🔹 Current Rate: The Bank of Canada is holding its key overnight interest rate at 2.25%. There hasn’t been a hike or cut in the most recent decision — the rate has been at this level following reductions in 2025 as the Bank responded to economic conditions.

🔎 What That Means for You

🏡 For Buyers:
• Stable rates mean borrowing costs are not rising right now, so monthly mortgage costs for variable-rate loans and HELOCs remain more predictable.
• Fixed mortgage rates are set by the bond market rather than the Bank’s rate, but the pause still helps with planning since lenders aren’t rushing to raise pricing.
• If you’re shopping for a home, locking in a pre-approval now can protect your buying power while you wait for the right property.

📈 For Sellers:
• Stable rates help keep buyer demand consistent — not spiking, but not declining sharply either.
• Buyers who’ve been waiting on rate relief may be more willing to engage now that there’s clarity on borrowing costs.
• Well-priced and well-positioned listings tend to attract attention even in a steady rate environment.

💬 Questions about how today’s rates affect your buying or selling strategy? I’m here to help!

If you are considering purchasing land, one of the first questions to understand is how financing works. Buying vacant land is very different from buying land with an existing home, especially when it comes to mortgage approval. Knowing these differences upfront can help you plan, budget, and avoid surprises.

Financing Vacant Land

Vacant land is considered higher risk by mortgage lenders because there is no livable structure securing the loan. As a result, financing is more restrictive.

What buyers should expect:

• Higher down payment requirements
  Typically 25%–50% down, depending on zoning, location, and servicing.

• Higher interest rates
  Rates are usually higher than standard residential mortgages.

• Shorter amortization periods
  Often capped between 15–25 years.

• Zoning and land use verification
  Lenders need confirmation of how the land can legally be used.

• Access and servicing requirements
  Legal road access and utilities matter.

• Appraisal based on land value only
  Future build potential does not factor into the appraisal.

• Fewer lender options
  Many major banks do not finance raw land, so buyers may need credit unions or alternative lenders.

In some cases, lenders may also ask about future building plans or timelines.

Financing Land With an Existing Home

When land includes a home that is livable and meets lender standards, financing is much more straightforward.

What buyers can expect:

• Lower down payment options
  As low as 5%–20%, depending on the buyer’s situation.

• Standard mortgage terms
  Amortizations up to 30 years.

• Lower interest rates

• Appraisal based on the home and land together

• Traditional mortgage qualification
  Income, credit, property taxes, and insurance apply as they would with any residential purchase.

Even if the buyer plans to renovate or redevelop later, having a livable home in place often allows access to better financing terms.

Buying Land to Build: An Important Note

If your plan is to buy land and then build, this typically involves:

1. Financing or purchasing the land first

2. Applying for a construction mortgage, which releases funds in stages during the build

Construction financing comes with additional requirements, including approved plans, contracts, and budgets.

The Bottom Line

• Vacant land requires more cash upfront and comes with stricter lending rules.

• Land with a home is easier to finance and offers more favorable mortgage terms.

• Understanding these differences early helps buyers make confident, informed decisions.

If you are thinking about purchasing land or a property with redevelopment potential, speaking with a real estate professional early in the process can help you understand your options and avoid costly missteps.

Are you considering investing in rental or revenue properties in Alberta? Big changes are coming that could impact your strategy — let’s break it down.

🔍 What’s changing?

• Starting January 2026, lenders will tighten how they evaluate mortgages for income‑producing residential properties. The rules will include:
  • Rental income can only be counted after expenses and only for the property being financed. MMG Mortgages - Alberta Mortgage Broker
  • You won’t be able to reuse the same rental income stream to qualify for another mortgage. MMG Mortgages - Alberta Mortgage Broker
  • Lenders will face higher capital requirements when financing these properties, which typically means stricter criteria for borrowers. MMG Mortgages - Alberta Mortgage Broker

• Additionally, if you own property in the City of Calgary, 2025 will bring a higher provincial portion of your property tax. For residential properties, the provincial‑requisition portion rises significantly compared to 2024. https://www.calgary.ca

🎯 Why this matters to you as an investor:

• Your borrowing power may shrink: You won’t be able to stack multiple investment mortgages using the same rental income.

• Your deal math changes: Net rental income will play a more critical role — gross rents minus expenses matter more.

• Your tax & holding costs might increase: Higher property taxes mean you’ll need to model that into your ROI.

• You’ll need to plan ahead: If you’ve been thinking of acquiring multiple revenue properties shortly, this window may be one to act sooner rather than later.

🛠 What you can do now to stay ahead:

1. Review your current portfolio: Are there properties where the rental income is being used to support multiple mortgage applications? If yes, plan now for when the rules change.

2. Update your cash‑flow models: Use net income (rents minus all expenses) instead of just gross rents to assess each property’s viability.

3. Build in margin: With property taxes going up in Calgary and likely elsewhere, build a buffer to account for higher holding costs.

4. Talk to your lender or mortgage broker: Make sure you understand how they will interpret the new rules and how it affects you specifically.

5. Educate your clients (if you’re helping investors): Use this as a differentiator to show you’re ahead of regulatory shifts and can help structure deals accordingly.

💡 Takeaway:
With tighter borrowing rules and higher costs on the horizon, the smartest investment strategy in Alberta will be built on realistic income, sound expense planning, and proactive timing. Use this moment to position yourself strategically — get the right property, under the right structure, at the right time.

The Calgary real estate market is shifting, and selling today requires strategy, insight, and preparation. Here are some key things every seller should consider:

🔹 Pricing Matters

• Correctly pricing your home is more important than ever. A competitive, well-researched price attracts serious buyers and can prevent your home from sitting on the market too long.

🔹 Presentation is Key

• Homes that are staged, decluttered, and well-maintained sell faster and often for more. First impressions matter — inside and out!

🔹 Timing & Marketing

• Even in a balanced market, homes listed at the right time and with strong marketing (professional photos, virtual tours, social media promotion) get noticed quickly.

🔹 Market Knowledge

• Understanding local trends — including which neighborhoods are hot, recent sales data, and buyer behavior — helps you make smarter decisions during negotiations.

💡 Pro Tip: Work with a knowledgeable local realtor to maximize your home’s value and sell with confidence.

If you’re thinking about making a move in Calgary, I can guide you through the process from listing to closing — let’s connect today!

#CalgaryRealEstate #HomeSellingTips #YYCHomes #SellYourHome #ShelleyCorleyRealEstate #MarketUpdate #HomeSellingGuide

Buying a home is exciting, but it’s important to look beyond the surface. Here are some key things to check during a showing:

🔹 Structure & Safety

• Cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundation

• Signs of water damage or mold

• Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

🔹 Systems & Functionality

• Test faucets, showers, toilets, and appliances

• Check the HVAC, water heater, and electrical panel

• Look for proper insulation and ventilation

🔹 Layout & Storage

• Is there enough space for your lifestyle?

• Closet and storage space

• Natural light and flow between rooms

🔹 Exterior & Outdoor Space

• Roof condition and gutters

• Driveway, fences, and landscaping

• Yard drainage and potential maintenance needs

💡 Pro Tip: Take notes and photos during your showing — it helps when comparing multiple homes!

If you’re thinking about buying in Calgary or Airdrie, I’d love to help you spot the must-know details before making an offer. DM me today!

#HomeBuyingTips #YYCHomes #CalgaryRealEstate #HouseHunting #ShelleyCorleyRealEstate #HomeViewingChecklist #DreamHome

Balanced Conditions

After several years of an intense seller’s market, Calgary’s real estate landscape has now shifted into a more balanced phase. Inventory levels and sales activity are settling into alignment with long-term trends, giving both buyers and sellers more stability and predictability in their decision-making. (Source: Justin Havre Real Estate Team, CREB)

Downtick in Prices — Mostly in High-Density Segments

While the market overall is balanced, price adjustments are being felt most in high-density property types such as apartments, row homes, and condos. These declines are especially evident in areas where significant new construction has increased supply. Detached homes, on the other hand, continue to demonstrate stronger value retention. (Sources: CREB, Justin Havre Real Estate Team, Nesto, WOWA)

Why It Matters

For Sellers: You can still expect strong interest from buyers, but pricing strategically is key. Accurate pricing and thoughtful staging will play a bigger role than ever in achieving a timely and successful sale.

For Buyers: The pressure and urgency of the last few years have eased. Buyers now have more breathing room to negotiate, conduct due diligence, and include protective conditions in their offers. This shift creates a healthier, more manageable process for those entering the market. (Sources: Justin Havre Real Estate Team, A-Team Calgary)

In summary, Calgary’s housing market is no longer overheated but instead offers a balanced environment where both buyers and sellers can make informed moves. Detached homes are holding strong, while buyers of condos and row homes may find opportunities with softer pricing. Whether you’re considering listing or house-hunting

The Calgary real estate market has been making headlines in 2025, and many investors are asking the same question: is now the right time to jump in? The answer may very well be yes—and here’s why.

A More Balanced Market

Over the past few years, Calgary has experienced extremely tight housing conditions, with limited supply and strong demand driving competition. However, inventory levels have been steadily rising throughout 2025, creating a shift toward a more balanced market.

For investors, this means:

• More property options across various segments, from condos to single-family homes.

• Less competition compared to the frenzied bidding wars of recent years.

• Stronger negotiating power when it comes to purchase price and conditions.

In short, investors have the opportunity to be more selective and strategic with their purchases.

Lower Interest Rates = More Affordable Mortgages

Another key factor making this a favorable time to invest is the decline in interest rates. Over the past several months, borrowing costs have eased, reducing the strain of mortgage payments and making cash flow more attractive for rental properties.

This creates opportunities for:

• Stronger returns on investment properties.

• Improved affordability for those leveraging financing.

• Long-term stability, especially for buyers who lock in lower rates.

The Long-Term Fundamentals Are Strong

Beyond market balance and interest rates, Calgary continues to benefit from strong economic and demographic fundamentals:

• Steady population growth, driven by interprovincial migration and new residents seeking affordability.

• A diverse economy, with growth in sectors like energy, tech, and logistics.

• Continued housing demand, particularly in well-connected, amenity-rich neighborhoods.

So, Is Now the Time?

With a growing selection of homes, better leverage for buyers, and more affordable mortgage options, now is a very good time to consider investing in Calgary real estate. Investors who focus on the right property type and location can position themselves for long-term success while taking advantage of today’s more favorable conditions.

The key to an organized home is clutter-free countertops. Whether it's in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, it's hard to keep your household tasks running smoothly when there are are piles of clutter in your way. Luckily, clearing your countertops doesn't have to be as daunting as it sounds.

We're sharing our best organizing hacks to help you kick clutter to the curb—for good. A few simple storage baskets, organizers, and hanging racks will get you back on track in no time. These are our best storage-savvy solutions that take tools, materials, toiletries, and tech gear off work surfaces but within easy reach so you can efficiently handle every task.

01of 21

Add a Pot Rack

Credit: Michael Partenio

If your kitchen is cramped for cabinet space, it can be tricky to get supplies off the counter. While pots and pans are usually stored in a cabinet or drawer, try hanging them on a pot rack instead. Pot racks make grabbing items easier and more efficient while keeping your counters tidy.

02of 21

Hang a Utensil Rack

Credit:

Carson Downing

While grouping utensils in a container on the counter is common, it can also take up a lot of counter space. Consider hanging your most-used utensils directly under upper cabinets by installing pegboard or hooks. This will keep countertops free of clutter and utensils within reach.

03of 21

Optimize Corner Space

Credit: Laura Moss

Hang shelves near work surfaces to lift canisters, cookbooks, and attractive serving pieces off countertops. A trio of stacked shelves makes the most of an awkward space between the end cabinet and window and the dropped ceiling and backsplash in this contemporary kitchen. Other ways to stretch akitchen's storage capacity? Mount a vintage corner cabinet in a forgotten corner and add shallow shelves behind the sink and range.

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Utilize Space Under Your Sink

Credit: Adam Albright

Keep your countertops uncluttered by equipping the cabinet below your kitchen or bathroom sink with baskets to hold cleaners, toiletries, and paper goods. In this under-the-sink cabinet, sliding drawer baskets allow you to easily grab needed supplies and take inventory on supplies for when it's time to restock.

05of 21

Create a Power Station

Credit: Paul Dyer

Turn any drawer into a charging station and keep electronic gear under wraps and off countertops. Outfit a nightstand, desk, or cabinet drawer with a power strip that allows you to charge cellphones, tablets, and e-readers in a secure location. Generally, this setup works best when a hole for the cord is drilled in the back or side of a furniture piece nearest an electrical outlet. Beyond your tech capacities? Call an electrician for assistance.

06of 21

Utilize Missed Storage Opportunities

Credit: Edmund Barr

In most bathrooms, there's one wall that's open to numerous possibilities. The toilet wall easily accommodates all sorts of storage units. From medicine cabinets and wall shelves to freestanding etageres designed to fit a toilet's contours, there's a system to suit nearly every lavatory. Simply adding a few floating shelves to store towels and other supplies can alleviate overall bathroom clutter.

07of 21

Focus on Medicine Cabinet Storage

Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour

Medicine cabinets provide convenient storage for cosmetics and getting-ready products that often clutter vanity tops. Add small containers and risers to divide and optimize your medicine cabinet. This way products stay off bathroom countertops and put daily essentials at eye level.

08of 21

Organize with Baskets

Credit: Adam Albright

When there's no other place to put relevant things, make the most of available countertop space by using baskets and pretty canvas bins to gather small stuff that tends to sprawl across surfaces. This clever containment system holds supplies in a bathroom but would work equally well as a holder for cooking tools or office supplies.

09of 21

Designate Kitchen Drawers

Credit: James Salomon

Some storage units are meant for expansive countertops with enough room to accommodate everything from cookbook racks to knife blocks. But when space is tight, it makes sense to move what you can into suitably situated cabinets and drawers. Look for drawer inserts that help you organize chef's knives, spice jars, and cooking gadgets in an area near where they'll be accessed most often.

10of 21

Create Additional Counter Space

Credit: Jay Wilde

Bathroom vanity tops are a magnet for clutter. They are put to use during the most hurried (or sleepiest!) hours, when there isn't any extra time or energy for tidying up. A secretary-style desk solves this problem by storing essentials close to a vanity, in an accessible, appealing form that closes up when beauty regimens are complete.

11of 21

Construct a Spice Drawer

Credit: Christina Wedge

Insert specialty holders into base cabinet drawers to boost their usefulness. Spice-jar racks keep seasonings visible, organized, and within a chef's reach but off counters and stove tops. Use cutlery trays, bamboo dividers, and compartmentalized acrylic trays to customize a system that stores and sorts the smaller things that are likely to bring chaos to countertops.

This DIY Spice Organizer Is the Solution to Your Messy Kitchen Drawers

12of 21

Find a Freestanding Organizer Bin

Credit: Edmund Barr

Streamline countertops by containing like-minded items in bins, baskets, trays, and jars that don't take up more than their fair share of space. Opt for holders that can be pushed beneath upper cabinets as needed to liberate the workspace on the outer countertop.

13of 21

Set Up a Bar Area

Credit: Werner Straube

Bar areas work better when there's a clear surface for cutting fruit, placing ice buckets, and lining up liquor and wine bottles. A shelving unit mounted on this tiled wall handles glassware and cocktail-party serving pieces; the unit converts the kitchen countertop and tiled wall into a full-service entertainment station that's always stocked and ready for pop-up parties.

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Use Over-the-Door Space Savers

Credit: Jacob Fox

Over-the-cabinet-door organizers allow cabinets to live up to their potential and let you keep countertops clean of bulky gear. Head to the hardware store storage aisles and storage retailers to find hairdryer holders, paper-towel holders, under-the-sink caddies, and versatile wire baskets that you can hook over a cabinet door.

15of 21

Add an Appliance Garage

Credit: Laura Moss

Appliance garages house small appliances when they're not needed. They allow you to park things like coffeemakers, blenders, and food processors within reach but out-of-sight behind drop-down doors, which in turn leaves adjacent countertops open for food-prep tasks.

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Reconfigure Your Cabinets

Credit: Jay Wilde

Customize a kitchen cabinet's interior by adding a box-like framework of shelves and cubbies that you can use to handle your household's organizational needs. Look for ready-made inserts and pullouts that fit the interior space, or create your own construction that holds cookbooks, water bottles, kitchen towels, and other utensils typically used frequently.

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Utilize a Utility Cart

Credit: Cathy Kramer

Utility carts are versatile mobile storage units. Slim three-tiered carts are perfect for bathrooms, whether you use it to hold extra rolls of toilet paper and towels or organize cosmetics and skincare products. Rolling carts in the kitchen provide an extra work surface and additional storage for cookware.

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Create a Floating Office

Credit: Adam Albright

Look to walls adjacent to work surfaces and countertops for real estate prime for the tapping. Mount pocket organizers or shelves equipped with desk organizers to take care of paperwork that is likely to pile up on countertops; label pockets for incoming mail, outgoing permission slips, and bills in need of attention.

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Elevate Your Built-In Shelving

Credit: Michael Partenio

Built-ins and add-ons amplify a room's holding power in a fashionable manner. Cabinets, cubbies, and drawers wrap a kitchen desk with menu-planning utility that makes it easy to see, retrieve, and return cooking references; corkboards provide spots for displaying calendars and posting shopping lists without taking up valuable desk space.

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Use S Hooks

Credit: Hatch and Mass

Freestanding kitchen tool holders conveniently place tools in plain view and close to work areas, but they take up countertop space, which is at a premium in small kitchens. A creative way to keep tools within reach? Hang a towel bar or two on an open wall; use S hooks to suspend the cooking implements you're likely to grab on a daily basis.

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Cabinet Solutions

Credit:

Anthony Masterson

Search for cabinetry with built-in storage features that help you meet your organization goals. This shallow cabinet includes a charging dock and shelves to keep papers and tech tucked away. Identify areas that you struggle with, then seek out building solutions to help you gain control.

Updated by Kaylei Fear

Price adjustments mostly driven by apartment and row style homes

By CREB®

Thanks to steep pullbacks in the apartment condominium sector, total residential sales in Calgary eased by 17 per cent compared to May of last year. While the drop does seem significant, the 2,568 sales this month remain 11 per cent higher than long-term trends for May and improved over last month.

New listings continued to rise this month compared to sales, resulting in further gains in inventory levels. However, the monthly gain in both inventory and sales prevented any significant change in the months of supply compared to April. With 2.6 months of supply, conditions are still relatively balanced.  

“Compared to last year, easing sales and rising inventories are consistent trends across many cities, as uncertainty continues to weigh on housing demand. However, prior to the economic uncertainty, Calgary was dealing with seller market conditions, and the recent pullbacks in sales and inventory have helped shift us toward balanced conditions taking the pressure off prices,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®. “This is a different situation from some of the other larger cities, where their housing markets were struggling prior to the addition of economic uncertainty.”    

Last year there was limited inventory across most property types and price ranges. Recent inventory gains are creating pockets of the market that are struggling with too much supply while in other areas supply levels are still low relative to the demand, resulting in divergent trends in home prices. Both detached and semi-detached home prices have remained relatively stable this month and are still higher than last year’s levels.

Meanwhile, row and apartment style homes have reported modest monthly price declines and May prices remain below last year’s levels, as improved new home and rental supply is weighing on resale prices. Overall, the total residential unadjusted benchmark price in Calgary was $589,900, slightly lower than last month and over two per cent below May 2024 levels. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Relations

Ottawa, Ontario

June 4, 2025

The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 2.75%, with the Bank Rate at 3% and the deposit rate at 2.70%.

Since the April Monetary Policy Report, the US administration has continued to increase and decrease various tariffs. China and the United States have stepped back from extremely high tariffs and bilateral trade negotiations have begun with a number of countries. However, the outcomes of these negotiations are highly uncertain, tariff rates are well above their levels at the beginning of 2025, and new trade actions are still being threatened. Uncertainty remains high.

While the global economy has shown resilience in recent months, this partly reflects a temporary surge in activity to get ahead of tariffs. In the United States, domestic demand remained relatively strong but higher imports pulled down first-quarter GDP. US inflation has ticked down but remains above 2%, with the price effects of tariffs still to come. In Europe, economic growth has been supported by exports, while defence spending is set to increase.  China’s economy has slowed as the effects of past fiscal support fade. More recently, high tariffs have begun to curtail Chinese exports to the US. Since the financial market turmoil in April, risk assets have largely recovered and volatility has diminished, although markets remain sensitive to US policy announcements. Oil prices have fluctuated but remain close to their levels at the time of the April MPR.

In Canada, economic growth in the first quarter came in at 2.2%, slightly stronger than the Bank had forecast, while the composition of GDP growth was largely as expected. The pull-forward of exports to the United States and inventory accumulation boosted activity, with final domestic demand roughly flat. Strong spending on machinery and equipment held up growth in business investment by more than expected. Consumption slowed from its very strong fourth-quarter pace, but continued to grow despite a large drop in consumer confidence. Housing activity was down, driven by a sharp contraction in resales. Government spending also declined. The labour market has weakened, particularly in trade-intensive sectors, and unemployment has risen to 6.9%. The economy is expected to be considerably weaker in the second quarter, with the strength in exports and inventories reversing and final domestic demand remaining subdued.  

CPI inflation eased to 1.7% in April, as the elimination of the federal consumer carbon tax reduced inflation by 0.6 percentage points. Excluding taxes, inflation rose 2.3% in April, slightly stronger than the Bank had expected. The Bank’s preferred measures of core inflation, as well as other measures of underlying inflation, moved up. Recent surveys indicate that households continue to expect that tariffs will raise prices and many businesses say they intend to pass on the costs of higher tariffs. The Bank will be watching all these indicators closely to gauge how inflationary pressures are evolving.

With uncertainty about US tariffs still high, the Canadian economy softer but not sharply weaker, and some unexpected firmness in recent inflation data, Governing Council decided to hold the policy rate as we gain more information on US trade policy and its impacts. We will continue to assess the timing and strength of both the downward pressures on inflation from a weaker economy and the upward pressures on inflation from higher costs.

Governing Council is proceeding carefully, with particular attention to the risks and uncertainties facing the Canadian economy. These include: the extent to which higher US tariffs reduce demand for Canadian exports; how much this spills over into business investment, employment and household spending; how much and how quickly cost increases are passed on to consumer prices; and how inflation expectations evolve. 

We are focused on ensuring that Canadians continue to have confidence in price stability through this period of global upheaval. We will support economic growth while ensuring inflation remains well controlled.

Information note

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is July 30, 2025. The Bank will publish its next MPR at the same time.

Calgary's best walking pathways

Whether you’re looking for a good, low-impact workout or just want to relax on a beautiful summer afternoon, Calgary has numerous pathways that connect with different neighbourhoods, parks and natural areas. If you need any suggestions, here are some of our favourites:

1. Glenmore Reservoir Loop

A favourite for walkers, boaters and cyclists alike, the Glenmore Reservoir pathway leads across bridges, through marshes and past scenic viewpoints. You can start your walk at any of the multiple parking lots around the reservoir and make the full trek or turn around at any point.

2. Prince's Island Park: Chevron Learning Pathway

Along the east end of the park, this pathway provides scenic views of the city skyline and the Bow River, and features educational signage of the wildlife, habitat and water quality. It's an easy, interactive walk to get your steps in – it's less than 1 km – that has become a favourite for Calgarians and visitors alike.

3. Fish Creek Park: Bebo Grove Loop

Fish Creek is home to 80 km of mixed-use pathways across sprawling forest and grassland. It's the second largest urban park in Canada and it's famous for its rich biodiversity (over 200 different birds have been spotted here). Of all the paths in the park, our favourite is Bebo Grove Loop, which starts at the west end of the park and flows east towards the Bow River. It provides an escape from the buzz of the city with its mesmerizing views and room for activities.

4. Nose Hill Park: Nose Hill Loop

If you're looking for a compelling views and a little bit of a challenge, the Nose Hill Loop starting at the 14 Street NW parking lot at Nose Hill Park is the perfect choice. It's 7.6 km in length and takes almost two hours to complete. The trail is also popular  for other activities like birdwatching and mountain biking. If you're luck, you may also see deer or one of the local porcupines.

5. Jack & Jean Leslie RiverWalk

If you want to absorb the buzzing energy of the city, this walk is for you. As one of the Calgary's most-loved public spaces, the RiverWalk parallels the Bow River, connecting Centre Street to Fort Calgary and then following the Elbow River to 9 Avenue SE.

The pathway has dedicated pedestrian and cycling lanes, so you can walk, relax and enjoy the view of Calgary's skyline, art installations and more. There are also several places to stop for refreshments around the area, so you can grab a coffee while you're at it to keep you energized.

Industry pros say these kitchen updates have the biggest return on investment.

By Kamron Sanders

Published on April 4, 2025

Few renovation projects can refresh your home quite like a kitchen refresh—but not all kitchen upgrades add resale value. Sure, a beautiful backsplash, on-trend cabinetry, updated countertops, and sleek appliances would improve any kitchen, but, if you plan on eventually selling your home, you need to know which kitchen updates have a good ROI.

Below, we've spoken to real estate and design professionals about the best kitchen upgrades that will add the most value to your home.

1. Kitchen Islands With Seating

Real estate advisor Kourtney Pulitzer says one of the highest ROI kitchen upgrades is adding a kitchen island with seating. "People really love being able to spend time in the kitchen, which is often the heart of a home," she says.

Kitchen islands haven't always been a must-have item, but, these days, they're on many buyers' wishlists. While kitchen islands historically served as prep surfaces, they've transitioned into the focal point of the kitchen, a gathering spot where many (if not most) meals are eaten and parties are hosted.

Want to really make a statement? Double kitchen islands are a popular luxury option.

2. Updating or Adding Cabinetry

In most cases, Pulitzer says you can't go wrong updating your kitchen cabinets, noting that upgrading cabinets and pantry organization can often result in extra money in your pocket when you sell.

Traditional kitchens have both upper and lower cabinets, which naturally take up a lot of visual space. So, updating this cabinetry will have a major impact on your kitchen's overall look. Plus, modern cabinetry options can make the kitchen more organized and user-friendly, which appeals to buyers.

3. Cabinet Refacing and Painting

Let's face it, even builder-grade cabinets cost a lot of money. But, there are budget-friendly ways to update your cabinetry. "Instead of replacing cabinets, refinishing, painting, or refacing them is a cost-effective way to modernize the kitchen," advises Kristin Farnan, founder of Ridge Residential Design.

You can refresh the look of cabinetry with a coat of paint or completely overhaul their looks by refacing them. Both options can cost a fraction of a full cabinet replacement, and, in some cases, they may offer the same return.

29 Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors with Long-Lasting Appeal

4. New Cabinet Hardware

Even swapping your cabinet hardware can work wonders for your kitchen's overall aesthetic, as the antiquated hardware could be dating your otherwise beautiful kitchen. "Updating cabinet handles, hinges, and drawer pulls is a small change with a big impact," Farnan says.

Depending on the size of your kitchen and the type of hardware you're replacing, this is an upgrade you could do for less than $100. Plus, swapping cabinet hardware takes hardly any time at all.

Cottagecore Hardware Is Trending: Design Experts Share How to Use It

5. Countertops

Yes, countertops are expensive, but they make a major visual impact on the kitchen that buyers will notice right away. Plus, there are plenty of countertop materials to choose from, offering beautiful looks at an attainable price. Farnan recommends shopping quartz and granite for the best balance of cost and desirability.

The Pros and Cons of Common Kitchen Countertop Materials

6. Refreshed Backsplash

Farnan says a modern backsplash (subway tile, glass, or stone) can up your kitchen's visual appeal without breaking your budget. When done well, a kitchen backsplash can elevate the existing countertops and cabinetry, giving the entire kitchen a refreshed look at a lower cost than cabinetry, countertops, and appliances.

7. Light Fixtures

Don't underestimate the power of good lighting. Upgrading kitchen light fixtures is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. In fact, most experienced DIYers can knock out this renovation themselves, which increases the ROI potential.

"Pendant lights over the sink or island, under-cabinet lighting, or LED recessed lighting can transform the ambiance," notes Farnan.

The 17 Best Pendant Lights of 2025 for Every Style and Budget

8. Neutral Paint

A new coat of paint is nearly always a good idea, as it can totally transform your space without making a major dent in your budget. Plus, most DIYers can perform a decent paint job themselves, adding to their ROI. However, not just any paint will work.

Farnan advocates for the use of neutral colors (white, gray, beige, etc.) on cabinetry and walls, as they will give the space a clean, updated look. Plus, opting for neutral colors will appeal to most buyers, while bolder choices may be more polarizing.

7 Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends We Expect to See in 2025

Kitchen Upgrades With the Worst ROI

We've covered the kitchen upgrades with the best ROI, but what about kitchen renovations with the worst ROI?

• High-end appliances: Both Farnan and Pulitzer agreed that high-end appliances rarely ever return on the steep initial cost.

• Overly specific features and appliances: While you may love your nugget ice maker and built-in espresso machine, buyers won't necessarily be as enthused. In fact, they may view your prized features as must-remove items.

• Overly trendy designs: While your edgy kitchen design may look great to you and others, it won't necessarily appeal to your buyers. Farnan says bold colors, open shelving, and modern cabinetry come in and out of style, meaning they won't necessarily align with the buyer's wants and needs.