This may be a detail for you, but for future buyers visiting an apartment or house, it means a lot! They perceive it at first glance.
When preparing for a real estate sale, we think of major works, fresh paint or a fitted kitchen. However, certain much more discreet developments are enough to increase the value of a property spectacularly. From real estate agents to decoration experts, everyone observes the same phenomenon: this precise detail immediately appeals to buyers and can change a decision.
The difference comes down to perception. Buyers are not only looking for a surface area or a number of rooms, they also want to feel a certain standing, an impression of quality which gives the feeling of having got their hands on a rare good. In this context, floor coverings play a much more strategic role than one might imagine. A worn or dated floor can be discouraging, even if the rest of the apartment is spotless. Conversely, a carefully worked floor catches the eye upon entry and makes an impression. Real estate professionals note that high-end flooring is often associated with impeccable general maintenance, which reassures buyers and justifies a higher offer.
This detail is the herringbone parquet flooring. This V-shaped pattern, called “fishbone”, Hungarian stitch or broken sticks, has survived the centuries. Used by the Romans to build solid roads, it then established itself in prestigious residences in France and Italy, before becoming an essential part of elegant interiors. Its sophisticated geometry gives an impression of instant luxury. But it’s not just about aesthetics: the interlocking structure makes the covering particularly stable and resistant, capable of withstanding intensive traffic.
Of course, the quality of the materials remains essential: a hardwood herringbone floor, installed by a professional, has nothing to do with a poorly installed vinyl imitation. The investment nevertheless remains substantial. Between the raw material and the installation, it takes between 150 and 200 euros per square meter.
For an owner who is aiming for a resale, this expense often turns into an immediate valuation lever. And this is precisely what explains why accommodation with this detail sells for much more than others.
