The Kitchen Has Become a Deciding Factor for Home Buyers

A decade ago buyers walked through a kitchen in under a minute. Today it is often the room that decides the sale. Agents report that a bright, well-organised kitchen with a practical island generates more positive comments during viewings than almost any other space, and it frequently appears in buyers' written feedback.

What buyers look for now

Storage comes first, followed by worktop space and light. Handleless cabinets, integrated appliances and a clear route between sink, hob and fridge matter more than brand names. Buyers also notice ventilation, extractor noise and whether the layout will survive a family cooking at the same time as children do homework at the island.

A well-planned kitchen does not have to be expensive; it has to be quiet, bright and easy to clean.

Where budgets are limited, owners see the best return from repainting cabinets, replacing dated worktops, improving lighting and repairing anything that sticks or drips. Full replacements rarely return their cost at resale, but a tired kitchen will hold a price down far more than a modest one will.

The practical advice for sellers is to clear the worktops, fix the small faults and let the room look like somewhere a family could actually cook.