Top 10 Features Buyers Look for in Johnson County, KS Homes

The Johnson County, KS housing market is one of the most desirable in the Kansas City metro area. From the family-friendly neighborhoods of Olathe and S

hawnee to the charming streets of Prairie Village and Fairway, buyers are consistently looking for updated homes that balance style, comfort, and functionality.

If you’re considering a remodel or renovation, focusing on the right projects can boost your home’s value and make it more attractive to future buyers. Whether it’s a kitchen remodel in Overland Park, a bathroom renovation in Leawood, or a basement remodel in Roeland Park, certain features stand out in this competitive market.

Here are the top 10 features buyers look for in Johnson County homes — and how remodeling can help you stay ahead.

1. Modern Kitchen Remodels

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and buyers in Johnson County know it. A kitchen remodel with open layouts, spacious islands, and high-end finishes makes a home instantly more desirable. Granite and quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and walk-in pantries are top features in Overland Park and Leawood homes.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning a remodel, consider removing walls to create an open-concept kitchen-dining area, a feature buyers continually prioritize.

2. Spa-Like Bathroom Renovations

Today’s buyers want bathrooms that feel like personal retreats. Double vanities, oversized walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, and heated floors are in high demand across Prairie Village and Fairway.

A bathroom remodel not only improves daily living but also provides one of the best returns on investment in Johnson County.

3. Finished Basements

Basements are no longer just for storage. A well-planned basement remodel adds living space and versatility — from entertainment areas and wet bars to home gyms and guest suites. In Olathe and Shawnee, finished basements are one of the most requested features among families who need extra space.

Pro Tip: Adding a bathroom during a basement renovation can significantly increase the value of your home.

4. Open Concept Living Spaces

Buyers love the flow and functionality of open layouts. Combining the kitchen, dining, and living spaces creates a welcoming atmosphere that works for entertaining and family life.

In older Johnson County homes, renovations that open up walls between small, divided rooms are especially appealing to today’s market.

5. Outdoor Living Areas

Kansas City summers are perfect for outdoor entertaining, and buyers in Johnson County are looking for homes that make the most of it. Decks, screened-in porches, and patios extend usable living space. In Prairie Village and Fairway, updated outdoor spaces are often the finishing touch that sells a home.

6. Energy Efficiency & Smart Home Features

With rising energy costs, buyers are prioritizing homes with energy-efficient updates. Replacement windows, improved insulation, and high-efficiency HVAC systems are a must. Pair these upgrades with smart thermostats, lighting, and security systems, and your renovation will stand out in the Johnson County market.

7. Home Offices & Flex Rooms

Remote and hybrid work are here to stay. Buyers are searching for homes with flexible spaces that can serve as home offices, playrooms, or workout areas.

Converting a formal dining room or carving out space during a basement remodel is an excellent way to add value and appeal to modern buyers.

8. Curb Appeal & Exterior Updates

First impressions matter, especially in competitive markets like Leawood and Overland Park. Exterior renovations such as new siding, updated paint, modern entry doors, or well-designed landscaping can dramatically improve curb appeal.

These relatively simple updates often make a lasting impression on buyers before they even step inside.

9. Primary Suite Retreats

A spacious and luxurious primary suite is high on buyers’ wish lists. Walk-in closets, sitting areas, and spa-inspired bathrooms are especially sought after in higher-end homes across Leawood and Overland Park.

If your remodel includes reworking the floor plan, upgrading the primary suite is a smart investment.

10. Storage Solutions

From mudrooms to built-in shelving, today’s buyers want homes with practical storage options. Custom pantry designs, organized laundry rooms, and clever closet renovations are all features that can set a home apart in Johnson County’s market.

These functional upgrades may not be flashy, but they are highly valuable to families looking for long-term comfort.

If you’re planning a remodel or renovation in Johnson County, KS, choosing the right features can set your home apart in cities like Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Shawnee, Roeland Park, Prairie Village, and Fairway.

Whether it’s a kitchen remodel that becomes the centerpiece of the home, a bathroom renovation that adds spa-like luxury, or a basement remodel that creates extra space, these updates make your home more attractive to buyers while improving your day-to-day living.

At Made New Home Services, we specialize in helping Johnson County homeowners remodel with purpose. From kitchen and bathroom renovations to full basement remodels, our team creates spaces that meet your family’s needs today and increase your home’s value for tomorrow.

Ready to start your remodel? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can transform your home.