The Type Of Kitchen That Homebuyers Are Willing To Spend More On In 2026

A kitchen is one of the most defining rooms of a home. And homebuyers today are basing their property purchase decisions on its state. Basically, a kitchen featuring the most-wanted features will boost your home's value, but one that seems old and looks chaotic will tank your listing and repel potential buyers. To ensure your house grabs ample eyeballs and receives competitive offers from interested individuals, House Digest reached out to Robert Aumann, a record-setting luxury real estate advisor, interior design expert, and founding partner of LUXURYSOCALREALTY, for an exclusive interview.

Opening up about why a renovated kitchen will draw in serious buyers in 2026, he says, "The kitchen is often the heart of the home and often sets the tone for how buyers perceive the property's overall value. Even in a more cautious economic environment, buyers tend to respond strongly to kitchens that feel current, functional, and thoughtfully designed." However, over-the-top or trendy upgrades won't get you the top dollar, feels our expert. "Buyers are paying premiums for kitchens that feel timeless, well-maintained, and practical. A clean, updated kitchen signals that the home has been cared for, which matters just as much as the finishes themselves," he reasons.

The reason behind this is simple. A move-in-ready kitchen entails less work for future owners. This, sometimes, encourages them to spend more than they'd initially budgeted for. And it's a compelling factor because, as our expert says, "renovations are expensive, time-consuming, and often more disruptive than people expect." Elaborating on this, he adds, "Think of contractor availability, permit timelines, and material delays. Paying more up front for a finished kitchen allows buyers to avoid any major inconvenience."

Sharing the kind of upgrades homebuyers are looking for in kitchens in 2026, Aumann details in his exclusive sit down with House Digest, "When it comes to upgrades, I recommend that anyone intending to sell their home this year should focus on fundamentals before aesthetics." So, before you start looking into new tiles or the best kitchen backsplash colors, eye the space critically and determine how you can make it more functional. Giving examples of what this can translate into, our expert illustrates, "Think of updated cabinetry with good storage capabilities, durable countertops, and modern appliances. These features tend to make the biggest impact." In case you have these areas covered already, know that "buyers also appreciate good lighting, both natural and layered artificial lighting. High-quality elements signal longevity, which helps justify a higher price," he reveals.

That being said, these specific upgrades won't offer a good yield unless your cooking room's layout works, too. Aumann agrees, explaining, "In my experience, homebuyers are looking for kitchens that feel open, efficient, and comfortable. They're not interested in overly formal, trendy spaces. Clean lines, smart storage, and a convenient layout are the main priorities for most interested parties." The secret lies in making people envision how this room will make their life easier. And if you're still wondering whether an open or a closed kitchen is right for your home, our expert suggests, "Kitchens that connect easily to dining or living areas also continue to resonate, especially for buyers who like to entertain friends and family, or simply spend a lot of time enjoying their home."

Wondering how much you'll have to spend to make the recommended upgrades to your kitchen? Our expert mentions that this will depend on your scale of renovation. Aumann reveals in his House Digest exclusive, "The investment for a kitchen upgrade can vary widely depending on scope, materials, and location. A light refresh, like installing new lighting fixtures and refreshing cabinetry with a fresh coat of paint, can make a strong impression at a lower cost." Similarly, changing out the chipped or dull drawer handles or cabinet hardware can give the room a much-needed facelift and will cost you about $100.

He continues, "Of course, if you're looking to knock down walls, replace major appliances, or re-install countertops made from higher quality materials, that will naturally require a much larger investment." To put this into perspective, a new island can cost anywhere between $900 and $6,500 (or higher), based on the size, material, and style you go for.

Whichever way you go, "Kitchens should feel warm and not overly specific to one taste. Choosing classic materials and finishes allows buyers to project their own style onto the space," advises Aumann. So, instead of hoping for a magazine-worthy or Instagram-ready space, aim "to create a kitchen that feels easy to live in, well cared for, and aligned with how people actually use their homes on a daily basis." This should give you a high ROI (return on investment). However, he clarifies that you might not always get this in monetary terms. "A well-executed kitchen upgrade can significantly improve [your property's] marketability and reduce time on market," our expert says.

The primary reason why a kitchen remodel works in the homeowners' favor is simple. "Buyers can see exactly what they are getting and can factor that into their mortgage rather than needing additional cash after closing," divulges Aumann in his exclusive chat with House Digest. However, in certain situations the upgrades might not offer the desired results. Elaborating on why this happens, he states, "In cases where buyers are hesitant to pay more, it often comes down to how the renovation was executed. If a kitchen feels overly personalized, dated, or poorly planned, buyers may not see it as an upgrade worth paying for."

That's not all. "A renovation that prioritizes trends over everyday functionality can actually limit a kitchen's appeal and make buyers feel like they'll need to redo the space anyway," says our expert. Alas, the promise of extra work coming their way right after they purchase a house is terrifying and/or tiring for a lot of individuals. This can make them hesitant to put an offer on your property. And if they do, the number might not be what you were expecting.

Aumann notes that price sensitivity is another factor you must consider. "Some buyers prefer to purchase at a lower entry point and invest in renovations on their own timeline, when they can afford to do so," he says. "This is especially true for those who want control over specific design choices or are planning a larger remodel that goes beyond the kitchen." Simply put, sometimes, it's not you, it's them. So, temper your expectations and try to perceive the situation from the buyer's POV.