Don’t underestimate the power of paint. It can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of a home. After all, how a space is appointed often reflects the personal style of those who live there. However, some paint colours that you naturally gravitate toward, others may not, especially if you’ve been thinking about listing. According to a new study by Zillow, certain shades can increase the value of your home by more than $2500.
“People don’t buy homes every day, so they’re trying to quickly process a lot of complex information in an area where they don’t have a lot of experience,” Zillow’s home-trend expert Amanda Pendleton explained in a statement. “That uncertainty is likely why buyers rely on colour as a powerful visual signal that a home is modern and up-to-date, or tired and needs maintenance. That first impression contributes to their overall feelings about a home and ultimately, how much they’re willing to pay for it.”
If you’re wondering which magical paint colour could make your home sell for more, we’ve got you covered.
Related: The 10 Most Popular Paint Colours in Canada Might Surprise You
Which Paint Colour Adds Value to Your Home?
Based on the report, charcoal grey walls in your kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom can garner a more lucrative offer on your home. More specifically, a dark graphite colour in the kitchen can potentially increase a house’s value by an estimated $2,512 when compared to similar homes. A mid-tone pewter grey shade could help a home sell for $2,553 more.
Additionally, the colour grey adds a sense of retreat and security, an especially sought-after feeling in post-pandemic life. Coming home from a busy day, people want to feel a sense of relaxation and refuge.
But before you awash your home in all things grey, it has its downsides, too. Other colours in Zillow’s analysis found that buyers prefer black front doors when compared to grey, and that all-grey floors have the opposite effect and could potentially decrease the value of a home by $3,365.
Related: 12 Grey Living Room Ideas That Are Anything But Dull
Which Paint Colour is Considered Outdated?
All-white kitchens, on the other hand, are so yesterday. Buyers often offer up to around $612 less compared to kitchens with welcome pops of colour, whether it be on the walls or cabinets.
Related: Interior Design Trends on Their Way Out In 2024
At the end of the day, if your home could benefit from a bit of an interior facelift, paint is a fairly affordable DIY project that’s easy to change, and, as this study proves, is definitely a beneficial staging tactic if listing your home for sale.
“Paint is a relatively affordable and easy change, yet it has an outsized impact on a buyer’s perception of the home,” says Amanda.
