Design Features That Can Raise Your Home’s Sale Price—According to Zillow

unnamed (2)

If you’ve ever asked, “What upgrades will give me the best return when I sell?”—Zillow just dropped some valuable insights that answer exactly that.

According to their latest research, certain indoor and outdoor features can significantly boost a home’s sale price, with many of them adding $12,500 or more in value. These are the elements buyers are willing to pay a premium for, especially when they reflect bold, nature-inspired design and luxury lifestyle amenities.


💎 Top Interior Design Features That Boost Home Sale Prices

Here’s what Zillow found to have the biggest impact inside the home:

  • Soapstone Countertops – Homes with soapstone counters sell for 3.5% more than comparable homes. With their natural veining and deep gray hue, they deliver a sleek, earthy vibe that buyers love.
  • White Oak Flooring – White oak is trending for its warm, minimalist look. It can raise sale prices by 3.2%, according to Zillow’s analysis.
  • Venetian Plaster Walls – This classic European finish is back in a big way, adding 3.0% to final sale prices on average. Its texture and depth give any room a sophisticated touch.

🌿 Outdoor Features That Add Value

It’s not just what’s inside that counts. Outdoor amenities also carry a big premium:

  • Outdoor Shower – Especially sought after in Southern California’s beachside neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu, homes with outdoor showers saw a 2.8% increase in sale price.
  • Outdoor Kitchen – Al fresco living is a key luxury draw in Los Angeles real estate. Homes featuring an outdoor kitchen brought in a 2.2% price boost.
  • Bluestone Patio – Elegant and timeless, this natural stone patio feature raised sale prices by 2.2% as well.

🔍 Our Take

We get this question all the time from sellers: “What features should I invest in before listing my home?”

Thanks to this Zillow report, we have specific answers—and they can mean thousands more at the closing table.

You don’t need a full renovation to make a difference. A soapstone kitchen island or a stylish outdoor shower may be all it takes to make your home stand out in a competitive Los Angeles market.

Whether you’re selling a luxury estate in Brentwood or a charming Spanish in West LA, strategic upgrades tailored to buyer demand can yield serious ROI. Use these insights in your conversations, listing presentations, and even your social media posts to show sellers you’re plugged into what really moves the needle.


📞 Contact Abdo Pierre Faissal for unparalleled real estate service.
📧 [email protected] | 📲 310-620-1038


Want me to create a companion email or Instagram caption version of this post? Let me know!