14 Smart Home Upgrades To Boost Homes Value & ROI in Dubai

Let’s face it, remodelling is expensive… so it’s helpful to know what kind of renovations will serve your current functional needs as well as appeal to future buyers. Want to increase your home’s value and get a higher ROI in Dubai? Here are 14 smart home renovations that will maximize your property’s value.

1. Leaks? Fix It Now.

Work on any maintenance issues in your home before investing in major renovations. Look into fixing serious structural problems or outdated systems, and conduct a home inspection to find out what the issues are so you can prioritise the fixes.

A well-maintained home boosts the property’s overall condition and value. You also want peace of mind that everything is sorted before you move in, which can save you money in the long run.

2. Focus on Kitchen & Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are two areas that can have the biggest impact on your property value.

These rooms are often regarded as the most important in a home, and future homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for a modern and functional space with energy-efficient appliances.

Things that can enhance the look and functionality:

Kitchen

– New countertops and cabinets
– Smart home appliances
– Upgrade hardware and old appliances
– New flooring

Bathroom

– New tiles
– Add walk-in shower
– Replace and modernize fixtures
– New lighting

Upgrades that Add Space or Increase Square Footage (#3 – #6)

3. Break Down Those Walls

Open floor plans have become increasingly popular in recent years. If you have a sectional layout, knocking down non-structural walls to create a more open and spacious feel can make your home feel larger, more modern and flowing.

4. Make the Space Bigger

If your home feels lacking in space, add more square footage from a home’s exterior would help.

This could be in the form of an extension, finished basement or adding another floor.

Having a home office or an outdoor area to entertain or just relax in are tops on many homebuyers’ wish lists. A villa extension in Dubai remains one of the most popular ways to convert the home’s exterior into a new space. 

5. Improve Storage Space

What’s the biggest complains about apartments in Dubai? Lack of storage.

Look into adding shelves or cabinets in the garage, installing built-in storage in closets or adding space saving pantry in the kitchen.

6. Make Laundry Space Enjoyable

A laundry room remains the top feature that homebuyers want. Regardless of size, a well-designed and properly organized space can actually make your chores more enjoyable.

There are always clever hacks that help maximize narrow spaces and tiny closets, keeping supplies within reach and clothes folding more comfortable.

7. Change the Flooring

If you have outdated tiles or damaged flooring, consider replacing it with a more modern flooring option.

Hardwood floors are often a popular choice that can add value to your property in most countries, but they are hard to maintain and can warp in Dubai’s summer heat.  

Other popular flooring alternatives include laminate, SPC or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, which can provide a similar look for a lower cost, and are easy to maintain.

8. Install Energy Efficiency & Smart Home Kitchen Features

Smart home features are becoming increasingly valuable to homebuyers.

If you are planning to do a full renovation, this is the best time to open up the ceiling, re-wire, and integrate these smart features.  

With high-income buyers appreciating these more often, smart home features will make your home appeal more modern while saving cost on energy bills in the long run.

Smart home features that have broad appeal:  

• Smart home thermostat
• LED lighting
• Security cameras
• Wireless home security system
• Video doorbells
• Energy-efficient windows

9. Improve Lighting

Lighting can have a big impact on how a home looks and feels. Good lighting can make even tiny rooms feel larger and more inviting.

If your home doesn’t have good natural light, try adding new fixtures, replacing bulbs with brighter options and adding more natural light with larger windows.

Add mirrors: Strategically adding mirrors can also bring more lighting into a room. We love the idea of adding a mirror behind your door! Not only does it add light to a small room, it’s space saving and functional. 

10. Embellish the Entrance

The first thing homebuyers will see, both online and in person, is your home’s exterior.

That is why it is important to make your first impression… impressive. This can be achieved through landscaping, painting the exterior, and adding new outdoor lighting.

Replacing the front door has been popular especially the aluminium doors that has the best result in security and weatherproofing. They fit more tightly into door-frames, and can keep all the sand, dust, and noise out while helping to lower your AC bills.

11. Keep it Neutral

Bold bright colors and over-the-top designs may be appealing to some buyers, but they can also turn off others.

Generally speaking, stick to neutrals — gray, beige, or greige and white palette in your designs. They appeal to a wide range of taste and are timeless.

Best Low-Cost Home Improvements 

While grand renovations can add value, the subtle, well-thought-out upgrades often offer the best ROI.

1. New Interior & Exterior Paint

Just a fresh coat of paint can really make a big difference!

Most homes have wear and tear, cracks and nail holes on the wall where frames used to hang. A fresh coat of paint in the right colors (stick to neutrals) will give your home a fresh and well-maintained look.

Painting your front door and the entire exterior can also have a big impact on ROI. It gives a brand new look on the outside as well as a great first impression.  

2. Small Bathroom & Kitchen Fixes

You don’t need to rip out tile or add all new fixtures to give your bathroom a makeover. They can be simple fixes.

Upgrades that elevate the entire look of the kitchens and bathrooms include:

• New cabinet handles
• Modern backsplash
• Upgraded appliances
• Re-grout the tile
• Seal up cracks
• Replace outdated lighting to LED lights
• Reglaze tub (instead of replacing the tub)

3. Wrapping

‘Wrapping’ is a creative way to upgrade an outdated kitchen without the need to replace any cabinets or countertop units. It has become very popular, and for good reason.

You can wrap kitchen cabinets, countertop, backsplash, wardrobes, doors, and even fridge and dishwashers. Wrapping companies here offer a wide range of colors, textures, patterns, and finishes to suit any design style and preferences.

Not only is vinyl wrapping a quick and easy alternative to save on remodeling cost, it’s also a smart home solution that adds value to the property and increase rental value by 10-20%.

Next: Wrapping – Budget Friendly Way to Save Renovation Costs in Dubai