Tarryn Venne
All insights
5 min read

What Actually Affects Your Home's Value (and What Doesn't)

Cutting through the noise: which renovations and features move appraisals in Durham Region, and which don't return their cost.

Sellers spend thousands on the wrong upgrades every year. Here's what the Durham market actually pays for.

Pays back

Fresh paint, refinished floors, updated lighting, professional staging, and clean curb appeal. These are dollars-in, dollars-out plus a premium.

Mostly neutral

New kitchens and bathrooms recover most — not all — of their cost. Worth doing if you're staying 5+ years; rarely worth doing right before listing.

Doesn't pay back

Pools, sunrooms, high-end landscaping, and luxury finishes above the neighbourhood ceiling. These help you live well, not sell well.

Thinking of listing? Get a free pre-list walk-through — we'll tell you exactly what's worth doing and what isn't.