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Luxury amenities and premium upgrades can make a home feel like a dream come true, but some features lose their appeal once homeowners face the reality of maintenance, changing lifestyles, or resale value. While certain upgrades are worth the investment, others may not provide the return or everyday functionality buyers expect.
Whether you’re shopping for a new home in Los Angeles, CA with all the latest amenities or relocating to a property in Duluth, MN here are seven home features and upgrades experts say buyers most commonly reconsider paying extra for.
1. Swimming pools
A backyard pool can feel like the ultimate luxury, especially in warmer climates or for buyers who enjoy entertaining. However, the costs don’t stop after installation. Between regular cleaning, repairs, insurance, and seasonal maintenance, pools require a significant investment of both time and money. They can also be surprisingly polarizing when it comes time to sell.
“The feature buyers most often regret paying extra for is a pool,” says Hunter Lipski, owner of Pro Homebuyer Solutions. “I routinely see owners who invest tens of thousands into a pool to recover only a fraction of it at resale. It splits the buyer pool, because for every buyer who wants one, another sees the maintenance, insurance, and liability and walks.” For buyers who plan to use one frequently, a pool may still be worthwhile, but it’s important to understand the long term commitment before diving in.
>>Read: Does a Pool Make it Harder to Sell a House?
2. Complex smart home systems
Smart home technology has become increasingly common, but not all upgrades provide the same level of convenience. While features like video doorbells and smart thermostats have broad appeal, more elaborate systems can be difficult to maintain and may become outdated as technology evolves. Future buyers may also prefer simpler setups they can customize themselves.
According to Virtual Tour Easy, “One premium feature buyers often reconsider is complex smart home systems. While they can look impressive initially, they often come with maintenance requirements and specific lifestyle demands that may not appeal to future buyers.” Keeping smart technology practical and easy to use can help homeowners avoid paying for features they rarely use.
3. Oversized kitchens
A spacious kitchen tops many buyers’ wish lists, but bigger isn’t always better. Larger kitchens often mean more cabinetry, countertops, and appliances to maintain, and not everyone needs the extra space. Many homeowners are finding that thoughtful layouts and efficient storage matter more than square footage alone.
“We’ve seen a shift away from the idea that bigger automatically means better,” says Adam Milestone of Milestone Custom Homes. “Today, buyers are more focused on intentional design and functionality rather than simply adding square footage for the sake of size.” Prioritizing functionality over size can help ensure the kitchen fits the way you actually live.
4. Formal dining rooms
Dedicated dining rooms were once considered a must have, but today’s buyers are increasingly looking for flexibility. As remote work and changing lifestyles continue to reshape how people use their homes, spaces that serve multiple purposes are becoming more desirable. Rooms that sit empty for most of the year may not provide enough value to justify the square footage.
“We’re seeing buyers prioritize flexible spaces over specialized rooms,” says Katie Muegge, design manager at Onyx+East. “Formal dining areas are becoming less popular in favor of spaces that can serve multiple purposes, such as dining or a home office.” Versatile spaces often adapt more easily to changing needs and lifestyles.
5. High maintenance landscaping
Beautiful landscaping can boost curb appeal and create inviting outdoor spaces, but maintaining elaborate yards can become expensive and time consuming. From watering and pruning to replacing plants and hiring professionals, the ongoing upkeep can add up quickly. Buyers who underestimate the commitment may find themselves wishing for something simpler.
“One feature buyers often rethink later is a large, high maintenance yard or elaborate outdoor setup,” says Tony Morelli, owner of Tony Buys Homes. “Many homeowners later realize the upkeep, landscaping costs, and time commitment are more than they expected.” Before investing in extensive landscaping, consider whether the upkeep fits your schedule and budget.
>>Read: What is Curb Appeal?
6. Highly customized finishes
Personalized features can make a home feel unique, but not every design choice appeals to future buyers. Bold colors, statement kitchens, and niche upgrades often reflect personal taste more than broad market appeal. What’s trendy today may feel dated tomorrow.
According to Alan Loughlin, president of Fair Offer NY, “Highly customized finishes like bold statement kitchens or niche smart home systems can actually narrow your buyer pool when it’s time to sell.” Timeless finishes and quality materials tend to have longer staying power and broader appeal.
7. Assuming a standard home inspection is enough
While some buyers regret paying extra for features they rarely use, others regret not spending more during the buying process. A standard home inspection provides valuable information, but it doesn’t always uncover issues hidden beneath the surface. Specialty inspections can reveal costly problems before they become a homeowner’s responsibility.
“One thing we see buyers reconsidering is skipping specialty inspections,” says Frank Anarumo, owner of Anarumo Inspection Inc. “While a standard home inspection covers a lot, the three add-on services buyers most commonly request are pool and spa inspections, sewer line inspections, and mold inspections. These are areas that can hide costly issues that aren’t always obvious during a typical walkthrough, and many buyers feel the added peace of mind is worth it before moving forward with such a major investment.” Spending a little extra upfront on targeted inspections may help buyers avoid expensive surprises after closing.
>>Read: Types of Home Inspections Buyers Should Consider
Focus on how you actually live
Many premium features are appealing because they represent an ideal lifestyle, but the best investments are often the ones that support how you live every day. If you’re weighing premium features against your budget, a home affordability calculator can help you determine what you can comfortably afford and whether certain upgrades are worth the added cost. Before paying extra for an upgrade, consider how often you’ll use it, what it will cost to maintain, and whether it will still make sense years down the road.
