When it comes to resale value, not all home upgrades deliver the same return. While cosmetic improvements can help a property stand out, buyers today are far more discerning about what truly adds long-term value.
To understand what matters most, Property Finder spoke with Junaid Imtiaz, founder of J&H Properties, as part of its Expert Insights series. Drawing on years of experience working with buyers and sellers across the UAE, Junaid shares the features that consistently influence demand, pricing, and resale potential.
Which home features have the strongest impact on resale value in today’s market?
According to Junaid, resale value is rarely driven by a single feature. Instead, it’s shaped by a combination of fundamentals, starting with layout and location.
For end users and families in particular, how space is distributed inside the home is critical. Spacious living areas, functional room flow, and layouts that support everyday family life tend to outperform smaller or inefficient designs. This is especially relevant in the UAE, where outdoor activities are limited during the hotter months, and families spend more time indoors.
Location remains just as important. Proximity to amenities, schools, and established communities continues to influence buyer demand, particularly for family-oriented neighbourhoods. Beyond structure and layout, how a home is presented can significantly impact buyer perception. Junaid highlights that staging, cleanliness, and overall “feel” often determine whether a buyer connects with a property.
While minor defects can be factored into pricing, poorly presented homes tend to turn buyers away entirely. A well-staged property that clearly demonstrates how spaces can be used helps buyers visualise themselves living there, which can directly support stronger offers.
Why do certain upgrades, such as modern kitchens, renovated bathrooms, or energy-efficient features, tend to increase a property’s value more than others?
Modern kitchens, upgraded bathrooms, and completed renovations continue to command a premium, largely because buyers value convenience. Many purchasers, particularly expatriates, prefer homes that require minimal work and can be occupied immediately.
Renovations done to a high standard don’t just increase asking prices; they also reduce friction in the buying process. Buyers often want to avoid the time, approvals, and coordination involved in upgrades, making finished homes more attractive from both a practical and emotional standpoint.
Are there specific layout or design features that buyers consistently prioritise when determining whether a home is worth a higher price?
Certain spaces consistently influence buyer decisions more than others. Well-designed kitchens, bright and functional living areas, and spacious master bedrooms are often deal-makers.
These spaces are where buyers imagine daily life unfolding, and quality finishes, good lighting, and thoughtful design can justify higher prices. Homes that feel comfortable, cohesive, and easy to live in tend to perform better in resale scenarios.
From your experience, which improvements offer the best return on investment for homeowners preparing to sell?
While cosmetic improvements can help, Junaid stresses that buyers are increasingly focused on build quality and foundations. With access to detailed property information online, buyers today are more educated and more cautious.
In some cases, older properties with solid construction outperform newer homes that show early signs of wear. From a resale perspective, homes with strong foundations and good maintenance often offer better long-term value than those relying solely on superficial upgrades.
Looking ahead, what emerging features or trends do you expect will influence resale value in the coming years?
Market dynamics are also evolving. More tenants are transitioning into homeowners, particularly families purchasing properties for long-term use rather than short-term investment.
In areas such as Ras Al Khaimah, where the ready property supply remains limited, family-friendly homes that are well-maintained and thoughtfully designed are seeing strong demand. As a result, resale value is increasingly tied to livability rather than yield.
The Takeaway for Homeowners
For sellers looking to maximise resale value, the focus should be on fundamentals first: layout, location, build quality, and presentation. While cosmetic upgrades can help, buyers ultimately place greater value on homes that are functional, move-in ready, and built to last.
As buyer behaviour continues to shift toward end use, properties that support everyday living are likely to remain the strongest performers in the resale market.
Junaid Imtiaz
Founder at J&H Properties
Junaid Imtiaz brings over 18 years of sales experience, including 11 years in the UAE real estate market, with a strong track record across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. After four years in Dubai, he spent seven years in Ras Al Khaimah, where he built deep market expertise and long-standing client relationships.
As Founder of J&H Properties FZ LLC, Junaid advises clients across the Ras Al Khaimah market, guiding buyers and sellers through residential transactions with a focus on quality, long-term value, and client trust.
