Does New Carpet Increase Home Value?

Pros, Trends, and Tips Before You Replace

Thinking about replacing carpet before selling your home? It’s a smart question. Buyers notice flooring immediately—and old, stained carpet can drag down the appeal (and offer price) of an otherwise solid home.

Here’s a straightforward look at whether new carpet increases home value, what today’s buyers want, and how to decide if it’s worth the investment.

Pros of Installing New Carpet Before Selling

1. Increases Buyer Appeal

New carpet helps homes feel clean, fresh, and move-in ready. That alone can make a strong first impression.

2. Eliminates Odors and Stains

Pet smells, spills, or lingering smoke odors can turn buyers off fast. New carpet fixes that without tearing up the subfloor.

3. Covers Imperfections

If your floors are uneven or scuffed underneath, carpet hides a lot for less cost than refinishing or replacing hard flooring.

4. Budget-Friendly Upgrade

Compared to tile or hardwood, carpet is one of the cheapest ways to update a room’s appearance—especially in bedrooms.

Does New Carpet Increase Market Value?

Not directly—but here’s what it does do:

• Improves perceived value
• Reduces buyer objections and flooring credits
• Helps homes sell faster and closer to asking price

It won’t boost the appraised value much, but it can prevent low offers or long days on market.

Where Carpet Makes Sense

Stick to these areas:

• Bedrooms
• Second floors
• Bonus rooms
• Low-traffic areas

Avoid installing carpet in:

• Living rooms
• Dining areas
• Hallways or entryways
• Any area where buyers expect hard flooring

Carpet Trends Buyers Prefer (2025)

• Color: Light gray, greige, or soft beige
• Style: Low-pile or loop (Berber) for a modern, clean look
• Material: Nylon for durability; avoid shag or plush
• Feel: Soft underfoot but not thick or deep

Stay away from:

• Bold colors or patterns
• High-pile or luxury upgrades buyers won’t pay more for
• Mismatched carpet from room to room

Tips for Sellers

• Replace if: Carpet is over 8–10 years old, stained, torn, or has a strong odor.
• Don’t clean if: It’s heavily worn—buyers still see the age.
• Go neutral: Stick to a single, soft color that blends with most styles.
• Coordinate: Match across all carpeted areas to create flow.

Cost vs. ROI

• New carpet cost: $3–$6 per square foot installed (average)
• ROI: Often close to 100% in terms of faster sales and fewer concessions
• Average spend: $1,500–$3,500 for carpeted bedrooms in a mid-sized home

Bottom Line

Buyers want clean, neutral, and ready-to-live-in homes. Carpet won’t raise your home’s price by thousands, but it can protect it from a price drop or negotiation hit.

If the existing carpet is worn, stained, or dated—replace it.