3 reasons why an open-plan layout may devalue your home – say experts

It's easy to see the appeal of an open-plan when looking at your home from a design perspective. This chic layout often feels light and spacious – and is an entertainer's dream. However, it isn't quite as idyllic through a real estate agent's lens. 

Estate experts have revealed that your open-plan layout may be hindering your home's chances on the market – most significantly in a post-pandemic world when open-plan living room ideas are less sought-after. 

Do open-plan layouts devalue your home? 

We caught up with real estate professionals to find out whether you should interrupt your open-plan kitchen ideas – or whether this layout remains in demand worldwide. Here's what you need to know. 

'Open-plan layouts are popular in homes today. However, some people believe that an open-plan layout devalues a home. There are several reasons why this might be the case,' explains Mark Wolens, the Principal and Director at Woden and Weston Creek. 

1. Open-plan spaces can be difficult to maintain 

One of the main benefits of an open-plan layout is that your living room, kitchen, and often your entryway all flow into one. However, this can be one of its biggest downfalls too. 

'An open-plan layout can be difficult to manage. The homeowner may need to constantly clean up after family members or pets who do not stay in one designated space,' Mark says. It can, therefore, be difficult to find a quiet space for work calls or private conservations when you face noise from other areas in the room. 

'Potential buyers may be turned off by the lack of privacy or the potential for increased noise levels. They may also be concerned about the difficulty of managing an open-plan space,' Mark explains. 'As a result, a home with an open-plan layout may be valued less than a traditional home with separate rooms.'

2. Open-plan spaces can feel challenging to renovate 

Most potential buyers go into a property with the intention to make the house their own – however, Illinois licensed real estate broker Bill Samuel from Blue Ladder Development suggests that this can feel harder when it comes to an open-plan layout.

He says that, in some cases, this layout can make a home harder to sell, as 'it can be difficult for buyers to envision how to use a wide-open space.'

'If buyers start to consider a lot of the open-concept space as unusable, then it is highly likely your open concept floor plan may be impacting the resale value of your home,' Bill says. The expert adds that it is therefore important to have your home 'professionally staged for these types of floor plans' so people can see exactly how to use the space.

3. Open-plan layouts may impact the resale value 

A stylish open-plan layout may seem like one of the best ways to add value to your home, but Mark warns that they may have the opposite effect, especially in terms of resale value. 

'A homeowner might not be able to change the layout if they decide to sell in the future, limiting their ability to appeal to buyers who may have different preferences,' the agent explains. 

Should you rethink your open-plan? 

While the experts warn that this decorating idea may have negative repercussions on your house value, they admit that some buyers may be attracted to this stylish way of living. 

'An open-plan layout can add value to a home if it meets the needs of the homeowner and future buyers,' Mark says. 'For this reason, it is essential to carefully consider whether this type of layout is right for your home before making a final decision.'

The style and freedom of an open-plan will surely continue to set interior design trends for a long time to come. However, if you're thinking of selling your home soon, it's worth bearing these expert opinions in mind.