The hidden cost of bad renovations: how trendy choices could cut $36,000 off your home’s value
According to our new research, some of Australia’s most popular renovation trends may be quietly reducing property values by up to $36,000. After analysing real renovation regrets shared by Australians, and working alongside a leading property strategist, we found that certain high-maintenance and trend-driven upgrades could shave as much as four per cent off a home’s resale price.
To understand where homeowners may be going wrong, we conducted a Reddit sentiment analysis of Australian renovation discussions. Each comment was categorised by renovation type, room, reason for dissatisfaction and severity.
In a market where buyers are evaluating properties more intricately than ever, these design decisions matter. What may feel like a stylish upgrade today could narrow buyer appeal tomorrow.
Why renovation regrets are affecting resale value
More than one in three Australian renovation regrets, 34.8 per cent, were linked to high-maintenance finishes. A further 24.6 per cent stemmed from functionality issues, while 16.3 per cent were tied to designs that felt aesthetically outdated.
Katherine Stanley, Head of Homewares at Cooper & Co., notes that even simple cosmetic decisions could be directly influencing sale price outcomes.
“It’s easy to get swept up in a design trend that looks great from a styling perspective,” says Stanley. “But what feels fresh today can feel tired surprisingly fast. As a homeware and furniture brand, we see how quickly design cycles move. When a space leans too heavily into a short-lived trend or high-maintenance finish, it can lose its sense of longevity.”
“Taking a more considered and intentional approach, and choosing finishes that balance style with practicality, helps ensure a home feels current for longer while also protecting its long-term value.”
Teaming up with Property Strategist and Buyer’s Agent Rasti Vaibhav, he shared how much these renovation choices could influence home sale prices, reflective of current market conditions.
Among the most significant home value risks identified were poor-quality laminated flooring, certain tile choices, open-plan layouts, and trend-driven finishes.
“In today’s market, buyers are calculating risk at inspection. If something looks high maintenance, dates quickly, or feels expensive to fix, they are not just noticing it; they are pricing it in,” says Vaibhav. “Avoid renovations that create buyer uncertainty.”
Laminated flooring
Estimated erosion: $18,000 to $36,000 on a $1 million home
Vaibhav says poor-quality laminate flooring carries the highest potential value impact, reducing perceived value by two to four per cent depending on market conditions.
“Flooring has one of the largest visual surface areas in a property and can set the tone at inspection,” says Vaibhav. “And laminate can visually signal 'cost-cutting' renovation. If it sounds hollow, shows edge swelling or scratches easily, buyers immediately anticipate future replacement costs. If the floors feel temporary, the entire home can feel less substantial.”
Hybrid flooring, engineered timber or quality vinyl plank flooring in neutral tones and matte finishes can help preserve broader buyer appeal and long-term durability.
Marble countertops
Estimated erosion: $10,000 to $30,000 on a $1 million home
While marble aligns with expectations in prestige properties, in many mid-range homes it can feel impractical, especially in high-use kitchens. Vaibhav warns that it can narrow buyer appeal in mid-market Australian homes, impacting price by one to three per cent of the total property value, depending on the price bracket and current market conditions.
“Marble is visually luxurious, but it’s porous and prone to staining and etching,” says Vaibhav. “In family homes, buyers prioritise durability and low maintenance over aesthetic prestige. If the surface shows wear, they mentally factor in replacement costs and inconvenience.”
Porcelain slabs, compliant engineered stone alternatives or high-quality quartz surfaces can offer similar appeal with greater durability.
Open concept layouts
Estimated erosion: $10,000 to $30,000 on a $1 million home
Poorly executed open-plan designs that lack privacy or acoustic separation could reduce value by one to three per cent, particularly in family-oriented suburbs.
“The value risk is highest when open plan reduces the home’s ability to serve multiple lifestyles,” says Vaibhav. “Many buyers now want flexibility. Rooms they can close off for work, study or control noise levels. If the layout limits that flexibility, demand narrows.”
A ‘broken plan’ approach using partial walls, archways, sliding doors or varied ceiling heights can create defined zones without sacrificing light.
Dark finishes and black surfaces
Estimated erosion: $5,000 to $24,000 on a $1million to $1.2 million home
Black countertops and dark floor tiles can be divisive, particularly in homes with limited natural light. Water marks, fingerprints, and dust visibility can amplify the perception of high maintenance and could impact value by 0.5 to two per cent on estimate.
“Buyers pay for how a home feels. If it feels dark or cramped, even subconsciously, they adjust their offer,” says Vaibhav.
Using black tiles as an accent or opting for dark grey and charcoal tones with textured finishes and good lighting can help balance the space.
Trend-led tiles and intricate finishes
Estimated erosion: $5,000 to $20,000 on a $1 million home
Highly specific finishes such as penny tiles or heavy grout detailing may look striking initially but can age quickly, influencing perceived value by 0.5 to two per cent.
“The more specific a design choice, the more it narrows your buyer pool,” Vaibhav says. “What feels bold today can feel costly to reverse tomorrow. Intricate finishes and textures are harder to keep clean and appear visually ‘busy’, meaning higher maintenance and more opportunity for discolouration over time.”
Using detailed finishes sparingly and pairing them with larger format tiles and minimal grout contrast can offer greater resale flexibility.
Minor details, cumulative impact
Smaller features including open shelving, white grout, matte black tapware and worn white cabinetry, were also among the most common regrets identified in the Reddit analysis.
While these details rarely alter valuations directly, Vaibhav notes that they can contribute to cumulative buyer hesitation.
“Keep permanent features like floors, benchtops, tiles, and layout broadly appealing. Add personality through items that are easier and cheaper to change later. That approach protects both lifestyle and resale value.”
Designing for longevity and value
Our findings highlight the importance of balancing style with practicality. Trend-driven decisions may deliver short-term visual impact, but considered, timeless choices are more likely to protect long-term value.
At Cooper & Co., we focus on furniture and homewares including mirrors, lighting and photo frames designed to feel intentional, functional and suited to everyday living. If you are planning your next renovation or refresh, explore our considered collections and create a space that looks good, lives well and stands the test of time.
Methodology
The study analysed Reddit comments to identify the most common renovation and decorating regrets among Australians. Australian data was primarily sourced from r/AusRenovation, with one general thread from r/HomeDecorating. Only comments expressing genuine renovation regrets were included, and non-relevant or conversational responses were excluded. Each comment was categorised by renovation type, room location, regret category, reason, severity score and a standardised grouping label.
Results were calculated by grouping similar regrets and ranking them by frequency. Percentage shares were based on total relevant regret comments. A two-word phrase analysis was conducted on summarised complaint reasons to identify common drivers of dissatisfaction. In total, 545 Australian comments were analysed, with 276 classified as relevant renovation regrets. The data and insights were collected on February 2026, accurate as of then but subject to change
