September 1, 2026, 2:49 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Real estate is generally considered a good investment. But what if you want to enhance the value of your own home a bit more? Are there renovations that significantly increase a property’s value, or are they more minor improvements that slightly boost the selling price? myHOMEBOOK spoke with a realtor about this.
Follow myHOMEBOOK on WhatsApp now
3 Renovations That Can Be Worthwhile When Selling
Some renovations may suit only your personal preferences and not the tastes of potential buyers. This can make it difficult to sell your property. However, there are also renovations that increase the value of the house. myHOMEBOOK asked real estate agent David Gramzow about this.
1. Energy-Efficient Renovations Like Heat Pumps and Better Insulation
In times of changing climate, energy efficiency is a top priority. In winter, the house should retain heat as long as possible, and in summer, the living space should be cooled with minimal effort. Older houses, in particular, are often harder to sell because they usually have outdated insulation and lack heat pumps. Instead, they are mostly heated with oil or gas. This is why heat pumps and new insulation can be value-boosting renovations for those looking to sell an older home.
“Energy-efficient renovation remains the strongest value driver because energy efficiency is now a critical exclusion criterion for many buyers,” says David Gramzow. In addition to heat pumps and better insulation materials in the house, a new heating system can also be worthwhile if the house is to be sold.
Also interesting: These 4 renovations can negatively impact property sales
2. Solidly Built Pools in the Garden
For many, it’s particularly convenient to buy a pool from a hardware store that just needs to be set up. This process is usually quite quick, and the water can be filled in rapidly since these pool structures are generally not very large. You can splash around in them rather than swim laps. These pools are practical because they are inexpensive to purchase and easy to dismantle in the fall or winter. However, as part of a home’s amenities, they cannot be sold. At least, they are not a structural renovation and therefore do not increase value.
Instead, a permanently installed pool on the property is more worthwhile, as David Gramzow says. “A solidly built outdoor pool with proper technology like a filtration system, heating, or even a cover is definitely a plus, especially in the summer months,” he adds.
However, it is important that builders comply with all regulations for this renovation. An in-ground pool is subject to building codes for the property. If these are not followed, an illegally built pool is a point against the sale.
Also interesting: Can you fill the pool with well water?
3. Outdoor Kitchens
A perhaps surprising point, but no less lucrative, according to Gramzow, are outdoor kitchens. Gramzow has noticed a trend in this area for years. “It’s best if the kitchen is permanently installed–with a grill and bar, ideally with a roof or shade. This is increasingly being seen as a fully-fledged additional living space and is accordingly valued,” the realtor explains to myHOMEBOOK.
How Much Added Value Do These Renovations Offer?
The exact increase in property value from these renovations cannot be precisely determined. It depends on numerous factors, such as the size of the property and the extent of the renovation. A smaller pool usually offers less value increase than a larger pool with, for example, a cover. However, the more money potential buyers can save in the future as homeowners through heat pumps and the like, the more they are willing to pay for the property.
David Gramzow adds, “For all these measures, the value recovery is often between 50 and 80 percent of the costs.” This means that if you have a solidly built pool installed in the ground for 20,000 euros, you can ask for between 10,000 and 16,000 euros when selling.