Look, I’m gonna be straight with you. You’re thinking about selling your place and wondering if throwing some money at the kitchen is worth it.
Short answer? **Hell yes.**
But let me explain why, cause I’ve seen too many people get this wrong…
## The Truth About What Buyers Actually Care About
You know what’s funny? People will walk into a house, ignore the brand new roof, the updated electrical, the perfect foundation — and lose their minds over an ugly kitchen.
I’m serious. I watched a couple last month turn down a house because the cabinets were “too 90s.” The house was perfect otherwise. But those honey oak cabinets? Deal breaker.
Here’s what actually moves the needle:
– **Fresh cabinet faces** (not even new cabinets, just the faces!)
– Clean, modern handles
– Countertops that don’t scream 1987
– Decent lighting that doesn’t make everything look yellow
Notice I didn’t say granite countertops imported from Italy. Or custom cabinets that cost more than a car.
## Why Kitchen Facelifts Beat Full Renovations
Okay so here’s where most people screw up. They think they need to gut the whole kitchen. Rip everything out. Start fresh. Drop 50 grand.
Nope.
A kitchen facelift — where you keep the bones but update the skin — can get you 80% of the impact for like 20% of the cost. I’m talking:
– New cabinet doors and drawer fronts
– Fresh paint or laminate
– Updated hardware
– Maybe new countertops if yours are truly terrible
The layout stays the same. The plumbing stays put. You’re just making it look like this decade.
## The Real Numbers (Not the BS Ones)
Everyone throws around that “you’ll get 80% ROI on kitchen renovations!” stat. But that’s for full gut jobs. And honestly? It’s usually more like 60%.
But facelifts? Different story.
I’ve seen $5,000 kitchen facelifts add $15,000 to sale prices. That’s not typical — don’t expect miracles. But a 2:1 return? Pretty common.
Here’s why: **buyers are lazy**. They see dated cabinets and immediately subtract $30k from their offer, thinking they’ll need a full reno. You spend $5k making it look fresh, they don’t subtract anything. You win.
## What Actually Matters vs What Doesn’t
**Stuff that matters:**
– Overall cleanliness and freshness
– Modern color schemes (goodbye yellow wood)
– Functional hardware
– Good lighting
– Countertops that look decent
**Stuff that doesn’t:**
– Brand names on appliances (unless you’re selling luxury)
– Fancy tile backsplashes
– Soft-close everything
– Built-in coffee machines
I watched someone install a $3,000 built-in espresso machine thinking it would wow buyers. You know what happened? Buyers worried about maintenance costs.
## The Sweet Spot Strategy
Here’s exactly what I’d do if I was selling my place:
1. **Get the cabinet faces refreshed** – biggest visual bang for buck
2. **Replace the handles** – $200 makes everything look more expensive
3. **Fix anything broken** – that drawer that doesn’t close? Fix it.
4. **Add under-cabinet lighting** – makes everything look pro
5. **Paint if needed** – but only if needed
That’s it. Don’t go crazy.
## The Timing Thing Nobody Talks About
Here’s what kills me — people wait until the last minute. They list their house, get feedback that the kitchen’s dated, THEN panic and try to fix it while showing the house.
Dumb move.
If you’re thinking of selling in the next year? Do the facelift now. Enjoy it for a few months. Let it settle. Touch up anything that needs it. Then list.
Plus you actually get to enjoy the nice kitchen instead of fixing it up for strangers.
## Local Market Reality Check
In Melbourne’s market right now? Kitchen condition can literally make or break a sale. I’m not exaggerating. Buyers here have options. They’re picky.
They’ll pay premium for move-in ready. But they’ll lowball hard on anything that needs work.
A decent kitchen facelift puts you in that “move-in ready” category without breaking the bank.
## Bottom Line
Yes, kitchen facelifts improve resale value. Usually significantly. But more importantly — they get houses SOLD. Fast. For asking price.
The question isn’t really “will it add value?”
The question is “can I afford NOT to do it?”
In this market? Probably not.
Just don’t go overboard. Remember — you’re not building your dream kitchen. You’re building a buyer’s “good enough” kitchen. There’s a difference.
Keep it simple, keep it fresh, keep it modern. Let the next owner add the fancy stuff if they want.
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*Want to know exactly what a kitchen facelift would cost for your place? The team at Kitcab does free quotes. No BS, no pressure. They’ll tell you straight up what makes sense for your situation. Give them a call at 0470 481 135 or check out kitcabkitchenfacelifts.com.au*
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