'It's a definite drawcard': Do kitchens really sell homes?

We all know the saying, “The kitchen is the heart of the home.” It’s the place where we gather, chat, entertain and even work. And when it comes to selling a home, a top kitchen can also produce a top sale price.

Kitchens are undoubtedly one of the biggest – if not the biggest – selling point for house hunters, says this week’s Googong feature property listing agent Greg Ward from Ward Estate Agents.

“A buying decision can be made on the strength of the presentation of the kitchen,” Ward says. “It’s a definite drawcard, and potential buyers are assessing how it works in the home and how it presents.

“Breakfast bar-like seating is well-regarded. That enables people to sit and chat or do their homework.”

Ward says classic stone benchtops continue to be popular, while quality integrated appliances and other inclusions such as walk-in or butler’s pantries offer luxury touches.

Luton Properties Manuka agent Sharon Peart says stylish and practical kitchens are high on many potential buyers’ wish lists because they are the place where families tend to congregate.

“That’s one of the reasons why they are so important, both in design and in function,” she says.

Peart adds that buyers most often respond favourably to kitchens with neutral decor, while timber highlights are also popular.

“It’s probably best not to overdo the colour – perhaps just as a highlight in, maybe, a splashback – but timber influences inject that contrasting warmth,” she says.

Add value
Agents often advise vendors to forgo a full kitchen renovation that would need to return $2 for every $1 invested. Budget upgrades could include fresh paint, flooring and handles.

Wow factor
Inspired design can deliver a statement showpiece. Inject drama through clever design and choice of materials.

What’s hot
Who says the island bench has to be rectangular? Bring in some curves. Multi-use the kitchen zone to increase family appeal, and think about mixing materials and colours.

Our pick of homes for sale:

Googong

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Every now and then a home comes along that just lives up to expectations and says, “Buy me”.

And this one is waiting to impress on just over 600 square metres of manicured grounds in popular, cross-border Googong.

It’s simply family-perfect – but certainly doesn’t discount the downsizer – with three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms on one level. A welcoming entry hall separates the main bedroom suite from the double garage.

There’s a lot to like about the roomy bedroom with plenty of storage in a generous walk-in wardrobe, and a well-appointed en suite.

Follow the hall further and you’ll find the active centre of the home, holding the gourmet kitchen and the dining area, which flows into a separate living room.

Take a closer look at the all-important kitchen and it does not disappoint. A striking black and white palette, pendant and task lighting, stone benchtops, an oversized oven and a six-burner gas cooktop make it both stylish and functional. And there’s a walk-in pantry to store appliances.

The separate living room can be used as a rumpus room, theatre or even a guest bedroom, in addition to two other bedrooms.

Outside, there’s a covered timber deck for entertaining and relaxation.

Price guide: $900,000+

Auction: 10.30am, September 9

Agent: Ward Estate Agents, Greg Ward 0413 503 312

Kambah

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Price guide: $1.1 million+

Agent: My Morris, Zac Morris 0432 141 648

Dickson

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Price guide: $1.3 million+

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Andrew White 0406 753 362

Evatt

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Price guide: $790,000 – $850,000

Agent: Ray White Canberra, Andrew Lonsdale 0428 486 692