The Most Effective Ways to Increase the Market Value of Your Property

The value of your property is determined by many factors such as the location, market trends and the property’s condition. If you want to derive maximum value from the sale of your property, you must follow certain guidelines. Before selling your home, make sure to take into consideration these helpful tips.

Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodeling is one of the most common and cost-effective ways to increase the value of your home. The kitchen is the heart of every home, so it makes sense that you would want a kitchen that looks great and works well for all your entertaining needs. Kitchens are also typically one of the most expensive rooms in a home to remodel when done right can be extremely lucrative if you plan to sell your house soon. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range kitchen remodel recoups an average of 85% of its cost at resale — making it one of the strongest investments a homeowner can make. Suppose you’re looking to get more out of your investment by upgrading your current kitchen or adding one where there wasn’t one before. Here are some ideas on how to maximize value:

• Choose neutral colors – Most buyers prefer white or light-colored cabinets. These colors blend into any environment more easily than darker colors. This means you don’t have as many options when deciding what type of cabinets will work best for your space. Cabinet color doesn’t matter as much as other things like size/style or material (wood vs. metal). However, if you choose dark-stained cabinetry, make sure it’s still painted white to stand out less against each other. Otherwise, people might think, “oh yeah this place needs updating.”.

• Stay on trend – Trends come back around again every few years. Even though we just went through an era where everything was rustic country style, now we need something different to keep up with demand. Platforms like Houzz’s annual Kitchen Trends Study are a useful resource for identifying what today’s buyers are actually looking for in a modern kitchen.

New Front Door

If you’re looking to sell your home, you might want to consider replacing the front door. A new front door can give your home a new look and feel and increase its market value by as much as 10%. This is because buyers are often more interested in properties that have a newer-looking appearance. They prefer homes with more modern features. The National Association of Realtors’ Remodeling Impact Report consistently ranks front door replacement among the top curb appeal projects for return on investment.

But before you rush out and buy an expensive wood-paneled double-door with stained glass windows, there are a few things that should be considered first:

• The type of front door you choose will be dependent on the style of house or apartment building that it’s going into. For example, if your property has many windows, it would make sense for them to open outwards. This will avoid blocking light from coming through onto other rooms inside. If this isn’t possible due to lack of space around doors, consider installing electronic locks instead, which don’t need keys at all. This means no risk of losing one either – something everyone has experienced before! Steel doors in particular are recognized by the Energy Star program for their insulation properties, which can further reduce energy costs while adding visual appeal.

Extra Bathroom

The easiest way to increase the value of your property is to add a bathroom. A second bathroom will increase the number of people who can be accommodated on-site at once. It also makes your property more desirable for families looking for homes in the area. Zillow Research has found that adding a full bathroom can increase a home’s sale price by up to 20%, making it one of the highest-value structural improvements available to homeowners.

If you’re planning on building or renovating a home with a second bathroom, it is recommendable to get in touch with a professional contractor. These contractors have many years’ worth of experience helping clients create beautiful bathrooms that are functional and stylish. Consider the one that offers competitive rates and flexible payment plans. You can enjoy their new spaces without breaking the bank! Financing options for bathroom additions are available through lenders like SoFi and Chase’s home equity line of credit products, which can help spread the cost over time without depleting savings.

New Shingles

New shingles can be one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the value of your home. If you’re considering selling, it’s important to remember that potential buyers will base their offers on the perceived value of your property. The condition and appearance of your roof are important factors in this calculation. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in professional new shingle installation if there are any problems with an existing roof. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) notes that roof condition is one of the most scrutinized elements in any pre-sale home inspection.

New shingles can increase the value of your home by up to 25%. That means replacing one could pay for itself five years later. They also last much longer than older designs. Thus, they can save you money down the line on repairs or replacement costs—or even free up cash flow now by reducing monthly energy bills. With all these benefits combined, it’s clear why new shingles should be at least considered when thinking about increasing the market value of your property before putting it on sale. It’s an investment worth making.

Energy-Efficient Windows

In addition to ensuring that your home is comfortable, energy-efficient windows are a key component of any renovation project.

Energy-efficient windows will enhance the value of your property by:

• Reducing energy costs and bills. Energy-efficient windows can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 60% compared to traditional single-glazed units, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. They also help protect interior spaces from heat loss and unexpected heat gain during the summer months. This reduces utility bills for homeowners year-round.

• Reducing carbon emissions through less electrical consumption. Homes equipped with Energy Star-certified windows may also qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act’s residential clean energy provisions, reducing the out-of-pocket cost of upgrades.

• Reducing noise pollution from outside sources like traffic or construction work. It creates soundproofing barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces. This allows you to enjoy peace throughout your home environment at all times. In terms of aesthetics alone, these benefits add value to properties both inside & out.

Universal Design Features

Once you’ve researched and found a home that fits your needs, it’s time to consider how you can add value to your property.

If you’re looking for an immediate return on investment, several universal design features can help. These features make it easier for those with mobility issues to get around the house and stay safe in an emergency or injury. As the U.S. population continues to age, the AARP Public Policy Institute reports that over 75% of adults over age 50 want to remain in their current homes as they age — making universal design features increasingly attractive to a broad pool of buyers. For example:

• A walk-in shower – This provides easy access from anywhere in the room without stepping over a tub or bathtub wall. It makes bathing easier and more convenient than traditional baths.

• A shower chair – This is designed for people with limited mobility. They can sit while washing themselves rather than standing on their toes while getting wet (potentially slipping).

• Grab bars – These are mounted near toilets, so users don’t have far to reach out if they need assistance getting up or down from them safely.

Completing Unfinished Living Space

The idea of finishing the basement or attic can be overwhelming and expensive. But if you’re willing to do the work and do it yourself, you could save thousands of dollars by ensuring that your home has a finished living space. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2025 cost data, finished basements add an average of $50 to $150 per square foot in resale value depending on the local market and quality of finishing work.

The extra space can be used for many different things like an extra bedroom, office, playroom or even home gym. If you don’t want to bring on an interior designer or contractor yourself but still want to get started on some renovations, here’s how to ensure they’re done right:

• Furnace ducts should be insulated with the proper material (R-13 fiberglass) while keeping them away from walls and ceilings.

• Attic insulation should be at least R-38 depending on what climate zone your house is in, a standard outlined by the Energy Star Attic Insulation program.

Home Improvement ROI Comparison

Not all home improvement projects deliver the same return. The table below compares the most common value-adding upgrades by average project cost, estimated value added, and typical ROI — helping you prioritize where to spend your renovation budget.

Sources: Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report 2025, NAR Remodeling Impact Report, HomeAdvisor 2025. Costs and values are national averages and will vary by region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What home improvements add the most value to a property before selling?

Kitchen remodels, new roofing, and bathroom additions consistently add the most market value before a sale. According to the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report, a new roof delivers an average ROI of 125%, while a mid-range kitchen remodel returns about 85% of its cost. Focusing on projects visible to buyers during walkthroughs — kitchens, bathrooms, and curb appeal — tends to yield the strongest results.

How much does a kitchen remodel increase home value?

A mid-range kitchen remodel increases home value by recouping approximately 85% of its total cost at resale. On a $26,000 remodel, that translates to roughly $22,100 in added value. Higher-end remodels tend to recover a smaller percentage but can make a home more competitive in premium markets where buyers have elevated expectations.

Is adding a bathroom worth the investment?

Yes — adding a full bathroom is one of the highest-ROI structural improvements a homeowner can make. Zillow Research reports that a second full bathroom can increase a home’s resale value by up to 20%. The average addition costs around $35,000 but can add $42,000 or more in value, particularly in markets where multi-bathroom homes are in high demand among families.

Do new windows increase home value?

Energy-efficient windows increase home value both directly and indirectly. Directly, they recoup about 85% of installation cost at resale. Indirectly, they reduce heating and cooling bills by up to 60%, which is a selling point that resonates with cost-conscious buyers. Homes with Energy Star-certified windows may also qualify for federal tax incentives, making the upgrade even more financially attractive.

How much does a new roof increase home value?

A new roof can increase home value by up to 25% and typically delivers an ROI of around 125% at resale, according to national remodeling cost-value data. Beyond the value increase, a new roof also removes a major objection buyers and their lenders often raise during the inspection process. Mortgage lenders and underwriters frequently require roof certifications before approving financing.

What is the cheapest home improvement that adds the most value?

Replacing a front door is widely considered the most affordable high-ROI home improvement, with an average cost of around $2,000 and an estimated ROI exceeding 110%. Fresh exterior paint, landscaping improvements, and updated light fixtures are also low-cost upgrades that significantly improve curb appeal and buyer perception without requiring major renovation budgets.

Should I finish my basement before selling my home?

Finishing a basement before selling can be a smart investment if the local market values livable square footage. HomeAdvisor data shows that finished basements add $50 to $150 per square foot in resale value. A 500-square-foot finished basement at the lower end adds $25,000 in value — potentially exceeding the cost of finishing. The payoff is highest in colder climates where usable indoor space is at a premium.

Are universal design features worth adding before selling a home?

Universal design features — such as walk-in showers, grab bars, and wider doorways — are increasingly valuable additions as the U.S. population ages. The AARP Public Policy Institute reports that more than 75% of adults over 50 plan to age in place, meaning these features appeal to a growing and motivated buyer segment. They also typically cost far less than full bathroom additions while delivering meaningful improvements to accessibility and perceived value.

How can I finance home improvements to increase property value?

Homeowners have several financing options for value-adding renovations. Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) offered through lenders like Chase and personal home improvement loans from providers like SoFi are two popular routes. Your FICO Score and debt-to-income ratio (DTI) will heavily influence the interest rate you qualify for. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers free guidance on comparing home equity financing products.

Does improving energy efficiency really increase home sale price?

Yes — energy efficiency improvements consistently translate into higher sale prices. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that energy-efficient certified homes sell for 2% to 6% more than comparable non-certified homes. Buyers increasingly factor ongoing utility costs into their purchasing decisions, meaning lower energy bills are a direct, quantifiable selling point that appraisers and buyers both recognize.

Conclusion

You can make tons of improvements to your home that will increase its value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. If you’re wondering about the best investment, check out our list above for some ideas. Remember: It doesn’t always have to be a huge project—sometimes smaller upgrades like new shingles or a fresh coat of paint can do wonders too. Whether you’re financing renovations through a HELOC from a lender like Chase, a personal loan from SoFi, or paying out of pocket, understanding your FICO Score and DTI ratio before borrowing is critical to keeping costs manageable. Resources from the CFPB and the Federal Reserve’s consumer education portal can help you navigate financing decisions with confidence.