Decor Decisions That Pay Off: Which Home Improvements Actually Boost Resale Value

Discover which decor and home improvements boost resale value, from smart upgrades to buyer friendly features that deliver strong returns.

Are you tired of throwing money away on home upgrades?

All too often homeowners invest time, money and energy into decorations that make their home look good but do nothing for resale value. Some upgrades will earn you huge returns when you sell…while others could be total financial drains.

Here's the good news.

Sprucing up your home can significantly improve resale value IF you know which upgrades to prioritize. In fact, the highest-ROI improvements are often some of the least expensive projects you'll take on.

You'll learn:

• Why First Time Buyers MUST consider resale value from day one

• Highest returning improvement projects by category

• Biggest decor mistakes you can make

• High-value improvements that won't empty your bank account

Why First Time Buyers Need To Focus On Resale Value

Buying your first home is hard.

There's enough to worry about saving for deposits, paying legal fees and making your monthly mortgage payments. Spending time thinking about resale value seems like a distant concern.

And you'd be wrong.

Improvements you make in year one are pivotal to how much equity you build over time. Whether you plan to stay in your property for 5 years or 50 years every upgrade should serve double duty. It should make your home feel like a better place to live right now…and also increase your homes value down the line. Speak to an expert mortgage broker before applying for your first time buyer mortgage and they can give you guidance on budget.

Takeaway tip: A first time buyer that makes clever decor decisions will build equity faster. Fast-forward five years and those clever decisions mean more choices when it comes time to move.

Number One Way To Improve Resale Value: Curb Appeal

If you're thinking the kitchen or bathroom this will come as quite a surprise to you…

Externally-focused home improvements provide the biggest bang for your buck when it comes time to sell. The latest Cost vs. Value Report found garage door replacement now offers homeowners an incredible 268% ROI. In fact, you pay for just under half of the project and the rest is pure profit when you sell!

It doesn't stop there either…

Steel front door replacement checks in at a close second with 216% ROI. Manufactured stone veneer is close behind at 208%. In fact, 8 of the top 10 resale projects in 2025 focus around external improvements.

So what gives?

First impressions are everything when it comes to selling property. The majority of buyers will make a decision on your home within the first 30 seconds of viewing it. If your exterior looks worn out and tired you could be severely slashing your asking price before they even step through the front door.

Simple ways to improve curb appeal include:

• Exterior Painting

• Updated door hardware

• Tidy gardens and greenery

• House Numbers & External Lighting

Low cost ways to signal a home that has been well looked after.

Kitchen & Bathroom Improvements: Think Small

This is where most people fall into trap.

Kitchen renovations seem like an obvious way to improve your homes value. But they're actually pretty poor when it comes to ROI. Data shows that homeowners can expect to see around 113% of their cost recovered on a minor kitchen remodel when selling. And that means things like re-facing cabinets. Updating countertops. Changing appliances.

Major kitchen renovations?

They only recoup around 51% of the cost spent.

Bathrooms follow a similar pattern. A midrange bathroom remodel recoups 80% of costs. High-end renovation? Only 42% recovery.

Small, cosmetic updates outperform large scale renovations time and time again. Things like:

• Fixtures and hardware

• Fresh paint

• Updated lighting

• New countertops (you don't need to replace the whole kitchen!)

  
  

Energy Efficient Homes: What Buyers Want in 2025

There's a big shift in buyer priorities when it comes to energy efficiency.

As energy prices soar homeowners are now placing much more value on properties that promise to save them money on monthly bills. Upgrades like double glazing, insulation and even energy-efficient boilers aren't glamorous…but they are exactly what buyers want to see!

Improving energy-efficiency will also improve your EPC rating which can directly increase sale price. Energy-efficient homes are in high demand and will sell quicker, for more money.

Easy wins include:

• Smart Thermostats

• LED lighting

Low-cost and high desirability in the eyes of cash-conscious buyers.

Decor Fail: Things That Decrease Your Homes Value

Not all home improvements are created equal. Some home improvements can actually DECREASE your homes value. Here are the big ones to avoid:

• Being Too Personal. Wallpaper, loud colours and unique design features are fine…if you plan on living there forever. But they scare buyers away. Remember: you want buyers to see their furniture in your home, not the other way around.

• Swimming Pools. Costly to install. Pricey to maintain. Many buyers see them as a hassle, not a luxury.

• Removing garage space. Parking spaces and storage are some of the most valuable amenities your home can offer. Take away the garage and you take away your buyers ability to park their cars.

• Overcapitalising. Just because you can upgrade your home to a high-standard doesn't mean you should. Remember, your neighbourhood generally dictates how much buyers are willing to pay for your home. So that six-figure kitchen renovation may actually price you out of the market!

Golden rule? Never spend more than 30% of your homes value on home improvements. Once you start going beyond that your returns and investment decrease exponentially.

HIGH-VALUE Home Improvements That Won't Break The Bank

Low budget? No worries! Here are a few upgrades that cost little but can add tremendous value to your home.

• Deep Clean. Hire a professional cleaning company to deep clean your entire home before listing. You'd be surprised how many sellers skip this step. A clean home snaps, shows better and sells faster.

• Fresh paint. Neutral paint internally and externally can transform your home for a low cost.

• Door handles/light switches. Cheap ways to modernise your home.

• Declutter. Remove excess furniture and help your rooms look bigger.

Micro improvements that cost less than £500 can add thousands to your sale price.

Wrapping It Up

Home improvements are not about how much you spend, it's about where you spend your money. Here's a recap of what's been covered:

• Exterior improvements > interior upgrades (almost every time)

• Minor kitchen and bathroom upgrades beat major renovations

• Energy efficiency is the new black

• Over-personalising your home can scare buyers away

If you're a homeowner it pays to think about resale value from day ONE. Don't wait until you're ready to sell. And regardless of budget always keep these tips in mind when planning renovations or upgrades!

Start with curb appeal, keep renovations cosmetic and always let the data lead your next decor decision.