Home Upgrades That Won’t Boost Your Sale Price
Thinking about selling your home? You might be tempted to renovate before listing to impress buyers and boost your sale price. And while some upgrades are totally worth it (think fresh paint, curb appeal, and small repairs), others are a total money pit that won’t give you a return on investment.
Before you start tearing down walls or installing that luxury chandelier, let’s go over some home improvements that won’t actually add value when selling!
1. Over-the-Top Landscaping
A beautifully maintained lawn? Yes, please. A full-blown botanical garden that requires a weekly landscaper and a PhD in horticulture to maintain? Not so much.
✅ Better move:
✔️ Keep it clean and simple—mow the lawn, trim bushes, and add some fresh mulch.
✔️ A few well-placed plants or flowers can boost curb appeal without scaring off low-maintenance buyers.
🚫 Skip: Expensive water features, koi ponds, or intricate garden designs. Most buyers see them as extra work, not extra value.
2. High-End Luxury Upgrades (in an Average Home)
You might dream of a $30,000 chef’s kitchen or a spa-like bathroom with heated floors—but will buyers pay extra for it? Probably not, especially if your home is in a mid-range neighbourhood.
✅ Better move:
✔️ Upgrade where it counts—think modern fixtures, fresh paint, and updated hardware.
✔️ Keep renovations in line with your neighbourhood. If most homes in your area sell for $600K, don’t put in a $50K kitchen expecting a huge return.
🚫 Skip: Ultra-high-end appliances, custom built-ins, or designer finishes—buyers won’t pay top dollar if the surrounding homes don’t match the vibe.
3. Swimming Pools
In Canada, a pool might sound amazing for two months of summer—but for the rest of the year? It’s a maintenance headache.
✅ Better move:
✔️ If you already have a pool, maintain it well so it looks inviting to the right buyer.
✔️ Focus on other backyard appeal—a cozy patio, firepit, or low-maintenance landscaping can be a better selling feature.
🚫 Skip: Installing a new pool just to sell your home. It’s a massive expense, and many buyers see it as too much upkeep.
4. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Carpet has its fans, but in general, most buyers prefer hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring. Wall-to-wall carpet, especially in high-traffic areas, can make a home feel dated or harder to maintain.
✅ Better move:
✔️ If you have old carpet, consider replacing it with hardwood or laminate in main areas.
✔️ If new flooring isn’t an option, a deep clean can go a long way to freshen things up.
🚫 Skip: Replacing all your flooring with brand-new carpet—buyers will likely rip it out anyway.
5. Built-In Technology That Will Be Outdated in 5 Years
Smart home features are cool, but built-in, hardwired tech can age quickly. That state-of-the-art home theatre or wired speaker system? Might be outdated before your home even sells.
✅ Better move:
✔️ Stick with easy-to-update smart home features, like Nest thermostats or wireless security cameras.
✔️ Make sure any tech upgrades are user-friendly—buyers love convenience, not complexity.
🚫 Skip: Expensive built-in speaker systems, home automation that requires special apps, or high-tech add-ons that might not be compatible with future upgrades.
Upgrade Smart, Not Expensive!
Not all home upgrades increase value, and some can even turn buyers away. If you’re thinking of making changes before selling, focus on cost-effective improvements that make a big impact—like fresh paint, small repairs, and staging.