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Original poster

Kitchen (very small!) for resale - is dishwasher needed?

37 replies

Oakbutterfly · 03/05/2025 22:37

Hello,

I've just moved into a house but split up with my partner so won't be staying here for long. Maybe just over a year. It needs a new kitchen - and the current one is very small - the fridge freezer is currently under counter, the fuse box and electricity meter occupies one of the cupboards, and there isn't a dishwasher. I am planning a redesign, and struggling to fit everything in, especially if we try to fit in a full size fridge freezer. How critical is a dishwasher for resale? It would probably mean not having any drawers...

The property is a fairly small 2 bed house in a row of three (all occupied by single people or couples atm).

I am currently using fridge freezer in the shed.

OP posts:
Washingupdone · 04/05/2025 02:51

I am by my myself and I use my dishwasher. I would not like to be without one.

Maybe draw a plan so others could give you some ideas.

Advocodo · 04/05/2025 07:09

It wouldn’t bother me not having a dishwasher.

Gundogday · 04/05/2025 07:12

I wouldn’t expect a dishwasher in a small house. Having drawers is more important to me.

Trolllol · 04/05/2025 07:15

For one/two people, no problem. Anything bigger than that and yes dishwasher needed. Could you fit in a small slim line one?

NotMeNoNo · 04/05/2025 07:17

I think it's fine not to have a dishwasher, but make sure there's a proper functional 1.5 bowl sink with a draining board. Fridge and drawers are more important.

DigitalTissue · 04/05/2025 07:17

I'd say no, if you're planning to sell

Gemstonebeach · 04/05/2025 07:18

What about a dish drawer? That’s perfect for one to two people. And you can put the pot/pan drawer underneath it.

Seamond · 04/05/2025 07:19

I would only put a dishwasher in if you want one, not just for resale and I would probably get a slimline one in a small kitchen

Darkgreendarkbark · 04/05/2025 07:20

A household of 1-2 people doesn't need a full size dishwasher, and in fact it would surely be a hindrance as it would take ages to fill up. Slimline dishwasher is nice to have. Lack of dishwasher wouldn't stop me buying a house, no way. It's not hard to fit one on later if you really want one.

Seamond · 04/05/2025 07:25

We have a slimline dishwasher, there are two of us and it is just the right size for daily use

Paaseitjes · 04/05/2025 07:27

I would expect a dishwasher but probably a half one. Being single doesn't reduce the drudgery!

verycloakanddaggers · 04/05/2025 07:29

You don't have to have a dishwasher for resale. People sell houses in all sorts of conditions. If you're planning to sell it might not even be worth redoing the kitchen.

Twiglets1 · 04/05/2025 07:31

I would put in a slimline one if possible as think a lot of people expect them these days. You need to show in the new kitchen that there is space for at least a slimline dishwasher. Ideally the fuse box & electricity meter would be moved but I don’t know how expensive that would be.

I don’t understand why you have a fridge freezer under counter and in the shed if you are just one person living there?

TheTwenties · 04/05/2025 07:37

Can you add a photo of current kitchen plus dimensions? One thing to do to maximise the limited space is have everything go to the ceiling and as deep as possible. Howden’s do extra high and extra deep wall cupboards which give so much more storage space.

Twiglets1 · 04/05/2025 07:45

You could get a free kitchen design from one of the kitchen shops like Wren— you don’t have to use them but the kitchen design service could be useful.

Original poster
Oakbutterfly · 05/05/2025 22:04

The one under the counter is tiny - the freezer barely fits anything into it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Oakbutterfly · 05/05/2025 22:04

Thanks - yes getting a few done - but they are all quite awkward.

OP posts:
Seamond · 05/05/2025 22:11

Oakbutterfly · 05/05/2025 22:04

The one under the counter is tiny - the freezer barely fits anything into it.

Is it one of those fridges with a small freezing compartment for a couple of things and ice tray, they are more for temporary use.

JDM625 · 05/05/2025 22:13

If you are only staying a year, can't you make do with the current kitchen and buy a table top washing machine you could take with you?

Original poster
Oakbutterfly · 05/05/2025 22:14

The current kitchen is pretty awful - the sink has issues, the oven is broken etc - I was hoping to add a bit of value by upgrading it if possible. Might also be better for tenants.

OP posts:
Original poster
Oakbutterfly · 05/05/2025 22:16

Plan if it helps - but was mainly wanting to find out if it was okay to skip the dishwasher - so thank you for your help!

Kitchen (very small!) for resale - is dishwasher needed?
OP posts:
Original poster
Oakbutterfly · 05/05/2025 22:17

Yes - I'm kind of okay with using the one in the shed, but I'm not sure if tenants or the next person to buy it would be. It is a bit of a pain - I can't even see most of what is in the fridge.

OP posts:
Original poster
Oakbutterfly · 05/05/2025 22:17

Thanks for all the responses!

OP posts:
BashfulClam · 05/05/2025 22:28

Darkgreendarkbark · 04/05/2025 07:20

A household of 1-2 people doesn't need a full size dishwasher, and in fact it would surely be a hindrance as it would take ages to fill up. Slimline dishwasher is nice to have. Lack of dishwasher wouldn't stop me buying a house, no way. It's not hard to fit one on later if you really want one.

Edited

There are two of us and I have filled my dishwasher twice today 🤷🏻‍♀️

BashfulClam · 05/05/2025 22:31

In a fire the fist thing I will drag out is my dishwasher. There are two of us and I have put it on twice today as it was full. I would rather sit on a sanding belt going full pelt than wash dishes!