Increase your property value: renovations that add value to coastal villas

Not all renovations increase your villa's value in the same proportion. Some have ROI over 100%, while others barely recover 30-40% of investment. This guide analyzes which renovations are worthwhile and which are mere expenses without return.

Renovations with high ROI (80-120%)

1. Modern and functional kitchen

• Investment: €20,000-40,000 (complete 25 m² kitchen)
• Estimated return: 100-120% of cost
• Why it works: Kitchen is key space in purchase decision
• Key elements: Central island, Bosch/Siemens appliances, Silestone/quartz countertop
• Avoid: Very personal designs or risky colors

2. Contemporary bathrooms

• Investment: €8,000-15,000 per bathroom
• Estimated return: 90-110%
• Valued improvements: Walk-in shower, quality fixtures, double sink in master bath
• Materials: Porcelanosa, Roca, neutral and timeless finishes

3. Energy efficiency (Certificate A/B)

• Investment: €15,000-30,000 (solar panels + aerothermal)
• Estimated return: 80-100%
• Added value: International buyers prioritize sustainability
• Annual savings: €1,500-2,500 in bills (indirect ROI in 10-12 years)

Renovations with medium ROI (50-70%)

4. Extension with covered porch

• Investment: €25,000-50,000 (30-50 m²)
• Estimated return: 60-70%
• Why worthwhile: Increases usable m² and livable outdoor space
• Tip: South/southwest orientation, fluid connection with garden

5. Heated or infinity pool

• Heating investment: €8,000-15,000
• Infinity investment (new): €40,000-70,000
• Estimated return: 50-65%
• Advantage: Market differentiation, extended use to 8-9 months/year

6. Home automation

• Investment: €5,000-15,000 (complete system)
• Estimated return: 50-60%
• Valued systems: HVAC control, automatic blinds, smart lighting
• Recommended brands: Loxone, Control4, KNX

Renovations with low ROI (30-40%)

❌ New pool (if already functional one)

• Investment: €30,000-60,000
• Return: 30-40% (don't recover investment)
• Exception: If current pool is in very poor condition

❌ Highly personalized decoration

• Investment: Variable
• Return: 20-30%
• Why: Very personal tastes not valued in appraisal

❌ Luxury gym/wine cellar

• Investment: €15,000-40,000
• Return: 25-35%
• Why: Not all buyers value it, very niche

Essential renovations (maintenance)

No direct return but necessary

• Roof waterproofing: Every 15-20 years
• Exterior painting: Every 5-7 years (salt accelerates deterioration)
• Installation review: Electricity, plumbing (every 10 years)
• Exterior wood treatment: Annual in maritime climate

Recommendations by property value

Property €600,000-1,000,000

• Prioritize: Kitchen, bathrooms, energy efficiency
• Renovation budget: €40,000-70,000 for significant appreciation

Property €1,000,000-2,000,000

• Prioritize: All above + home automation, porch extension, heated pool
• Renovation budget: €80,000-150,000

Property >€2,000,000

• Maximum demand: Luxury finishes, cutting-edge technology, signature design
• Budget: €150,000-300,000 (lower ROI but necessary to compete)

Timing: when to renovate?

Before selling

• 6-12 months before: Gives time to enjoy and emotionally amortize
• Light renovations: Painting, gardening, small details (ROI 150%)
• Staging: €2,000-5,000 can increase perceived value 5-10%

Conclusion: invest where it shows

Renovations that most increase value are those that are seen and used daily: kitchen, bathrooms, energy efficiency. Very personal or niche improvements have low return.

Golden rule: renovate thinking of typical buyer in your area, not your personal tastes.