Why Renovating Your Downtown Montreal Condo Before Selling Is a Smart Move

Selling a condo in Downtown Montreal—whether in Griffintown, the Plateau, or the Golden Square Mile—can be highly competitive. Buyers here expect modern finishes, efficient use of space, and move-in-ready units. A dated kitchen or poky bathroom can drag your listing price down, while thoughtful upgrades can boost market appeal and justify a higher sale price. (Démo Prép Montréal)

Renovations That Add the Most Value

Real-estate experts consistently point to four renovation categories that deliver strong returns when selling:

1. Kitchen updates – Even cosmetic improvements to cabinets, counters, and appliances significantly impact buyer perception. (Démo Prép Montréal)
2. Bathroom refreshes – A modern, clean bathroom reassures buyers more than any other space after the kitchen. (Démo Prép Montréal)
3. Hardwood floor sanding and refinishing – Makes the unit feel fresh and cohesive. (Démo Prép Montréal)
4. Interior painting & finishing – Neutral, light colours create the “move-in ready” feel buyers love. (Banque Nationale)

But how does this translate to dollars and resale value? Below is an itemized estimate based on typical Montreal renovation costs and resale value impacts.

Estimated Costs & Added Resale Value (2025–2026)

Note: Renovation costs vary by materials, labour, unit size, and condo board rules.

1. Hardwood Floor Sanding & Refinishing

• Typical cost: ~ $3,000 – $6,000 (for ~600–800 sq ft) (Démo Prép Montréal)
• Added market value: Often 100 % of cost reflected in buyer interest with neutral, modern floors – sellers recoup most or all cost. (Démo Prép Montréal)
• Net effect: + ~$5,000 – $6,000 in perceived value

2. Painting (Entire Unit)

• Typical cost: $1,500 – $4,000 (materials & labour) (Banque Nationale)
• Added value: Can recoup ~50 %–100 % at sale because buyers pay for “fresh and clean” appeal. (Banque Nationale)
• Net effect: + ~$2,000 – $3,500 in perceived value

3. Kitchen Upgrade

• Typical cost: $15,000 – $40,000 for a mid-range refresh (new fronts/handles, countertops, backsplash, energy-efficient appliances) (Démo Prép Montréal)
• Added resale value: ~70 %–85 % of cost according to local ROI estimates. (Démo Prép Montréal)
• Net effect: + ~$10,000 – $32,000 in added sale appeal/value

Major full kitchen rebuilds with custom cabinets or layout changes will cost more and may not increase value proportionately.

4. Bathroom Renovation

• Typical cost: $8,000 – $25,000 for a modern refresh (tiles, fixtures, vanity) (Banque Nationale)
• Added value: ~60 %–75 % of cost at resale. (Démo Prép Montréal)
• Net effect: + ~$5,000 – $18,000 in added sale appeal/value

Total Renovation Budget vs Added Value

Here’s how the numbers add up:

Renovation ItemEstimated CostEstimated Added Value (to Sale Price)Floor sanding & refinish$4,500$5,000–$6,000Painting entire unit$3,000$2,000–$3,500Kitchen refresh$30,000$21,000–$25,500Bathroom update$15,000$9,000–$11,250Total~$52,500~$37,000–$46,000

👉 Typical net “value recovery” at resale: ~70 %–85 % of your renovation cost, depending on finish quality and market conditions in Montreal. (Démo Prép Montréal)

Comparing Sale Prices: Worn vs Renovated

Let’s look at a realistic resale scenario for a one-bedroom condo in Downtown Montreal.

Option A: Worn Unit

• Condition: Original 20-year-old kitchen & bathroom, scratched floors, dated colours
• Likely sale price: $350,000 (for example)
• Buyer sentiment: Negotiations often go lower due to cost of updates buyers foresee.

Option B: Fully Renovated Unit

• Condition: Fresh floors, neutral paint, modern kitchen and bathroom
• Renovation investment: ~$52,500
• Estimated added appeal/value: ~$70,000 (based on ROI data)
• Likely sale price: $420,000 or more

🔹 Difference: ~ $70,000+ higher sale price – meaning the condo appeals to more buyers, sells faster, and earns a premium.

Even after renovation costs, many sellers walk away with higher net proceeds and less time on the market. (Démo Prép Montréal)

Key Takeaways for Sellers

✅ Strategic renovations pay off — especially kitchens and bathrooms, which buyers scrutinize. (Démo Prép Montréal)

✅ Cosmetics matter: Floors and paint might seem small but contribute strongly to first impressions. (Banque Nationale)

✅ Don’t over-spend: Stick to mid-range upgrades that appeal to the widest group of buyers. (Démo Prép Montréal)

✅ Price competitively: Renovated units often justify higher listing prices that beat nearby worn units.

Final thought: Renovating your condo before selling isn’t just “extra effort”—it’s a strategic investment that makes your property stand out, commands better offers, and helps you realise significantly more value when you list in Montreal’s dynamic market. (Démo Prép Montréal)