Common Upgrades That Could Lower a Home’s Value

To Upgrade or Not?

Upgrades are often seen as a way to boost a property’s appeal—but some can actually put buyers off. Here are six improvements that might hurt value rather than help:

1) Removing the only bath
2) Walk-in showers are stylish, but families often want a tub. Taking away the only bath can shrink your buyer pool.
Converting a bedroom permanently
3) Turning a bedroom into an office, wardrobe, or nursery might suit you, but it reduces the official bedroom count—one of the biggest factors in valuations.
4) Bold décor choices
5) Deep colours and patterned walls can be polarising. Neutral tones make homes feel bigger and give buyers a blank canvas.
Ultra-high-end finishes
6) Marble worktops and designer appliances don’t always pay off if they push your home’s price above the local average. Match upgrades to your area.
7) Removing storage
Storage is a top buyer priority. Knocking out cupboards or wardrobes can backfire. Smart, discreet storage always adds value.
DIY gone wrong
8) Crooked tiling or messy finishes raise red flags for buyers and surveyors. Leave plumbing, electrics, and complex jobs to the pros.

An Estate Agency Marketing Company’s Take

For agents, insights like these are powerful tools. Buyers and sellers want guidance, not just a listing. Sharing advice builds trust, shows expertise, and keeps your brand front of mind when it’s time to instruct.
That’s why marketing matters, being visible with useful, authoritative content is how independents stand out against the big chains.
Want to turn knowledge into instructions? Let’s talk.