Andrew Winter

They always say ‘kitchens and bathrooms sell houses”, a rather obvious statement on the basis that without a kitchen and bathroom your home could be a little awkward to sell, but what it really means of course is ‘nice kitchens and bathrooms sell houses!’

So what is a ‘nice kitchen’ when it comes to selling?

A well fitted superstore kitchen with basic sink and mixer tap, laminated bench tops, neutral tiles etc is all you need in a $350,000 first home buyers home. Whereas as minimum 40mm thick stone bench tops, numerous under bench sinks with sleek European taps, top of the range appliances, coffee maker and more task and accent lighting than you would ever need is the bare minimum for your $2,000,000 luxury pad.

So what that actually means is buyers expect different standards across the price ranges and across the house style spectrum, classic style or shabby chic in cottages, country homes and old terraces are great, but cool chic, sleek style is great for high spec townhouses, units and cool trendy new or refurbished homes. To maximise the value of your home give a buyer what they want and expect – the style of kitchen should match the rest of the home as should the spec. A buyer will always over inflate the costs of a new kitchen when negotiating a deal on your home, or it could be enough to put them off.

So if you are selling now or soon, look at this room and ask yourself is the style and condition right?
If not try cheap changes like new handles, new bench tops, new sink, new taps, covering over old splashbacks with new surfaces. Just clearing all surfaces and disposing of those bloody awful fridge magnets can make a huge difference. A good clean too and change anything that screams out at you.

Do not allow your agent to take photos of your kitchen until you and he/she are happy with it, AND Agents’ if I see photos of kitchens with clutter, fridge magnets appearing on your sites I will be forced to send you back to Real Estate School.

So ‘they’ are right, kitchens do matter. Get on the internet and see what kitchens are like in the houses for sale like yours to help with your research.