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@periwinklebee: I would replace both the cabinet doors and the countertop. It will really change the look of the space

If I were a buyer and I saw quartz on top of those countertops, I would think that was a complete waste! I wouldn't bother doing anything. I really don't think that kind of expenditure is going to get you anything extra in terms of sale price.

I wouldn't spend a lot on counters for dated cupboards. And with those type of cupboards there is no easy fix (ie. paint) to bring them up to date for you or the buyer. As a buyer I wouldn't give the money you spend on counters any value because I'd look at the kitchen and say I'd have to replace the cupboards anyway, which would end up tearing out the brand new counters. I think I'd focus on styling your kitchen; make it as clean and tidy as possible, remove any and all counter appliances, clutter, etc.

With that said, your realtor presumably knows your market/buyers better than I do...

Agree that it would look weird. That would actually annoy me as a buyer, I’d feel like I was paying money for a nonsensical update. I would leave as is.

When we were house hunting we looked at a house with a VERY dated kitchen. The sellers had it on the table to give a credit to the buyers so they could get what they want instead of updating it as cheap as possible and making it no more desirable (or to niche) for a buyer.

Maybe consider that, because I would definitely want different cabinets than that, and even if I liked the quartz it wouldn't be easy to pull it off and reuse, or if it's a major reno maybe I wouldn't even have the same footprint of cupboards.

There are so many variations of granite that you *might* be able to find something that looks okay with those cabinets but.. those cabinets. They would still be an eyesore especially next to new granite I think it’s putting good money after bad.

Quartz on those would be lipstick on a pig (haha). But to be serious, I think a buyer would be turned off. Maybe include a mock up of what the gutted kitchen *could* look like if your broker or a friend is a savvy enough to do that. Buyers often can’t visualize a space and instead see work, time and money. Maybe direct your broker to say something along the lines of “we are aware the kitchen needs a gut and the the apartment is priced to reflect that”.

I absolutely would not put quartz on those cabinets. If anything, I'd probably replace the door fronts. You *can* paint them, but I don't know how well they would hold up.

But if it were me, I would price it accordingly knowing the kitchen is dated and just make sure it is clean. There are other things you can do to update, like having a nice faucet or doing a backsplash that compliments (like maybe white subway tile) instead of splurging for fancy stone countertops.

The only way I would consider replacing the counters is if this is condo type home and there are lots for sale that aren't selling quick, i.e., if its an entry level home and you want yours to appeal to buyers over other condos that aren't selling quick. Maybe the people buying your condo won't have money to fix anything up and then they will just be happy to have a nice new quartz counter top. (That would have been me when I first bought my condo!) Good luck with whatever you do!

I think this really depends on where you live. Where I am, I would paint the cabinets (easy and inexpensive), and probably do a Corian countertop. Small kitchen improvements go super far, but before doing anything you should look at comps in the area and also consider the rest of the kitchen (is fixing the counters and countertops worth it if the appliances and fixtures are outdated?).