matching stone or statement tiles to achieve a high-end finish; 
• Appliances: Most Reputable brands from mid-range models – consider features like an induction cooktop while noting that integrated fridges may not always offer the best return on money.  

Client Success Stories

We’ve seen numerous success stories from our clients’ experience where buyers have placed high bids primarily because of a beautifully designed kitchen. A well-executed renovation signals quality, practicality, and lifestyle benefits to prospective buyers.

CASE STUDY1 – Northcote Property Sale

This Northcote property, sold in 2021 for $2.275 m, attracted five bidders at auction and was secured by a young family. Our clients executed a comprehensive redesign and renovation featuring a modern, timeless industrial-style kitchen. The exceptional quality of our cabinetry was evident during inspections, underscoring the solid investment and reflecting the overall excellence of the home renovation. 

Northcote Kitchen Renovation |House | Industrial Style Design

CASE STUDY2 –  Armadale Property Sale

This Armadale Edwardian residence was transformed through a full-scale renovation and achieved a sale of $2.95 m at auction in 2019. Our Client, a female young builder, was determined to  rescue an almost failing period home and infuse it with new life. The beautifully presented space now seamlessly blends period charm with a designer contemporary style and premium quality finishes—an aesthetic that perfectly aligns with the high standards and value of Armadale properties. 

Armadale Kitchen Renovation |House | Contemporary Design

CASE STUDY3 –  Brighton Property Sale

This beautifully redesigned Roslyn St home in Brighton was sold for $2.15m at auction in 2022- a stunning price for a single-level unit. The full-scale renovation focused on opening up the space to create a sun-filled environment, with the kitchen area relocated to maximize natural light. The timeless design of a popular shaker door kitchen, rendered in a neutral tone, has become a standout feature of the home.

Brighton Kitchen Renovation |Unit | Hampton Style Design

Ready to Renovate your Kitchen? 

At Complete Kitchens, we specialize in redesigning and renovating kitchens to work within your budget and enhance your property’s value. If you are considering renovating before selling- whether soon or in the next few years – Explore  Kitchen Design & Quote Process to find out how we work. 

Visit our Oakleigh South showroom, or call us on (03) 9543 8888 to discuss your project.