In today’s housing market, homeowners constantly seek ways to boost their property’s value. For homeowners looking to sell, a Realtor.com report issued found which renovations pack the biggest punch when listing prices.
The analysis examined listing descriptions of single-family homes across the U.S., focusing on renovation-related key words. The results challenge conventional wisdom about home improvements.
Don't Miss:
- Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!
- This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100.
Landscaping tops the list of value-boosting renovations. Homes with “new landscape” commanded an 8.1% premium over similar properties, translating to a $34,794 increase for the median-priced home.
“If the front of your home isn’t inviting, buyers may not even take the time to explore inside,” Terry Haas, a real estate expert, said to Realtor.com. “Curb appeal is everything.”
Kitchen renovations, long considered the gold standard of home improvements, claimed the second spot. Listings mentioning a “renovated kitchen” saw a 7% boost or $29,891 for the median-priced home.
Trending: Beating the market through ethical real estate investing' — this platform aims to give tenants equity in the homes they live in while scoring 17.17% average annual returns for investors – here’s how to join with just $100
Interestingly, the term “remodeled kitchen” had a smaller impact, increasing listings by just 4%.
Bathroom updates also proved valuable, with both “remodeled bathroom” and “new bath” boosting listing prices by about 3%. Haas said that kitchens and bathrooms are focal points for buyers upon entering a home.
The study suggests a clear trend – visible updates generally outperform functional renovations regarding price impact. “Buyers are willing to pay a premium for things they can see and experience during a tour,” Haas said.
Trending: Amid the ongoing EV revolution, previously overlooked low-income communities now harbor a huge investment opportunity at just $500.
This explains why a new roof, despite its practical importance, only increased listing prices by 1.1% or $4,585 for the median-priced home.
Other high-performing renovations included new driveways (5.9% boost), new appliances (3.6% boost) and new decks (3.6% boost). Even seemingly minor updates like updated lighting showed a meaningful impact, increasing listing prices by 2.2%.
“The land surrounding a home is also usable space that buyers value and it’s often the first characteristic they see,” Realtor.com senior economist Ralph McLaughlin said in the report.
The research suggests a strategic approach for homeowners looking to maximize their property’s value. Prioritizing visible, high-impact renovations – particularly those that enhance curb appeal – could yield the best returns when it’s time to sell.
Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Here’s how you can earn passive income with just $100.
These are the impacts of home renovations, according to the report:
| Key Word in Listing | Listing Boost | Premium on Median Priced Home |
| New Landscape | 8.1% | $34,794 |
| Renovated Kitchen | 7% | $29,891 |
| New Driveway | 5.9% | $25,366 |
| Remodeled Kitchen | 4.2% | $18,244 |
| New Appliances | 3.6% | $15,551 |
| New Deck | 3.6% | $15,358 |
| Remodeled Bathroom | 3% | $12,891 |
| New Bath | 3% | $12,836 |
| New HVAC | 2.3% | $9,897 |
| Updated Lighting | 2.2% | $9,589 |
| New Roof | 1.1% | $4,585 |
| New Floors | 0.6% | $2,749 |
| New Windows | 0.6% | $2,439 |
Read Next:
- A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10 — you can become part of the next big real estate boom today.
- If there was a new real estate fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it?
© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
