When it comes to selling a home, two rooms are known to consistently sway buyers: the bathroom and the kitchen. Homeowners who are preparing to sell need to understand what people truly value in these rooms.
If you’re looking for ideas to help you with a bathroom remodel, want tips for a kitchen renovation or simply want to add value to your home before putting it on the market, this article can push you in the right direction.
What Buyers Look for in Kitchens
The kitchen area is more than just a place to cook. It’s the room where people gather and spend much of their daily routine. Buyers want to see practicality, a space that’s modern, and, most importantly, one that feels good to be in. A kitchen that is overcrowded and run down can make it feel like a chore to use.
Questions buyers might be asking:
- Does it feel good to be here?
- Can I get on with everyday life without bumping elbows?
- How much work is this going to need?
Size and Layout
In the UK, where square footage is often tight, a smart layout plays a huge role in how quickly a house sells. For example, some people look for a kitchen island design because it’s modern and adds another functional area to the room. There are options of having a more slim island if you have a smaller kitchen. Others prefer an open-plan kitchen design, as the lack of walls makes the room feel more spacious and airy.
Having a light, airy kitchen is priceless, as a dark environment can feel a lot smaller than it actually is. Does your space let in enough natural light and have windows that open wide enough? The kitchen can get warm, but fresh air cools people down, while natural light lifts your mood and makes it somewhere you’ll actually want to spend time.
Functionality
Another element that helps a kitchen functionality is storage, as a messy room isn’t pleasant and makes it difficult to get things done. This might include more countertop space, floating shelves, and cupboard storage. When you’re looking through storage options, think about what looks modern and new, showing buyers the kitchen is truly move-in ready.
Tip: Avoid placing appliances in awkward or cluttered spots. If countertops are overcrowded or appliances seem poorly positioned, buyers may assume the kitchen lacks proper space.
What Buyers Look for in Bathrooms
Buyers evaluate bathrooms almost immediately for three essentials: design quality, lighting, and well-planned storage – all of which can influence your final asking price.
Aesthetic Appeal
When on a house viewing, one of the first things that stands out is how a space feels. For example, if a bathroom has worn fixtures and the tiles look rough and chipped, this indicates that a lot of work needs to be done and can be off-putting. Whereas a modern bathroom with clean fixtures and accessories is a lot more appealing to a buyer.
Walk-in shower designs and free-standing bathtubs have become popular in recent years because they scream luxury. Neutral colours and décor are also favoured by many people in bathrooms as they help to create a relaxed atmosphere. Chaotic and bright colours can put people off as they aren’t always easy on the eye.
Bright and Airy
If your room is looking dark, then it’s time to brainstorm some bathroom lighting ideas. You could consider lighting around your mirror, wall lights, or maybe it’s simply time to get a brighter bulb. If a bathroom looks too dark and dingy, it can make it look dirtier and more ‘lived in’.
Another way to make a bathroom feel calm is by making sure it doesn’t feel confined. A simple way to do this is by adding plants, as these create an airy feel. Choose greenery which is suitable for a wet and warm environment, such as snake plants and aloe vera.
Storage
The bathroom is a small space, yet it’s filled with shampoos, soaps and shaving creams. When searching for a home to buy, people look for bathrooms with storage solutions to prevent their room from becoming messy. This can include wall shelves, under-the-basin storage and medicine cabinets. The key is to make sure your space isn’t too crowded, allowing the buyer to visualise themself there.
Other Things to Consider
● Avoid big renovations:
- Buyers’ tastes vary wildly, so pouring thousands into a statement tile or bespoke cabinetry right before listing can actually hurt your return. Try to save your budget for fixes that boost value, not personal style splurges that a buyer may want to rip out.
● Adding an extra bathroom:
- A Resi.co.uk analysis found that adding an extra bathroom increases the typical UK house sale price by 4 – 5%.
- Aim for one bathroom per three bedrooms or a loo on every floor. This can be a major selling point, especially in terraced houses.
- If your property still has a downstairs-only bathroom, relocating it upstairs can remove a common buyer objection.
● Adding sophisticated kitchen features:
- Plinth (kickboard) LED strips to create a soft glow.
- Under-cabinet lighting for brighter worktops and a more spacious feel.
● Integrated appliances:
- Concealed dishwashers, washer-dryers and fridge-freezers give a seamless, design-led look that photographs well on Rightmove.
- Eye-level or raised ovens add ergonomic appeal and underline a family-friendly layout.
Final Thoughts
Minor upgrades in the kitchen and bathroom can have a major impact on what UK buyers want and how much they’re willing to pay. Focus on what truly matters: comfort, efficiency, and aesthetic designs. By including the right updates, you can help your home stand out and sell faster in the competitive UK house market.
Thinking of selling? Let Frank Modern show you what your kitchen and bathroom are really worth. Book your free valuation today and move one step closer to “SOLD”. Or contact us here at: 03330169824.