Does a Kitchen Remodel Increase Home Value in 2025? Here’s What the Latest Data Says

If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen, it’s natural to wonder how much value it might add to your home. After all, kitchens aren’t just for cooking anymore. They’re gathering spaces, productivity hubs, and a centerpiece of modern living. But in today’s housing market, does upgrading your kitchen still pay off when it’s time to sell?

The short answer: yes. But how much return you get depends on the scale of the remodel, your region, and how smartly you spend. The long answer is more nuanced, and the latest 2025 data offers helpful insight into how much homeowners are actually recouping from kitchen renovations this year.

The 2025 Numbers: ROI on Kitchen Remodeling Projects

According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report published by Zonda, midrange and minor kitchen remodels continue to outperform major upscale remodels in terms of return on investment. Nationally, here’s how the average ROI breaks down:

• Minor kitchen remodel (midrange): 86.2%

• Major kitchen remodel (midrange): 52.5%

• Major kitchen remodel (upscale): 46.1%

These numbers represent what percentage of the project cost is recouped when the home is sold. For example, a minor remodel that costs $27,000 may boost resale value by about $23,200. On the other hand, a full upscale remodel costing $150,000 might only add about $69,000 in value.

Buyers respond best to clean, functional kitchens. They are more interested in whether the layout makes sense and the space feels updated, rather than in brand-name appliances or exotic stone counters.

What Counts as a “Minor” Remodel?

A minor kitchen remodel doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means making focused updates that offer big visual impact. That typically includes things like refacing or painting cabinets instead of replacing them, updating cabinet hardware and fixtures, replacing countertops with quartz or updated laminate, installing a new energy-efficient range and fridge, and swapping out flooring and backsplash with modern, easy-to-clean materials. A kitchen remodel can either cost as much as a home addition, or it can be a quick $20K upgrade that doesn’t change the layout. It’s up to you.

This kind of renovation improves functionality and style without changing the footprint or moving plumbing and electrical lines. That’s why it has such a strong payoff.

Why ROI Varies By Location

The return on a kitchen remodel also depends on where you live. In hot real estate markets like parts of California, Colorado, and the Northeast, minor remodels are seeing ROIs in the 90 to 100 percent range. In contrast, in markets with slower growth or less buyer competition, returns may be lower.

Regional preferences also play a role. In some areas, gas cooktops or apron sinks are in high demand. In others, buyers may prefer traditional layouts and finishes. Local contractors who know the area’s market trends are often your best resource for balancing personal style with buyer appeal.

Should You Remodel If You’re Planning to Sell?

If you’re looking to sell within the next year or two, a smart kitchen update can absolutely make your home more attractive and potentially sell faster. But full-scale renovations usually don’t pay off if your only goal is resale value.

Instead, focus on the areas that create the most visual lift. Fresh cabinet paint, a subway tile backsplash, and warm, neutral lighting can dramatically change the feel of a kitchen without major investment. Buyers often make decisions based on emotion, and an inviting kitchen helps them picture themselves at home.

When a Bigger Remodel Makes Sense

On the other hand, if you plan to stay put for at least five to ten years, a larger remodel might be worth the investment. This is especially true if your current kitchen is cramped, dysfunctional, or showing signs of wear that affect daily life.

Let’s say you bought a 1980s home with original cabinetry, poor lighting, and limited counter space. Even though an upscale remodel might not deliver dollar-for-dollar ROI, it could boost your home’s livability and long-term market value. Over time, those benefits often outweigh the upfront cost, especially if interest rates stay favorable and you refinance improvement costs into your mortgage.

A Quick Look at Materials, Appliances, and Cost in 2025

Material and appliance costs have stabilized a bit after recent supply chain fluctuations, but prices are still higher than pre-2020 averages. As of early 2025:

• Midrange appliances (range, fridge, dishwasher): $3,500 to $6,500 total

• Quartz countertops: $80 to $120 per square foot installed

• Cabinet refacing: $8,000 to $15,000 depending on kitchen size

• Custom cabinetry: $25,000 and up for high-end designs

• Luxury vinyl or engineered wood flooring: $6 to $12 per square foot

The most cost-effective upgrades in 2025 are appliance swaps, cabinet refacing, and surface-level updates. Full gut renovations should be carefully planned with resale value and your own needs in mind. But always check with your local kitchen remodeler, as pricing for different kinds of materials can fluctuate.

Two Real-World Scenarios

#1: Prepping to Sell

Jamie lives in a 1990s home in suburban Pennsylvania. The kitchen layout is functional, but the oak cabinets, laminate counters, and fluorescent lights are outdated. With a $25,000 budget, Jamie replaces the counters with quartz, updates the appliances, paints the cabinets, and installs recessed lighting. The house sells within a month, with the kitchen as a standout feature during showings. The ROI comes in around 90 percent.

#2:  Remodeling for Long-Term Enjoyment

Marissa and Jordan just bought a 1975 ranch in need of a full kitchen overhaul. They plan to stay for at least ten years. With a $120,000 budget, they knock down a wall, build custom cabinets, install new hardwood floors, and opt for smart appliances. While the immediate ROI may be just 50 to 55 percent, the project adds functionality, increases energy efficiency, and will likely support future resale value when the market catches up.

Be Smart About Your Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels remain one of the smartest ways to add value to your home. The best returns come from strategic, midrange updates that blend visual impact with practicality. If you're remodeling with an eye toward selling, stick with cosmetic improvements. If you're staying long-term, you have more room to invest in layout changes and custom features. Either way, knowing the numbers helps you plan smarter and spend where it counts.