Utah’s most populous city, Salt Lake City, experiences the state’s most aggressive winters. Snowfall during the winter season tends to spike, and temperatures plummet. It’s easy to see the appeal of an indoor fire during this season. However, real estate pricing in Salt Lake City isn’t necessarily impacted by having a fireplace. Here’s what the data really indicates before paying a premium to have one installed.
What Do Appraisers Think of Fireplaces?
When considering national data, certified real estate appraisers are lukewarm about the idea of a fireplace. According to HomeLight, a mid-range home with a fireplace in their listing appraises for an additional $500-$1,000 — and that’s likely an optimistic assessment. The National Association of Home Builders indicates that only 16% of home buyers consider a fireplace an essential home feature. In the realm of standard-priced home appraisals, fireplaces in Salt Lake City are virtually useless.
When the Price Point Changes the Appraisal Game
In the luxury home segment of the market, which is the $500,000 and higher segment, the NAHB data indicates that over 60% of these listings have a fireplace. Based on recent data, Salt Lake City’s median home price is approximately $585,000 (Redfin, 2026), and as a result, a significant proportion of home listings would already fall into that market segment. Fireplaces are an anticipated feature in this market segment, and many buyers would notice their absence.
The Speed-of-Sale Factor
Fireplaces can positively impact the appraisal process. Homes with fireplaces in Salt Lake City have been found to attract more interest and even have a shorter listing period. In the current market with low inventory, fireplaces can attract more interest and even shorten the listing period. Of the buyers interested in this amenity, 55% prefer gas fireplaces to wood-burning fireplaces, according to NAHB. For those looking to sell, gas fireplaces can make a difference in the selling process.
What Utah Homeowners Should Know
For most homes with a median value, having a gas fireplace in Salt Lake City will not have a significant impact on the overall appraisal of your home. However, in an area where the average listing price is approximately $585,000, fireplaces can influence buyers. For those with a gas fireplace, be sure to keep it well-maintained, as it will sell for more than its appraisal. For those looking to install a gas fireplace, keep in mind that the return on investment is only found in homes with a higher listing price.