Hardwood Flooring (Resale Value)

In the real estate industry, hardwood flooring is considered a high-value flooring option that is highly regarded by buyers and renters and positively impacts the market value of an apartment or house. High-quality hardwood flooring made of solid wood or engineered wood is characterized by its durability, ability to be refinished, and timeless appearance. Unlike carpet or laminate, real wood parquet can be sanded down and resealed multiple times, achieving a service life of 50 years or more.

Types of Parquet and a Comparison of Their Value Retention

Solid wood parquet (15-22 mm thick) offers the greatest potential for renovation and is considered the highest-quality option. Multi-layer parquet (pre-finished parquet) with a real wood top layer of 3 mm or more can also be sanded multiple times and is more affordable to purchase. Laminate floors are often mistakenly referred to as “parquet,” but they are not made of real wood and cannot be refinished once worn. During a property appraisal or viewing, experienced appraisers and prospective buyers clearly distinguish between these options.

Historic parquet in Nuremberg’s older buildings holds particularly high value: original, preserved herringbone oak parquet from the Wilhelminian era or plank floors from the post-war period are more sought after by prospective buyers than modern new flooring. The reason lies in their uniqueness: this existing stock cannot be replaced, and-when professionally restored-it serves as an emotional unique selling point for the property.

Impact on Rental and Sale Prices

Studies and market experience show that apartments with high-quality parquet are rented out more quickly and command higher prices per square meter than comparable units with laminate or carpet. As a rule of thumb: Freshly renovated or well-maintained parquet can increase the achievable rent by €1-3/m² and the sale price by several percentage points compared to a property with basic flooring. The key factor here is the condition of the flooring-dull, scratched parquet detracts from the impression and should be refinished before marketing.

For new leases in upscale locations, parquet is often a deciding factor: prospective buyers and tenants interested in apartments priced above 15 euros/m² generally expect high-quality flooring. In this price segment, laminate flooring appears at odds with the rest of the property’s quality and can negatively impact price negotiations.

Maintenance, Renovation, and Preparation Before Sale

Sanding and resealing parquet floors costs between €15 and €35 per square meter, depending on the area and condition, and is one of the most profitable measures to take before a sale. Minor scratches and indentations can be concealed with parquet oil or wax. Important: Check the condition of the planks before renovation-moisture damage, voids, or cracks in the subfloor may require more extensive work.

In older buildings, you’ll occasionally find parquet that’s already very thin due to excessive sanding. In this case, a professional assessment by a parquet installer is necessary to determine whether further sanding is still possible or whether a new floor would be more cost-effective. We recommend obtaining this assessment before the sale-an appraiser who discovers already worn-out parquet flooring during the purchase will classify it as a defect.

Practical Tip for Homeowners in Nuremberg and Franconia

In older Nuremberg apartments-such as those in Südstadt, St. Johannis, or Gostenhof-you’ll often find original spruce plank floors or oak parquet dating from the 1920s to the 1960s. This flooring is particularly popular with prospective buyers and, after professional restoration, can be a key selling point. We recommend that owners have the parquet flooring professionally assessed before selling and, if it is in good condition, actively highlight it in the property listing.

Furthermore, it is worth making a targeted investment in the flooring during renovation work prior to the sale: In many cases, the investment in parquet restoration pays for itself entirely through the higher sales proceeds-often at a ratio of 1:3 or better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth sanding the parquet before selling?

In most cases, yes. The investment of €15-35 per square meter is manageable and significantly improves the first impression during viewings. A freshly refinished parquet floor signals care and quality-which influences price negotiations in your favor.

How can you tell solid parquet from laminate?

Solid parquet feels warm, displays natural wood grain, and has visible gaps between the planks. Laminate has a smoother, more uniform surface and sounds hollow when tapped. If in doubt, take a look at the end of a plank or at the wall where the transition is visible.

Does parquet affect heating costs?

Wooden floors have natural thermal insulation properties and feel warm even at lower room temperatures. Not all parquet is suitable for underfloor heating-be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications, as solid wood expands and contracts with fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Which types of parquet are suitable for underfloor heating?

Multi-layer parquet (pre-finished parquet) with a thin wood top layer and dimensionally stable core material is significantly better suited for underfloor heating than solid parquet. Some types of solid parquet (e.g., oak in short lengths) are also approved, but require particularly stable indoor climate conditions. The manufacturer’s approval should always be provided in writing.

How do I highlight parquet as a selling point in the property listing?

In the property listing, parquet should not be described generically as “wood floors,” but rather with specific details: wood species (oak, beech, wenge), installation pattern (herringbone, ship deck, wide plank), condition (freshly sanded, well-maintained, signs of wear), and age. These details inspire significantly more confidence in prospective buyers than general statements. Historic herringbone oak parquet or original planks from the Wilhelminian era, in particular, should be highlighted for their uniqueness-the phrase “original parquet from the 1920s, professionally restored” directly appeals to affluent prospective buyers. In the Nuremberg metropolitan area, where older apartments in Gostenhof, St. Johannis, or the Südstadt are increasingly in demand among a high-income, quality-conscious buyer demographic, the flooring is often a key differentiator compared to comparable properties with laminate or carpet. We recommend showcasing the parquet flooring separately in the listing photos-freshly cleaned, in the right light, and from an angle that highlights the grain and pattern.

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