How Flooring Impacts Home Resale Value
When it comes to selling your home, buyers notice the big things: kitchen layouts, bathroom upgrades, open-plan spaces… But one element that can make or break a sale often goes overlooked: flooring. At Funky Flooring, we’ve seen firsthand how the right choice of flooring can boost home appeal, increase perceived value, and even speed up a sale.
Here’s everything you need to know…
Why Flooring Matters More Than You Think
Flooring is the foundation of a room: literally and aesthetically. It sets the tone for the entire space. A buyer walking into your home doesn’t just see a room; they feel it. Flooring communicates:
- Quality: High-quality, well-maintained floors suggest the rest of the home is cared for.
- Style: Modern, clean, and neutral flooring appeals to the broadest range of buyers.
- Functionality: Durable, low-maintenance floors are a selling point for families, pet owners, and busy professionals.
In short, your floors tell a story: and the wrong story can deter a buyer.
‘I went to see a flat when I was looking to first-time buy… the cheap bubbled laminate floors looked awful, with loads of dents and scratches. Despite really liking the location and size, I didn’t go for it because I knew it’d cost me a lot to replace them all… not worth it for a first time buyer’ says Annie, a Funky Floorer!
Flooring Types That Boost Resale Value
Not all flooring is created equal when it comes to resale. Here’s a quick comparison table of popular flooring options:
| Flooring Type | Pros | Cons | Resale Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | Timeless, elegant, can be refinished | Expensive, requires maintenance | High – buyers love classic wood |
| Engineered Wood | Looks like hardwood, more stable in humidity | Less durable than solid hardwood | Medium-High |
| Luxury Vinyl / Tile | Waterproof, durable, realistic design options | Can feel less luxurious than wood | Medium – practical, modern appeal |
| Carpet | Soft, warm, affordable | Stains easily, wears quickly | Low-Medium – mainly bedrooms |
Flooring Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Home’s Value
Just as good flooring can add thousands to your asking price, the wrong flooring can turn buyers away:
- Outdated patterns or colours: Think shag carpet, neon tiles, or dark-stained floors that make spaces feel smaller.
- Cheap or poorly installed floors: Vinyl that peels, laminate that buckles, or mismatched tiles send a signal that the home hasn’t been properly cared for.
- Neglecting maintenance: Scratched hardwood, stained carpet, and chipped tiles can make even a beautiful home feel worn.
Neutral, Modern and Clean: The Key to Buyer Appeal
When planning your flooring for resale, think broad appeal. Neutral tones like greys, beiges, and natural wood shades are safe bets. Contemporary patterns, such as wide-plank wood or simple geometric tiles, help spaces feel modern and expansive without alienating potential buyers.
Here’s a simple room-by-room guide for flooring choices that maximise appeal:
| Room | Recommended Flooring Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Hardwood or engineered wood | Durable, timeless, and easy to maintain |
| Kitchen | Luxury vinyl, tile, or engineered wood | Waterproof and easy to clean |
| Bathroom | Tile or waterproof vinyl | Essential for moisture resistance |
| Bedrooms | Carpet or hardwood | Softness vs resale appeal |
| Hallways / Entry | Hardwood or tile | High-traffic areas need durability |
Practical Tips to Maximise Resale Value
- Refinish existing hardwood: If you already have hardwood, a sanding and polish can make it look brand new.
- Replace outdated carpet: Swap out old or patterned carpet for neutral options.
- Upgrade key areas: Focus on kitchens, living rooms, and entrance halls — these are the rooms buyers notice first.
- Highlight durability: If your home has pets or high traffic, showcase vinyl or engineered wood that’s scratch and moisture-resistant.
- Professional installation matters: Poorly installed floors are noticeable. Invest in expert fitters for the best impression.
Bottom Line: Flooring Pays Off
| Flooring Type | Pros | Cons | Resale Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | Timeless, elegant, refinishable | Expensive, requires maintenance | ★★★★★ |
| Engineered Wood | Looks like hardwood, stable in humidity | Less durable than solid wood | ★★★★☆ |
| Luxury Vinyl / Tile | Waterproof, durable, realistic designs | Can feel less luxurious than wood | ★★★★☆ |
| Carpet | Soft, warm, affordable | Stains easily, wears quickly | ★★☆☆☆ |
At Funky Flooring, we’ve helped countless homeowners maximise their resale value through smart flooring choices. The right flooring isn’t just a design decision: it’s an investment. Buyers notice, and they pay more for homes that feel modern, well-maintained, and stylish from the ground up.
If you’re considering selling your home soon, don’t underestimate the power of flooring. Neutral, high-quality, and durable floors can be the difference between a quick sale at your asking price and a property that lingers on the market.