Out with the old, in with the new!! 2026 is around the corner, and for some that means getting ready to put their home on the market.

As 2026 approaches, many individuals are considering beginning renovations with plans to sell in the coming year. Whether they aim to upgrade, downsize, or simply seek a change, there are certain renovations known to provide an excellent return on investment.

When experts in the industry and real estate agents are asked, Kitchen and Bathrooms are most often cited as being the two renovations to most consistantly bring home owners their best return.

While renovations such as kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring generally provide the greatest return on investment, other elements also affect your home's overall curb appeal, selling speed, and price. A crucial aspect is designing a space that is highly functional. Buyers are drawn to functional areas with well-designed kitchens and features that enhance the home's usability. Kitchens with carefully planned storage and workspaces, bathrooms with layouts that facilitate sharing, living rooms and bedrooms equipped with built-ins and closets designed to help families organize their lives are particularly appealing. It has been proven that money put into the functuality of a home often offers a higher return of investment and attracts home buyers more then a full luxury remodel.

Another factor that is important when looking to renovate with the intention of reselling is renovating to the standard of your present neighbourhood. A good general rule in resale renovations is keeping your renovations in line with the level of finishes that are comparable with the homes in your local market as this will help you to avoid over improving your property. Ask yourself questions such as; “do we need to redo all of the wood on these stairs or can we put in a high end carpet and just redo the railing and nosings?” This would meet the goal of saving money while still adding to the atheistic appeal of your home.

Besides considering the elements mentioned above, such as return on investment, functionality, and renovations that match your neighborhoods standards, it's crucial to avoid overly personalizing your renovations. Stick to neutral design elements and contemporary styles that will attract a wide audience of buyers. While it can be tempting to incorporate your unique tastes into your current home when renovating for resale, it's essential to keep the design simple, classic, and modern.

While design elements are important, research from 2024 and 2025 by top experts in design, real estate, and renovation suggests that curb appeal, functionality, kitchen and bathroom design, and neutral colors are the primary factors influencing a seller's ability to sell their home swiftly and at a price that is at the higher end of the neighborhood and industry standards.

Renovating your home with the aim of selling can be an exciting yet potentially stressful and overwhelming experience. Whether you're eager to move to a new house, thrilled about relocating, building your dream forever home, or downsizing due to life changes, there are experts available to guide you on which renovations will yield the best return on your investment and facilitate a quick and efficient sale. Choosing the right renovation company, kitchen designer, and real estate agent are key factors that will help educate you and ensure the process proceeds smoothly, resulting in the best outcome for your future move.