Thread: Do central vacuums add resale value?

Hi,

We are considering adding a central vacuum system to our 40 yr. old ranch house in NJ as part of ongoing remodeling. The system will come as another update to the house which when we're done will have all new bathrooms, a new kitchen, new windows, and a bunch of other updates. All the things I have mentioned are being done for us, not the next owners, but certainly we keep an eye on ROI for resale in a few years.

All the central vacuum manufacturers and sellers claim that their systems add resale value to a house. The system we are considering will cost us about $1100 with us doing the installation. I'm just curious about professional RE Agent's opinions on how this will affect resale value and how much of a $ return we might see on this investment.

Thank you!

I noticed this post didn't get any response so I thought i would offer my two cents. Here in Minnesota, I have seen a number of homes with a central vacuum system. Honestly, it is a great selling point. Buyers certainly like the feature, and it may be an added "bonus" for a prospective buyer that is considering to buy a certain home. However, placing an exact dollar amount on value is extremely difficult to do. In other words, if someone puts forth $1,000 for the item, don't automatically assume that it is going to get you $1,000 in your sales price.

With our current market conditions here in Minneapolis, a central vac system would be considered a bonus, but honestly, if would not not cause the buyer to offer any more money for the home. It may be one of "many items" that the buyer likes that causes him or her to offer, but that is about it.

I hope this information is helpful. Have a great day!

In Washington state where I originally obtain a license it is very common for owners in the newer homes to have central vacuum. And many individual really liked the idea but I have never noticed a home fetching any kind of noticeable premium above a home without a central vacuum system. Even worse for a home owner trying to gain back that which they have invested in a central vacuum is that most appraisers give maybe a $500 adjustment for a home that has a central vacuum system.

With this knowledge I would say that in most markets you will not obtain even close to the investment it would take to have a central vacuum system installed that would provide an adequate job at clean up. Only put one in if you really want it and it will be worth it to you to pay out the cost with the idea of not gaining anything but use of the system.

I am going to make a wild guess that they probably have already completed their remodel in the past 1.5 years.

You may not get the money back when you sell the house....but it may sell faster and over a comp that does not have it.