How much to spend on a kitchen?

[BurningTheToast]

We've recently bought what will hopefully be our dream 'forever house'. Seriously, it's amazing with the sea lapping beneath the windows and a folly in the garden. With covid and the amount of work that needs to be done, we got for a pretty good price, comparatively. We're very lucky.

However, it is possible, though not likely, that we may sell it in a couple of years, depending on family needs, caring responsibilities and so on, and move back to the city, so we're renovating with a bit more of an eye on resale that we would otherwise.

Without getting into prices, is there a ballpark percentage of house value that we should expect to spend on the kitchen? On the one hand, I could install Ikea jazzed up with good sink/taps and worktop or should I venture into seriously fancy bespoke territory? If we're looking at the middle - most likely - the only thing I've decided is that I won't be letting Magnet fitters through the door after the last time!

Any thoughts? Thanks

If it’s a house with a folly in the garden, then sounds expensive? Ikea might be a little on the cheap side for it. Maybe Handmade Kitchens Direct could work as a cheap way of getting a more bespoke look.

If it’s a house with a folly in the garden, then sounds expensive

I suppose but I don't want to be vulgar and talk prices! The folly is a bit of a thing though - on the one hand it's the remains of a castle stayed in by Charles II but on the other, not much of it is left and it's had a hard life. The surveyor referred to it rather sneeringly as a "ruinous outbuilding". But for a girl born in a council house, I'm still rather chuffed with it! One of the kitchen windows is high up and gives a nice view of the battlements...

Will check out Handmade Kitchens Direct - thanks

@JoJoSM2

If it’s a house with a folly in the garden, then sounds expensive? Ikea might be a little on the cheap side for it. Maybe Handmade Kitchens Direct could work as a cheap way of getting a more bespoke look.

Also known as Handmade kitchens of Christchurch www.handmadekitchens-direct.co.uk/ and well regarded on here.

Our kitchen is ordered from them.

I have used and always now recommend having a look at DIY Kitchens. Easy to use planner, great quality products and a very good price point.

We're in a similarish boat, we could stay here long term but on the other hand may move in 4 years at the end of youngest dd's primary years.

My HMK is being fitted as we speak. It's not painted yet but if you want to see any pictures of the unit quality then I can add some. Mine came to about 7k for the units (no appliances or worktops etc.).

Completely depends on the type of house. Is it at the bottom of the market or the top?

Completely depends on the type of house. Is it at the bottom of the market or the top?

Naturally. I hate saying because it's vulgar to talk about prices, that's why I was talking in percentage terms. It's a waterfront house with a folly in the back garden so, you know, not bottom end.

@SollaSollew - would love to see pictures please!

My photography isn’t great but hopefully this captures it a bit...

It might be vulgar to talk about prices and money in real life, but you’re on the internet on an anonymous forum and the more precise you can be about figures, the more useful precise info people can give.

If it’s an expensive house I’d buy an expensive kitchen. Many paying a lot for a house expects the interior to match.
I’m v persuaded by posh interiors for example!

If the sea is lapping below the windows, I’d suggest a cheap kitchen and sell the house fast before it disappears into the sea 😳

You’re right @WombatChocolate.

When renovated, the house would sell for £750-£800k, bit more on a good day. If we do something with the ruin (DH and architect friend have all sorts of crazy ideas!), the probably a bit more.

We’re almost certainly putting an Aga in, with the module with gas hob and ovens for summer use. But that’s pretty much as far as we’ve got so far, decision-wise.

I've just had a wren kitchen and used my own fitters.

Darker Grey and rose gold. I love it. Well priced in the sale. I'm happy with the quality.

@Chumleymouse - don’t worry - the house is high enough up and built on a granite outcrop. Pretty sure it’s not going anywhere! Mind you, if the council stick to their guns on wooden windows instead of aluminium we’re going to get through a lot of those. On a windy day the waves break on the rock and spray covers the windows, upstairs as well as down!

Pleeeease post a link to your house!! Is it still on Rigtmove or archived anywhere?!!

@FusionChefGeoff

Pleeeease post a link to your house!! Is it still on Rigtmove or archived anywhere?!!

Nooo - far too outing!

@nancybotwinbloom

Interesting re Wren - I like their kitchens but have heard such horror stories. DH normally installs our kitchens and I have fab plumber so maybe we could just buy the units from them.... Do post a pic though - love seeing other people's kitchens!

Sounds idyllic!
For a house with £800k I would spend 40k tops I think? I assume you are having a country/classic style so solid wood would look good.

I find Instagram great for looking at other people’s kitchens - here’s the page for Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch www.instagram.com/p/CH_OFimHvvm/?igshid=18l2rc5h6y3kh

I'd go for a Neptune kitchen in a house at that price point. It will be classic and will help sell the house. They're a solid brand and the level that would be expected in that house. You can't really get away with a DIY kitchens or any of the wren/howdens etc. Anyone in that price bracket would spot it a mile away and would subtract 60k for a new kitchen.

I’d probably spend 40-60k on a kitchen for a house that price. In terms of brands I’d be looking at DeVol, Smallbone, Tom Howley, 1909, etc.

Neptune would be my choice too. Not wooden worktops though. Around 10% of purchase price. You need something to look pristine in several years if you sell. You also want to love the kitchen. Our kitchen cabinetry and new appliances was £35,000 (minus a few appliances we already owned) 10 years ago. Our house is worth a lot more than yours now but the kitchen still looks great. We had shaker but high quality finishes. Miele etc. A named kitchen helps sell houses. Special ones should have special kitchens!

You won’t get a Smallbone kitchen for £40k. Martin Moore start at £35k. Look a bit below these on price. You are not in Smallbone territory at under £1m. John Lewis kitchens might be worth a shout.

Thanks @Qc16 - I love this kitchen by Handmade Kitchens: www.instagram.com/p/CHoCovjHrZc/ The dark colour would be good given that our dog spends so much of his time paddling on the beach and seems to brush against everything when he comes in.

We have a nearby branch of Tom Howley and I haven't braved their showroom yet but I know we won't get Smallbone for 40-60k. A friend had a DeVol kitchen and wasn't a fan.

Neptune look nice - I've requested their brochure.