High-ROI Interiors: 5 Strategic Upgrades That Boost Property Value

By Louise Wynne, Founder of WildKind Interiors

I’ve spent enough time with SME property developers to know one thing for sure: if the numbers don’t work, the design doesn’t matter. But the right interior design upgrades can directly increase a property’s value and reduce time on the market.

In 2025, savvy developers are prioritising design-led decisions that drive ROI (return on investment), improve buyer perception and help their developments stand out.

Here are five high-impact interior design upgrades I recommend to developers looking to maximise returns without blowing the budget. These are the areas I consistently see delivering strong results, both visually and commercially.

Kitchens That Add Real Value

Kitchens sell homes. Full stop.

A great-looking kitchen doesn’t need to be expensive, but it must feel considered. Cabinetry that suits the target buyer, whether sleek and handleless or more classic with subtle detailing, sets the tone. Integrated appliances create a seamless look, and durable stone-effect worktops suggest quality without the premium price tag.

Lighting matters too: under-cabinet LEDs or a feature pendant add perceived value for very little cost.

I often advise allocating the biggest chunk of the interiors budget here because kitchens deliver a measurable return. And don’t forget that kitchens are the heart of the home. In property development, they’re often the heart of the deal. It’s where buyers picture themselves living and where they start to justify the asking price.

For buyers, the kitchen carries weight: more than any other room, it signals quality, lifestyle and liveability. It’s one of the first spaces they assess and one of the last they remember.

For more insight, take a look at this Rightmove article on what adds the most value to a home.

Bathrooms That Feel Boutique

Much like kitchens, bathrooms influence perception of quality and you can achieve a high-end look without overspending.

We use a hotel-inspired approach to help developments stand out: walk-in showers, wall-hung vanities, brushed brass or black fixtures. Add large-format tiles (pairing them with a smaller feature tile works beautifully), good lighting and simple styling and you’ve got a bathroom that elevates the entire development.

According to the Home Staging Association UK, staged homes, often featuring upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, sell up to three times faster and typically for a higher price: as explained in this article.

And yes, this applies even in modestly priced homes. A beautifully styled bathroom communicates care, which buyers translate into value. Perceived value is everything.

Lighting That Adds Layers (and Luxury)

Lighting is the most underrated design tool I see developers miss. Done well, it completely changes how a space feels and how it photographs.

Are you a fan of the “big light”? A single central ceiling light that attempts to do everything? I’m not. And I’m not the only one.

For a high-spec feel, use a three-point lighting strategy: ambient (dimmable wall lights, pendants or table lamps), task (under-cabinet lighting or a desk lamp) and accent (picture lights over artwork or feature pendants).

The goal is to create a space that feels layered and warm, not flat or cold.

Lighting also plays beautifully with CGIs and marketing photos. A softly lit room instantly feels more premium and you get to create that effect without stretching your budget out of control.

Smart Joinery Solutions

Built-in storage solves problems before buyers even realise they exist. Where do the coats go? Is there anywhere to stash the hoover? How do I keep everyday clutter out of sight?

Done well, joinery is a double win: it makes a space work harder and look better. Think window seats with discreet storage, full-height wardrobes that visually disappear, or alcove shelving that turns "dead space" into added value. In the dining room below, we took two awkward alcoves and created compact desk space for occasional working from home.

And the ROI? It’s universal. Buyers always say the same thing: “You can never have enough storage.” They’re right and developers who design it in from the start instantly elevate buyer perception.

Layouts That Make Sense

Never underestimate the power of a well-planned layout. We always start with a GA (General Arrangement) drawing to ensure the space functions in the best possible way.

We’ve prevented countless costly mistakes at this stage: awkward door swings, wasted corners, kitchens that cramp dining zones. Fixing these early can save thousands and dramatically improve liveability.

For developers, this translates into homes that feel bigger, function better and photograph beautifully all of which contribute to faster sales and stronger offers.

The ROI of Great Design

In my experience, design-led developments sell faster, command stronger offers and build brand reputation for future projects.

So the question becomes: can you afford not to optimise your interiors?

According to the RICS Residential Market Survey, buyer expectations around quality, usability and presentation continue to rise meaning well-designed interiors aren’t a nice-to-have, they’re a commercial advantage.

If you’re planning a new development, get in touch to see how WildKind Interiors can help you build value from the inside out.

About the author: Louise Wynne lives in Yorkshire and has been working with house builders and property developers nationally since 2006. Combining interior design and styling with her colour psychology expertise, Louise gets to the heart of her clients’ requirements.