These days the kitchen is the true heart of the home. It’s where the emotion is, the wine’s being poured, the kids are doing their colouring or homework. It’s where everyone stands with a drink before a dinner party, hoping to get a taste of the roast as it is carved. Your kitchen could be the best selling point for your property so when it comes to selling – you need to ensure it is presented in its best light. Food and cooking are as popular as they have ever been – thanks to the success of Masterchef and My Kitchen Rules.
As real estate agents when we’re conducting open homes, we like to spend a lot of our time in the property itself, mingling with buyers.
From what we have seen in the marketplace, there has been a move away from the appeal of formal living areas. Feedback shows that buyers are looking for more relaxed entertaining areas rather than somewhere they only use a few times a year. Open plan living areas, outdoor entertaining and especially kitchens attract buyers to your home.
“ It’s always obvious that potential buyers like to spend as much time as possible in the kitchen area during an inspection, trying to understand the benefits of that kitchen.” – Nathan Casserly
So what can you do to best present your kitchen and make it as appealing as possible for buyers? Managing Director, Alex Ouwens has recently renovated his kitchen and has 4 tips on creating a desirable kitchen space. There is plenty you can do without replacing the whole kitchen.
1. Keep The Shell – Upgrade The Details
To minimise costs, you can keep the shape and cabinets of the kitchen and upgrade the cupboard doors, benchtops, splashbacks, door handles and sinks. By keeping the shell of the kitchen, you significantly reduce the costs of demolishing and reinstalling, whilst still updating features to suit the current marketplace trends.
2. Optimise Space
Storage in a kitchen is crucial. Many buyers will carefully consider this when assessing the suitability of your home. If your property has limited space, it is important to ensure the space is well utilised. Consider drawers instead of cupboards to avoid that dead space at the back of cupboards. When assessing the layout of the kitchen ensure the kitchen is practical and functional. When you sell, make sure your benchtops are as clear as possible. Put away as much as you can – it will make the kitchen look bigger. Make sure your pantry is tidy & organised.
3. Apply a fresh coat of paint
A fresh coat of paint will brighten up the space and will make prospective buyers feel the kitchen is freshly done. Go for a light bright colour and make sure the light bulbs are working & high wattage. Add indoor plants and splashes of colour.
4. Plugged In
In this age, it is vital to ensure that your kitchen features plenty of power points. We all have a range of electrical kitchen appliances. Installing USB plugs into your kitchen will be a great feature for buyers and will create a practical use of the space.
There are plenty of ways you can minimise costs and still unlock that emotional element and practical side of the kitchen. If you are renovating to sell, keep it as neutral as possible – while you might love a lime green splashback your buyers might not. If you are selling without a renovation, make sure you have cleaned everything from top to bottom & decluttered as much as you can. Just that will make a big difference.
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Alex Ouwens and Nathan Casserly have a genuine passion for real estate and love to help people achieve their goals and dreams through property. Find out more about OC here.
Interested in a career at Ouwens Casserly Real Estate? Check out our opportunities here.
