Selling Your House? Should You Get New Windows To Add Value?

Sep 10, 2025

5 min read

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Does Replacing Windows Before Selling a House Increase Market Value?

How Much Value Do New Windows Bring?

3 Reasons Buyers Want Houses with High-Efficiency Windows

One concern homeowners who are about to list their house have is whether they should invest in renovations to help increase the value of the house. Sometimes the state of the house requires work to be done in order for it to be sellable. But more often, homeowners are looking for quick upgrades that can add a substantial amount to the asking price.

As many homeowners consider upgrading their windows to add home value, it’s crucial to understand how these improvements affect the bottom line. This post will break down the potential ROI of window renovations, the benefits of new windows for buyers, and the cost savings associated with energy-efficient windows taking into account some specific real case studies.

Does Replacing Windows Before Selling a House Increase Market Value?

More often than not, it doesn’t. And we’re speaking from experience here as most of the customers who book consultations with us end up realising it’s not worth the investment, or get dissuaded from going ahead with the replacement by our very own project consultants.

Here’s why. Window replacement is considered one of the more expensive home renovation projects. For an average size home, replacing windows in the whole house may end up costing you over $10,000. Even if you get the highest efficiency product, can you then ask for double or triple that amount on top of your original listing price? Most likely not.

That’s especially true if your current windows are still in good shape – no leaks, drafts, or visible issues – and you’re simply thinking about swapping older double-pane units for newer triple-pane ones. While the upgrade may improve comfort and efficiency, it typically doesn’t significantly enhance the home’s curb appeal or overall condition, meaning buyers won’t pay a substantial premium for it.

However, the story changes entirely if your existing windows are failing. Seal failures, condensation between panes, leaks, or ice build-ups signal serious efficiency problems. In that case, replacing them isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a full-frame renovation that directly impacts monthly energy bills, overall comfort, and, ultimately, market value.

The same applies if you view window replacement as a long-term investment, not with the intention of selling your home today, but with the possibility of putting it on the market a few years down the road. Then replacing windows is one of the best home renovation project to tackle.

How Much Value Do New Windows Bring?

According to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Home Value Estimator, a window replacement is one of the top-rated home renovation projects that comes with a whopping ~70% ROI.

In terms of return on investment, replacement windows are second only to the kitchen (80% ROI), bathroom (75% ROI) and hardwood floors (75% ROI) renovations.

hile the best windows on the market will cost homeowners around $7,500 to $10,000, the “more attractive” home improvements will need you to hit x2-x5 spendings:

Kitchen reno – $35,000 to $50,000
Bathroom reno – $38,000 to $51,000
Hardwood floors – $17,000 to $23,000

The data provided is for the high-end products, but the % data is the same even if you go with the cheapest or medium product alternatives:

Moreover, new windows is all about energy-efficiency and saving on annual bills. To illustrate the potential savings, let’s consider a simple case study: a homeowner in Canada spends an average of $2,000 per year on heating and cooling, with nearly 1 in 10 Canadians spending more than 10% of their income on heating or cooling their home.

Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-certified efficient windows could save up to $240 per year (12% of $2000). Over ten years, this translates into $2400 in energy savings. These savings, combined with the increased home value and government incentives, can contribute to a higher ROI for the window replacement project.

3 Reasons Buyers Want Houses with High-Efficiency Windows

New windows are often a selling point for potential buyers, and there are several reasons for this tendency:

Improved energy efficiency: Energy-efficient windows can help homeowners save on heating and cooling costs. They prevent drafts and minimize heat loss, ultimately lowering energy bills.
Better noise reduction: Double or triple-pane windows can significantly reduce the outside noise entering the home, providing a more peaceful living environment.
Enhanced curb appeal: New windows can give a home a fresh, updated look that attracts potential buyers.

A 2024 Canadian Home Builders’ Association survey found that energy-efficient windows are still (5 years in a row) among the top 10 features Canadian home buyers desire. This demonstrates the importance of window upgrades when looking to sell a home.

Wrapping Up

Investing in home renovations such as window replacement can significantly impact house prices long-term. Additionally, homeowners can save on energy bills and take advantage of government incentives, further increasing the overall ROI of a window replacement project.

When deciding to embark on a window renovation project, it’s vital to research your local housing market, available government incentives, and the specific type of windows that will best suit your home.

Contact us today, so we can consult you on the right window choice, provide a free estimate and help you claim the maximum government rebates to support your project!