ARTICLE
Top 5 Reno Updates That Really Pay Off When It Comes To Resale
Published Jan 31, 2024 • Updated Aug 21, 2026 - 4 min read
Resale-focused renos can lift your asking price, especially when you upgrade the kitchen, outdoor entertaining, security and climate control. The biggest gains come from choosing buyer-friendly improvements that look modern, work hard and suit the property type.
Key takeaways from this article
Match kitchen upgrades to your target buyer, not just your budget.
Investors usually favour reliable, low-maintenance cooking appliances.
For dream homes, modern features like steam ovens and integrated fridges stand out.
Outdoor BBQ areas, wine fridges and heating can boost entertainer appeal.
Nathan Wunsch says heating and cooling, plus home security, can improve resale.
Ready to renovate but thinking about resale down the track? When it comes to selling houses, there are some easy renovation updates you can make that will pay dividends when it comes to securing a higher price. As the old saying goes, kitchens sell houses – so you might want to start there. We chatted to a top agent to get the lowdown on what buyers are looking for in cooking appliances and outdoor kitchens. Plus, what’s hot in terms of home security must-haves.Here are the top five renovation updates that could help net you top dollar when it comes time to sell your home.
Best Kitchen Reno Updates For An Investment Property
Before you set your reno-for-resale budget, it pays to consider your target market – especially when it comes to a kitchen upgrade.
“If you think the house you are selling is more likely to appeal to investors, then don’t opt for luxury appliances,” says Nathan Wunsch, buyer’s agent at Property Pursuit. “If it’s going to be a rental property, it’s better to choose brands that are reliable and cheaper to maintain, repair or replace.”
A simple upgrade of major cooking appliances can deliver some serious bang for your reno buck. Today, even budget ovens deliver superior cooking functions and, similarly, the latest model dishwashers and induction cooktops offer more functionality and greater energy efficiency – both good points for resale.
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Best Kitchen Reno Updates For Dream Homes
Want to optimise your home’s appeal to future buyers looking for their forever home? Given kitchens are where it’s at, you might want to consider a renovation that brings your space into the 21st century. And that’s where next-gen appliances enter the picture.
“You can’t underestimate the allure of gleaming, state-of-the-art appliances,” says Tanya Grillinzoni, The Good Guys Buyer – Cooking and Dishwashers. “Steam ovens, induction cooktops, built-in coffee machines and integrated fridges are no longer luxuries – they are a mainstay of modern kitchen design.”
Other hot tickets for prospective buyers include self-cleaning pyrolytic ovens, warming drawers to heat plates or even slow cook meals, and built-in microwave convection ovens that brown, bake and crisp, in addition to the usual fast cooking and defrosting.
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Best Reno Updates For Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor entertainment areas are another lifestyle essential that home buyers are chasing. Make the BBQ area a permanent fixture or upgrade your current built-in gas BBQ. Consider installing a wine fridge, an outdoor speaker system and outdoor heating to create an entertainer’s paradise that prospective owners will love.
Best Home Security Updates For Resale
“Home security wasn’t a big issue a couple of years ago but nowadays, anything that gives some peace of mind is viewed very favourably by potential buyers,” says Nathan Wunsch.
Boosting your home security is easy and inexpensive to install thanks to the latest smartphone-synced cameras and doorbell cameras.
“Affordable security cameras can become powerful security systems when linked to large-capacity, cloud-based recording and smartphone apps that give you real-time notifications of intruders,” says David Linehan, The Good Guys Buyer – Tech Accessories.
“Home security wasn’t a big issue a couple of years ago but nowadays, anything that gives some peace of mind is viewed very favourably by potential buyers,”
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Best Heating And Cooling Updates For Resale
“Quality air conditioning and heating is a non-negotiable comfort and home buyers now expect it,” says Nathan Wunsch.
He recommends upgrading the systems in the living room and master bedroom as a minimum for good resale.
Reverse cycle air conditioning is the Rolls Royce of air treatment and is technically two-for-the-price-of-one because it delivers cool air in summer and cosy warmth in winter – great for you and for future buyers!
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Planning a mini makeover or a major renovation with resale in mind? See us in-store or online for the latest cooking appliances, home security and heating and cooling appliances to turn your place into a hot property.
