Buyer priorities tend to change with the fashion, but the Big Three are unmovable – location, bedroom count and size of the property.
A recent survey by the real estate portal Domain also found:
- Gen Z wants lots of bedrooms (18%) and a shorter commute (14%).
- Millennials desire a freestanding home (28%) with a backyard (14%) and more bathrooms (17%)
- Gen X target a freestanding home (29%) on a quieter street (23%) and open plan living (14%).
When buyers walk through the door, many will prioritise an open plan living area, bathroom and kitchen during their inspection.
So, why do buyers give the kitchen and bathroom such focus?
It’s because they’re the most costly areas to renovate.
When water mixes with electricity, any renovation is going to be expensive. There’s a lot that goes into creating an amazing kitchen or bathroom.
If you’re planning on selling your home this coming autumn, or even sooner, you’ll be well-served by doubling down on your kitchen.
A modern, well-appointed kitchen turns heads, and it can be one of the reasons why a buyer may favour your property over another.
And it’s estimated that up to 20% of the value of a house (the building, not land value) or apartment can be locked into the quality of a kitchen.
Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular colour schemes for a kitchen this year. If you’re renovating and a follower of fashion, here’s an ideal paint menu.
Be a Greenie: – It’s the “it” colour of 2025. And all shades of green, too. Some of the leading interior designers in America are favouring dense forest hues. “Houseplant” from Sherwin Williams and “Sweet Basil” by Benjamin Moore could be your inspiration.
Down to Earth: Earthy tones of warm neutrals and browns are also back in fashion, along with chocolate browns and creamy beige. The basic tip from interior designers is to evoke nature.
Precious Stones: If you’re painting the kitchen cabinets, consider 2025’s favourite jewel tones – sapphire and ruby. They look great against light-coloured walls.
Purple, really? Benjamin Moore’s has nominated as its colour of the year a deep lavender called “Cinnamon Slate”. Maybe consider painting the cabinets in a deep purple if you want to be memorable.
Timeless and versatile: Eggshell blue is often a favourite for those wanting to refresh the kitchen without spending cash on new cabinets. Some designers suggest you can be more courageous, pushing soft hues like Benjamin Moore’s “Silver Lake”, and even navy blue.
Word of Caution: If you’re about to sell, most agents will suggest opting for neutral colours of whites and creams. They make the space feel larger and won’t offend a buyer’s personal taste. If you choose, say, a deep eggplant purple for your cabinet doors, expect some buyers to recoil. It’s amazing how many will dismiss a home simply because they hate the colours.