Upgrading appliances can influence home value, but only when the decision fits into a bigger equity strategy. The first question is whether upgrading appliances is worth it right now. If it's simply a matter of making do until there's a budget for a remodel, you should hold off on replacing your old appliances.

Appliances are depreciating assets, meaning their value depends on the context. In the right kitchen and the right market, new appliances can help protect resale value, improve competitiveness, and support a faster sale. In the wrong situation, they can quietly waste money.

New appliances do generally boost home value and buyer appeal when a room is modern enough to be kept "as is." The big don't is putting old appliances back after a remodel or adding new appliances to a room that’s showing its age. This guide breaks down when new appliances make financial sense, when they do not, and how to evaluate upgrades from a long-term wealth-building perspective.

Do New Appliances Add Value to a Home?

Appliances generally do increase home value. The question is whether you want to get some life out of your new appliances or live with what you have until you're ready to dress up your home when it's time to sell. New home appliances generally boost value when they are less than two years old. Beyond that, they help ensure a home does not lose value. Here's a look at how it all shakes out.

Potential increase in home value

The industry consensus is that new appliances increase home value by 3% to 7% on average. For a home that's worth $250,000, that means $7,500 to $17,500 in added value. For a home that's closer to the current average sale price of $512,000, you're potentially adding $15,360 to $35,840 in value.

You have to subtract how much you'd actually spend on appliances by pricing things out to see if you'll come out ahead. Most homeowners spend $10,000 when getting house-wide new appliances. Overall, new appliances present a much more robust and dependable return on investment when you're looking at a home that's at least the average sale price or higher.

Enhances the "move-in ready" appeal for buyers

Upgrading appliances immediately after a home purchase is often seen as a significant cost burden for buyers. Making a home move-in ready with new appliances can make it appear more affordable than similarly priced homes with outdated appliances.

Can contribute to faster sales and better offers

If your home is priced right, buyers will see the value of new appliances because they can save $10,000 to $15,000 in closing costs by having them included.

Situational for home price, market, and buyer demographics

Generally, new appliances offer the most value in higher-priced homes because the percentage increase in value relative to cost is much higher. In hotter markets, upgrading appliances may not be as critical, as buyers prioritize location. In a cooler market, upgrades may entice buyers as a sort of unofficial "bonus" or "seller credit." Demographics can also matter. If you're in an area with younger or first-time buyers who aren't carrying equity from an existing home, the appeal of not having to finance new appliances soon after a home purchase can be strong.

When New Appliances Matter Most

If you're in an area with many new-construction or remodeled homes, upgrading your appliances may be essential to remain competitive. When your home is listed alongside new construction, buyers are comparing it to new builds that likely include appliances still under warranty.

Many first-time and millennial buyers also value appliances because they may not want to replace or repair outdated ones. People who have been long-term renters are often reluctant to commit to a life with older appliances because they're used to calling on landlords to fix or replace them when things go wrong.

Newer appliances can also help boost value if your home is older. A percentage of buyers will be turned off by outdated homes with outdated appliances. By modernizing with new appliances, you signal that a home can be both charming and efficient.

Finally, there's the luxury angle. If you have an upscale or luxury home, buyers in your price tier may be disappointed with outdated appliances. This is especially true for kitchen appliances, as expectations for kitchens in homes priced above the average asking price are high among today's buyers. By upgrading to designer appliances, you can boost your listing with descriptions of a "chef's" kitchen or high-end kitchen. If you're curious about the cost of adding new appliances versus upgrading your kitchen layout with gourmet features, Revive can help you work out the numbers with a personalized assessment. 

Which Appliances Add the Most Value?

When the goal is maxing out the added value of new appliances, a whole-house upgrade is best. This puts your home in the same league as new construction, which often has coordinating appliances throughout the house. However, some appliances are more crucial than others for boosting home value.

In the kitchen

Here's what buyers are checking first when they look at kitchens:

• Refrigerators: Considered the most important appliances, refrigerators provide the biggest value boost when they are energy-efficient and family-sized models. Stainless steel or neutral finishes with modern features like ice and water dispensers are best.
  
• Dishwashers: Ideally, a dishwasher's finish matches the refrigerator. The desired attributes are whisper-quiet operation (44 dBA or less) and fast cycles.
  
• Cooking Appliances: For that true gourmet kitchen appeal, it's all about slide-in ranges, wall ovens, induction/gas cooktops, built-in microwaves, and stylish range hoods.

Elsewhere in the home

Invest in a stocked laundry room for a noticeable boost in home value. According to a recent National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey, a laundry room is the most essential and desirable home amenity among buyers right now. If you're going to invest in a washer and dryer, make sure you select high-efficiency models with smart features and large capacity. One way to boost a home's appeal compared to similar properties is to add a washer and dryer to the primary suite's bathroom for added convenience. At Revive, we can help you decide whether it's worth renovating or building a laundry room to create a "wow" factor that moves buyers. Learn about options for a new laundry room that makes your life easier while also giving your home the top feature buyers are seeking for when you're ready to sell.

Appliance Features That Boost Buyer Appeal

Get the biggest boost for your bucks by investing in appliances that offer:

• ENERGY STAR® certification and low utility costs.
• Smart technology integration like app controls, timers, and Wi-Fi.
  
• Panel-ready or built-in designs for custom, modern aesthetics.
  
• Stainless steel, matte black, or matte white for a cohesive, upscale look that's easy to clean.

Tips for Upgrading Appliances Before You Sell

Planning to list your home within the next three to six months? It might be time to start ordering appliances. Here's what the strategy looks like.

Focus on non-functioning or obviously outdated units

Anything that's broken or severely outdated needs to go. For a lower-priced home, it's fine to go with mid-grade appliances that will help you better recoup the cost compared to high-end appliances.

Match appliance finishes for a unified look

If you're competing with new construction or higher-end homes in your market, focus on unifying the appliance style throughout your kitchen or home. Matching appliances make a kitchen or bathroom feel intentional and cohesive rather than haphazard.

Choose upgrades that align with local buyer expectations

Overpriced appliances that belong in a luxury home don't add equity to a lower-priced home. In the same vein, mid-level appliances in a luxury home can be disappointing to discerning buyers who have just toured similarly priced homes with Viking ranges or Thermador refrigerators.

Don't over-invest beyond neighborhood norms

Paying $10,000 or $15,000 for a dual-range gas stove you've seen influencers using on Instagram won't make your home a luxury home if it isn't already. While new appliances can either maintain or slightly boost home value, over-investing in appliances that go beyond your neighborhood's norm only wastes money because the long-term equity on these purchases when they aren't accompanied by renovations just isn't there.

Replacing appliances alone won't fix layout or design flaws

Don't expect buyers to overlook a poor layout or awkward kitchen just because you sprang for new appliances. Whether your goal is to boost home equity while you live in a home or to maximize resale value, you might consider renovating a kitchen or bathroom to improve functionality and appeal. Not sure where to start? Revive can help you figure out the best strategy for pre-sale renovations that gives you a place to add in new appliances.

Alternatives to Replacing All Appliances

What can you do if you just want to get your home on the market without appliance shopping? Consider offering a buyer credit toward appliance upgrades. This is especially smart if you suspect buyers will be gutting or remodeling the existing kitchen anyway. You can also consider selling to investors or iBuyers if fully updating your kitchen to a level competitive with comparable homes isn't feasible. This process is much faster and doesn't require you to fix things before selling a home. Finally, consider a partial update of just kitchen appliances or a new washer and dryer to eliminate any appliances that bring down the rest of the room.

Final Thoughts: Are New Appliances Worth It?

Yes, strategically selected new appliances can protect and sometimes increase home value when they align with a home’s price point, condition, and buyer expectations. The mistake many homeowners make is treating appliance upgrades as isolated purchases rather than as part of a broader equity strategy.

New appliances aren't magic wands that erase other problems in a home. While they can dazzle and even sway some buyers, the "pop" in value you get today won't necessarily hold up over time.

If you are deciding whether new appliances make sense for your home, Revive helps homeowners evaluate upgrades through a return-focused lens, so every improvement works toward long-term value, not short-term appeal. Reach out to Revive to evaluate home upgrades through a clear, return-focused lens.