Do new appliances increase a home’s value?

Purchasing new appliances can potentially add value to your home. According to some national Realtor groups, both minor and major kitchen projects can sometimes offer up to a 60% return on investment. While these upgrades may support resale value and buyer appeal, they do not guarantee a dollar-for-dollar increase in sale price or appraisal value. However, they do indicate that if you’re looking to upgrade your home, the kitchen can be a great place to start.

If you’re looking to add value to your home by upgrading your kitchen appliances, keep these features in mind when shopping:

• Energy efficient options
• Innovative technology
• Styles & colors
• Capacity options
• Smart appliance options

New appliances can attract buyers and add a stylish, updated look to your kitchen. Oftentimes buyers are drawn in by stainless steel or black stainless appliances that have innovative features and new technology or a new, more modern style, such as a quad-door configuration. If you’re thinking about selling your home, consider replacing outdated or non-working appliances. Appliances that are still functional but mismatched might be replaced on a case-by-case basis, depending on your personal preferences, with an emphasis on the most visible appliances.

That said, some buyers prefer to customize their new home with appliances of their choice. First time budget-conscious buyers may value a move-in ready kitchen, while luxury buyers may plan to upgrade regardless. Whether new appliances will attract prospective buyers really depends on the individual.

Renovating your home can be exciting especially when it comes to upgrading your kitchen where changes not only enhance your everyday experience, but can often offer a great return on investment.

How much value is added to your home will also depend on the housing market, region and price range of properties in the surrounding area. Research houses in your neighborhood that are priced comparably to yours, so that you can gauge what buyers are looking for. Additionally, you might want to model your home closely to others in your area.

If your appliances are out-of-style, not working properly or otherwise in disrepair, you may want to consider replacing them to help increase your home’s value. In particular, you may want to address any appliances that are broken, visibly damaged or pose a safety hazard before listing.

Modern appliances with up-to-date design and technology are typically more appealing to homebuyers looking for a move-in ready purchase. New appliances can also update the overall look of the kitchen, even if you don’t make any other changes or help a small or mediocre kitchen make a better impression.

Keep in mind that if your appliances are working well and are relatively up to date, you can also improve the look of your kitchen by giving them a thorough cleaning. Cleaning your stainless steel appliances or the inside of your oven can give your kitchen a more polished look.

Another thing to consider is whether or not your appliances match. A kitchen with matching appliances and neutral colors to complement them, looks stylish and put-together and may attract more buyers. A matching suite built into cabinets or flush with countertops can blend seamlessly with your kitchen. Or, choose panel-ready appliances that match your cabinetry for a bold design statement.

Appliances that don’t match might deter a buyer who would like a kitchen that is completely complementary. If you need to pick one color or finish, stainless steel or black stainless steel can help keep things neutral so prospective buyers can easily envision personalizing the kitchen with their style.

Another way to make your house more appealing to potential buyers is by having ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances. These appliances can help save the homeowner money and, in turn, also increase value for energy-conscious buyers. Many homebuyers look for an attractive kitchen with energy efficient appliances. 

ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. These appliances typically use less energy and help reduce your monthly energy bill, saving you money in the long term.

When determining whether or not you should upgrade your appliances prior to selling your home, you also want to consider your budget and the potential return on your investment. Consulting with a realtor can be helpful as you make the decision.

Beyond the purchase price, you’ll want to consider the cost of installation, delivery, haul-away of old appliances and finish matching. You’ll also want to consider when the upgrade fits your home’s likely resale range and if it outweighs the cost of replacing appliances. In certain circumstances, it may be better to repair your appliances than to replace them.

Different appliance categories may influence buyer perception based on visibility, daily use and replacement cost. Kitchen appliances often matter to buyers, as this is one of the most visible and well-used rooms in the home by both residents and guests. This makes the kitchen a “showpiece” that often subliminally signals the value of the rest of the house.

Read on to learn how to pick appliances that will fit your style and needs as well as potentially add value for future buyers.

Refrigerators are among some of the most common appliances bought when the time comes to move, and for good reason. Refrigerators are one of the highlights of a kitchen, which is a room that potential homebuyers tend to focus on. As the largest appliance in the kitchen, the refrigerator tends to stand out the most. An updated refrigerator can add value because potential buyers won't have to take this on as an added expense. 

If updating prior to selling, consider an energy-efficient fridge with features like water and ice dispensers, since buyers also tend to value these conveniences. With a water and ice dispenser, you’ll get easy access to water and ice and can often conveniently fill cups, pitchers, pots and more while preparing food.

Opt for stainless steel or black stainless steel for a sleek and updated look: these styles remain popular with homebuyers and are often considered higher-end while lending themselves to that premium kitchen style that buyers are looking for.

Large capacity refrigerators can be helpful to homebuyers who entertain frequently or have a large family. This can help prevent overcrowding, preserve freshness and ensure that all of your ingredients and food items are easily accessible.

Discover new and upcoming refrigerator trends, including innovative styles, colors and features.

Updating your cooking appliances is one way to make your kitchen more appealing and potentially increase your home value. Buyers who are looking to avoid the work of updating a kitchen will appreciate modern appliances that are ready to host a housewarming party right away. A fresh, updated kitchen may influence a buyer’s offer, giving them a sense of ease and signaling the kitchen is ready to go.

• Ranges: When choosing between types of ranges, there is a lot to think about. Slide-in ranges may add value to your home in the eyes of certain buyers because they can give a kitchen a more sleek and integrated feel. In some situations you might want to consider double ovens since these models can also be desirable to potential homebuyers for their flexibility and added cooking space.
• Range hoods: A range hood is an essential part of any kitchen setup. It can help to clear smoke, grease and unpleasant odors from the air while you cook on your range or cooktop. Adding a range hood if you don’t already have one can be a great kitchen upgrade, helping to make your kitchen more inviting as you cook, or adding a bold style statement with a canopy hood. Range hoods come in a variety of styles such as wall mount, under-cabinet, downdraft and over-the-range.
• Wall ovens: Wall ovens allow you to take advantage of more counter space and cabinet space in your kitchen. They can be installed at a range of heights to customize your cooking experience, which may appeal to potential homebuyers, as well.
• Cooktops: Cooktops come in gas, electric and induction models with different heating element configurations. If your kitchen is equipped with a cooktop, you’ll want to consider the fuel type you need along with your kitchen’s layout. Also consider which features homebuyers might be looking for such as protective finishes, a built-in griddle or dual and triple elements. When considering a cooktop, you might opt for models that are easy to clean like those with glass tops, and add an oven with self-cleaning capabilities for a kitchen that's simple to use and maintain.
• Microwaves: Microwaves are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Microwave styles include built-in, undercounter, countertop and over-the-range. Select models include convection technology so they can also do some of the work of a full-size oven. The type of microwave you choose should depend on your kitchen’s layout and style.

Dishwashers can help save time during cleanup and money in the long haul. Dishwashers can be up to five times more water-efficient than hand washing. Hand washing one load of dishes may use up to 20 gallons of water, while water and energy-efficient dishwashers may use as little as four gallons. Plus, modern dishwashers are often very quiet compared to their older counterparts. 

Select KitchenAid^® dishwashers feature a 44 dBA decibel rating, which provides a quiet cleaning cycle without sacrificing performance. Other benefits of newer, built-in dishwasher models include multiple cycles, often including quick wash cycles, energy efficiency and seamless integration with your kitchen’s layout.

Overall, having a working dishwasher can signal that your kitchen is modern and updated, helping your home stand out and influence buyers.

If you haven’t upgraded your washer and dryer in a few years, you might be surprised at the features and technology available on newer models. Modern washer and dryer combinations may include smart features, the ability to load detergent to dispense later, built-in pre-treat stations and more.

Updated washers and dryers, especially in a visible or high-traffic area, can help your home feel more “move-in” ready.

When upgrading your home, adding panel-ready or commercial-style appliances can help create a high-end experience for future homebuyers. Easy-to-clean ranges and cooktops, extra counter space and innovative technology can also bring ease and accessibility to homes. Keep reading for more information on what to consider when upgrading your home.

• Panel-ready refrigerators and dishwashers: Popular features include higher-end appliances that can offer function while elevating style. For example, wall-to-wall cabinetry trends make panel-ready appliances highly sought after among buyers, since the paneling makes them easy to camouflage. These appliances can also be ideal for open kitchens where the visual flow is just as important as performance. They can also sometimes help increase the overall appeal of high-end, luxury homes.
• Commercial-style ranges: A commercial-style range and range hood combination brings a gourmet kitchen together for buyers. Commercial style ranges provide high design and excellent performance for professionally-executed meals, while a range hood like this KitchenAid^® wall-mount canopy hood helps remove odors and filters steam and grease for clearer air in the home. Commercial-style ranges may appeal to buyers that cook at home more frequently, allowing for expanded possibilities and helping to create a gourmet experience at home.
• Easy-to-clean ranges and cooktops: Buyers are also looking for homes that can make wellness and healthy living more accessible. A clean kitchen is a healthy kitchen, so consider incorporating easy-to-clean ranges or cooktops with glass surfaces, like this electric double oven range from KitchenAid brand.
• Innovative technology: Additionally, appliances that feature technology, such as certain Smart features, are an attractive feature for some potential buyers. Their value depends heavily on how much you engage with them. If you’re unlikely to use these tools regularly, or believe buyers in your market may not, it may not be worth the upgrade.
• Counter space and storage: Buyers often love kitchen islands with plenty of countertop space equipped with a wine cooler or undercounter refrigerator, like this beverage center from KitchenAid brand that offers additional storage space for fresh ingredients and bottles of wine while keeping a fully-integrated look. Counter space may also have a direct impact on the usability of a kitchen. A larger counter can offer more prep space and storage, making it highly valuable for homebuyers.
• Appliance finish and color: While it may be tempting to add pops of color, you want to appeal to potential buyers. Aim for a neutral appliance finish like stainless steel or black to make it easier for possible buyers to see themselves in the space while also offering a modern and updated look. Learn more about white appliance trends to consider for your kitchen.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about new appliances, including how they may impact home appraisal and support everyday living.

This depends on the overall market. Not all upgrades will appeal to every buyer. Try to improve your property value relative to the neighborhood it's located in. If you believe your market is willing to pay for certain improvements, it may help your home appraisal.

You may want to contact an expert, such as a licensed appraiser or a Realtor, to help you make your decision, as this may fluctuate between markets.

Stainless steel appliances tend to communicate an updated look to potential buyers. A full suite of appliances in stainless steel can complete a cohesive style with a high-end finish. However, you should always consider the home’s style and market expectations before committing to a finish. Consider stainless steel appliances like these refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves from KitchenAid brand for a refined space that appeals to buyers.

When deciding if you should choose high-end appliances, it’s important to think about the buyers in your market. If a buyer is not interested in cooking, they may not be willing to pay for a high-end kitchen suite that includes appliances like a built-in refrigerator or a commercial-style range.

Try to avoid over-upgrading your home when it doesn’t make sense in a particular market. If buyers in your market do not expect premium finishes, it may not be worth upgrading to high-end appliances.

On the other hand, buyers who enjoy cooking and value high-end appliances will likely be willing to pay more for them—it’s all about knowing your neighborhood and future potential buyers.

Some homebuyers may prefer gas stoves and cooktops over electric models. Gas stoves offer great heat responsiveness and they often have a wide range of temperature settings, as well. Although both electric and gas stoves have benefits, having a gas stove or cooktop in your home may increase its value in the eyes of some homebuyers.

Having a gas stove or cooktop can help signal to buyers that the kitchen is already plumbed for natural gas, which can be a selling point even if the appliance is older. Natural gas is often cheaper to use than electricity, resulting in lower electric bills.

However, smooth-top electric stoves and cooktops are easier to wipe clean. If buyers in your market value convenience over an expanded set of cooking techniques, an electric option might be better.

Induction ovens may also seem appealing to homebuyers. While induction appliances tend to be more expensive upfront than gas or electric appliances, they offer an array of benefits such as fast heating and cooling, energy efficiency and an easy-to-clean surface.

Upgrading your appliances to add home value should provide your kitchen with the versatility and functionality that inspires your own creativity, while also aligning with what new buyers want. It can help mealtimes go more smoothly, which may be beneficial to you both now and in the future, if you ever decide to sell your home.

Keeping up with market trends can help you make informed decisions when upgrading appliances so you can make your house more competitive when it's time to place it on the market.