Renovating a condominium requires different considerations than updating a single-family home, mainly when focusing on return on investment (ROI). While studying River Modern Floor Plans can inspire layout improvements, not all renovations yield equal returns when it comes time to sell. Space limitations, building regulations, and buyer preferences all influence which upgrades will maximise your investment.
Kitchen transformations
Kitchen renovations consistently deliver strong returns in condominium resales, often recouping 70-80% of costs. However, going overboard with luxury finishes can diminish returns.
- Minor kitchen updates (cabinet refacing, new hardware, modern faucets) typically yield better ROI than complete gut renovations
- Energy-efficient appliances appeal to both eco-conscious buyers and those concerned about utility costs
- Removing walls to create open-concept connections between kitchen and living areas adds perceived space value
- Quartz or granite countertops remain buyer favourites and signal quality throughout the unit
Focus on functional improvements and modern aesthetics rather than trendy design choices that might quickly become dated. Balance quality with cost consciousness for maximum return.
Bathroom refreshes
Bathroom updates rank second to kitchens for ROI potential in condominiums, with strategic renovations generally recovering 60-70% of costs at resale time. Modern buyers expect clean, functional bathrooms with current fixtures and finishes. Converting tubs to walk-in showers can appeal to empty nesters and professionals buying in urban condo markets. Adding a second bathroom where space permits delivers exceptional returns, though this option is limited in many floor plans. Storage solutions like recessed medicine cabinets and floating vanities create visual spaciousness while addressing practical needs. Water-saving fixtures provide environmental benefits and ongoing cost savings that appeal to potential buyers evaluating monthly expenses.
Smart space solutions
Maximising limited square footage in condominiums often yields better returns than luxurious finishes alone. Thoughtful storage solutions and multi-functional spaces appeal strongly to condo buyers.
- Built-in shelving and cabinetry that maximise vertical space
- Multi-purpose rooms that serve as both guest accommodation and home office
- Murphy beds or convertible furniture for flexible living spaces
- Custom closet systems that triple usable storage space
- Space-saving pocket doors instead of traditional swing doors
These improvements demonstrate thoughtful consideration of condo living challenges, often costing less than significant structural changes while delivering impressive ROI at sale time.
Flooring upgrades
Replacing dated or worn flooring provides one of the highest visual impacts relative to investment cost in condominium renovations. Modern luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or engineered hardwood options balance durability concerns with aesthetic appeal. Continuous flooring throughout main living areas creates visual flow and makes spaces appear larger, which is particularly valuable in condominiums with limited square footage. Building management often restricts certain flooring materials due to noise concerns, making sound-dampening underlayment an essential but invisible investment in multi-story buildings. Quality flooring creates a positive first impression during showings and supports higher asking prices by elevating the entire property’s perceived value. Unlike some trendy design choices, classic flooring selections maintain appeal across a wide buyer demographic.
When planning condo renovations with ROI, focus on improvements that solve common pain points for city dwellers: storage limitations, dated aesthetics, inefficient layouts, and inadequate lighting. These targeted investments deliver better returns than luxury upgrades or highly personalised design choices when selling in competitive condominium markets.
