Kitchen reno - to do or not to do

Skyeland

Hi there!

So over a year and a half ago I purchased a flat. It was built back in 2015, so almost 6 years old now (same goes for the kitchen). When I bought the flat in 2019, the kitchen had some water damage, but nothing major. However, the water damage on the cabinet doors near the sink has gotten worse over time, so I am debating whether to rip off the kitchen and put in a new high-quality one or just to replace all cabinet doors with a different brand (the body of the kitchen is not that bad, althought some of the high gloss white has yellowed because of sunlight). Personally, I would love to get rid of it and put in a brand new kitchen, but is this the smartest option considering that the current kitchen is only 6 years old? Would a new kitchen add significant value (i.e. at least a bit more than what it would cost me) to my flat or it just wouldn´t? I don´t want to spend all that money and then, when it comes to sell my flat, not be able to get some profit back.

I have seen online that fitting a new kitchen adds around 6% of the property´s value, but I believe this might be the case for older buildings or really out-of-date kitchens.

By the way, I would heartily avoid any kitchen by Paula Rosa Manhattan, it is for real the worst quality ever although they´ll say the contrary.

Thanks in advance for any input

Emmia

Whether there is any "profit" will probably depend on how quickly you sell after having the kitchen installed -  a refurbished/new kitchen may simply make your flat easier to sell, rather than getting you a higher price. 

6 years isn't old for a kitchen, the one we replaced last year was installed in 1998/1999 and aside from being dated, and having a rubbish sink was in ok condition...

-taff

Go on right move and look at similar properties for sale, the asking price and whether they have new kitchens or not.

Generally, flats don't seem appreciate in value as much as houses do so it's your call.

Alanp

I’d be inclined just to replace the cabinet doors, but then I’m a tight a##ed yorkshireman...

ryan7

You could replace one of the doors with a style and colour you like, screw it in and decide whether you're happy with the finish. 
Plenty of made to size door companies on eBay. 

gwynlas

A lot depends on the size of block the number of identtical kitchens and the number of flats for sale. I have seen a brand new developments where I would not want the kitchen fittted so that I could install my own. If tthe layout works for  you then you could just change the doors. Remember though when you come to sell it will still be a second hand kitchen so you are unlikely to recoup your spend. A percentage increase for a new kitchen is usually when an old very dated kitchen id refitted and the before and after price are compared.