If you’re thinking about selling your home in Vancouver, you may be wondering: should I renovate first — or just sell it as-is? With the market constantly shifting and buyer expectations evolving, many homeowners are unsure whether renovations are worth the time, cost, and effort.
In this guide, we’ll help you make an informed decision using Vancouver-specific resale trends, real return-on-investment (ROI) data, and expert insight into which upgrades actually matter — and when it’s better to just stage and sell.
Renovate or Sell As-Is? The Vancouver Context
Vancouver’s real estate market in 2025 is competitive — but also price-sensitive. Buyers are still willing to pay a premium for move-in-ready homes, but over-renovating in hopes of hitting a “jackpot price” doesn’t always pan out.
According to data from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) and insights from local appraisers, the average ROI on home renovations in Vancouver ranges from 55% to 90%, depending on the type and scope of the project.
Read more: What Happens If You Can’t Afford Your Mortgage in Vancouver?
💰 What’s the ROI on Common Renovations in Vancouver?
| Renovation Project | Avg. ROI in Vancouver (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor kitchen upgrade | 75% – 90% | New cabinet fronts, counters, hardware |
| Bathroom renovation | 65% – 80% | Especially in master or main bath |
| Paint & cosmetic refresh | 70% – 100% | High ROI for minimal cost |
| Flooring replacement | 70% – 85% | Laminate & engineered hardwood are popular |
| Full kitchen renovation | 60% – 75% | May not fully recoup in all areas |
| Basement suite addition | 50% – 70% | Great for rental potential |
| Roof/windows/insulation | 50% – 65% | Important, but buyers don’t “see” it |
| Landscaping improvements | 50% – 70% | Boosts curb appeal, but ROI varies |
Source: REBGV REALTOR® Reports, [Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report (Canada Edition)]
🏘️ Case Study: East Vancouver Detached Home
A 1960s-era East Van bungalow was recently listed for $1.55M in original condition. After spending $40K on light renovations — fresh paint, updated lighting, refinished hardwood floors, and a bathroom refresh — the home sold for $1.68M within 10 days.
The seller recouped their costs and added $90K in resale value, netting a significant return and reducing time on market.
💡 Takeaway: In high-demand neighbourhoods, targeted upgrades often pay off — especially when paired with professional staging and quality listing photos.
Read more: Renting vs Buying in Vancouver: Which Is Better in 2025?
🛠️ Renovations That Pay Off Most in Vancouver
1. Kitchens (Minor > Major)
You don’t have to gut the entire kitchen to see results. A $10K–$15K refresh can often go further than a $50K overhaul.
- Reface or repaint cabinets
- Upgrade countertops to quartz
- Add modern pulls and lighting
- Replace old appliances with stainless or panel-ready options
2. Bathrooms
A clean, modern bathroom is a major selling point — especially in older homes. Focus on:
- New vanity & sink
- Re-tiling or reglazing tubs
- Matte black or brushed nickel fixtures
- Upgraded lighting and mirrors
3. Paint & Floors
Few things offer more bang for your buck than a fresh coat of neutral paint and updated flooring.
- Use light greys, soft whites, or warm taupes
- Replace old carpet with laminate or engineered hardwood
- Refinish original hardwood when possible
4. Curb Appeal Enhancements
Buyers make snap judgments before they step inside. Boost first impressions with:
- Landscaping refresh
- New front door or updated house numbers
- Pressure-washing driveway and siding
- Exterior lighting upgrades
🚫 When Renovating Isn’t Worth It
Sometimes, the best decision is to sell as-is — especially if:
- The home needs major systems upgrades (electrical, foundation, plumbing)
- You’re targeting developers or renovators
- You’re under a tight timeline or financial pressure
- Comparable homes nearby are selling in original condition
In these cases, it’s often smarter to price the property competitively and market it to buyers seeking a “blank slate”.
🆚 Renovating vs. Staging: What’s the Better Play?
If you’re tight on budget or time, professional staging can often deliver a bigger ROI than renovations.
According to a Canadian Home Staging Association survey, staged homes sell:
- 3x faster
- For 6–15% more on average
- With fewer price reductions
Cost: $2,000–$4,000 on average in Vancouver, depending on the size and level of staging.
🛋️ Tip: Even vacant condos benefit from virtual staging if physical staging isn’t feasible.
💼 Selling in Burnaby or the Suburbs? Adjust Your Strategy
In Burnaby, New Westminster, or Richmond, the renovation ROI math changes slightly depending on:
- Property type (condo vs detached)
- Buyer profile (families vs investors)
- Inventory levels in the area
For example:
- In Brentwood, newer condos may not need much beyond a deep clean and paint.
- In South Burnaby, detached homes built in the 1970s–90s may benefit from a $10–20K cosmetic upgrade.
- In Richmond, older homes on large lots often appeal to builders — skip renos and price based on land value.
🧮 Should You Renovate? Ask These 5 Questions First
- Who is my likely buyer — end user or investor?
- How long will I stay in the home if it doesn’t sell right away?
- Do nearby sold listings show renovated finishes or dated ones?
- Can I access funds without going into debt?
- Will this renovation reduce days on market or boost sale price?
If your answers lean toward “yes” on 3 or more, a light renovation may be worth it — especially if done with expert guidance.
Final Word: Strategic Renovation Is Often Worth It — But Not Always
In Vancouver’s 2025 real estate market, strategic, cosmetic renovations can absolutely boost your home’s resale value — especially when combined with smart pricing, staging, and marketing.
But don’t fall into the trap of over-improving for the neighbourhood, or sinking $50K into upgrades you won’t recoup.
Your best bet? Speak with a Vancouver real estate agent and ask for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) showing how your home compares to similar sold properties — both renovated and original condition.
📚 Further Reading & Resources
My name is Jay, a longtime Metro Vancouverite sharing local real estate tips and my own photos of the city’s homes and neighbourhoods here on Vancouver Home Hub. Hope you find my blog useful! Feel free to reach out anytime at vancouverhomehub@gmail.com if you have questions.
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