Electric fireplaces add value to a home mainly as a selling feature, not as a dollar amount an appraiser writes down. A built in unit that is recessed into a finished wall, wired correctly and documented can help a listing stand out and photograph well, while a plug in unit that leaves with the seller adds little or nothing. If you want one, buy it for your own enjoyment first and treat any resale benefit as a bonus.
Do electric fireplaces add value? The short answer
Yes, sometimes, and modestly. Buyers like fireplaces, but almost all published figures cover fireplaces of any fuel type, and no source we found gives a reliable return for an electric unit. Whether the fireplace stays with the house matters more than the brand or flame effect.
What the data says about fireplace home value
Fireplaces in general
A Redfin guide (September 9, 2025) says homes with fireplaces are listed for about 13% more than the national median sale price, and that most agents estimate a fireplace adds $1,000 to $5,000 in value. Keep in mind that a listing price gap is a correlation: homes with fireplaces also tend to be larger or in colder, pricier markets. Redfin adds that fireplaces carry more weight in colder areas and in main living spaces.
The Orchard blog (November 9, 2023) cites a 2016 Angi survey in which 70% of real estate agents considered fireplaces a valuable addition and 77% of buyers said they would pay more for a home with one. The same write up adds an important caution: only about 35% of buyers agreed with the $1,000 to $5,000 range, nearly a quarter put the value at $1,000 or less, and 23% would pay nothing extra.
For outdoor spaces, RISMedia’s coverage of Zillow’s 2026 home features research (March 25, 2026) reports that a listing mention of an outdoor fireplace was associated with a 2.8% sale premium. That is an outdoor feature and a listing keyword analysis, so do not read it as a figure for an indoor electric unit.
Electric fireplaces specifically
We could not find independent, dated data that isolates electric fireplace resale value. The Electric Fireplaces Depot article (August 24, 2026) makes a fair point: there is no universally agreed dollar figure, and the value case depends on whether the unit is a permanent architectural feature or a freestanding unit that reads as furniture.
Built in electric fireplace value vs removable units
The single biggest question is whether the fireplace conveys with the house. HomeLight (updated February 5, 2026) explains that a fixture is typically something physically attached to the home that needs tools to remove, and that how this is decided varies by state and is usually spelled out in the purchase agreement. Your agent and your contract have the final word, but the general pattern looks like this:
| Type | Usually treated as | Power | Value effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built in, recessed and finished into the wall | Fixture (stays) | Often hardwired | Strongest: part of the room |
| Wall mount on brackets | Gray area: list it in the contract | Hardwired or plug in, by model | Moderate, more with a finished feature wall |
| Fireplace TV stand or freestanding | Personal property (goes) | Plug in | Little to none for resale; good for staging |
Units that are designed to stay
The Amantii Symmetry 50 in Basic (listed at $1,299 at the time of writing) can be fully recessed or semi flush mounted in a 2×4 wall with an optional surround, and it can be plugged in or hardwired. The Amantii Zero Clearance 33 in ($1,298 at the time of writing) also offers plug in or hardwired wiring and a removable glass surround. For a larger statement wall, the Amantii Panorama 50 in Slim ($1,999) is under 7 in deep and designed to be fully recessed, with finishing material that can run right to the glass. The Amantii Symmetry Bespoke 50 in ($2,699) adds WiFi app control, and the Amantii TruView XL 40 in ($2,699) can be installed with one, two or three sides open.
Wall mount and furniture units
The Amantii WM-FM 60 in ($2,237) can hang on the wall or be recessed, which gives you a choice if you might sell later. The Sierra Flame 40 in Wall Mount ($1,499) comes ready for direct wire and can be surface mounted or fully recessed. A piece like the Sausalito 78 in Fireplace TV Stand ($1,536.99) brings a 42 in insert rated for rooms up to 400 sq ft, but it is furniture: expect it to leave with you. For a deeper comparison of install styles, see our guide to built in vs wall mount electric fireplaces, and browse all units on our Amantii brand page.
Installation and permits: what makes it count
An extension cord or a patched wall will not impress a buyer or inspector.
- Hardwiring: use a licensed electrician, and ask whether your area requires a permit and inspection for the new circuit. Local code has the final word.
- Follow the manual: framing, clearances and circuit size come from the manufacturer’s installation instructions, not from a video.
Our step by step guide to recessing an electric fireplace into a wall covers wall depth and wiring in detail.
Design that photographs well
Listing photos are where an electric fireplace earns its keep. Center it on the main living wall, size it to the wall, and frame it with a finished surround or feature wall. Use a natural orange flame setting for photos and turn off colored backlights. Tile, stone or slatted wood surrounds all photograph well when the trim meets the unit neatly.
Costs vs value: does a fireplace increase home value enough?
Compare the full installed cost (unit, electrician, framing and finishing) with the modest, uncertain resale figures above. If the gap is large, the project only makes sense if you will enjoy it. We break down unit and installation pricing in how much an electric fireplace costs, and our electric fireplace buying guide helps you narrow the options.
What to document for buyers
- Brand, model number and purchase receipt
- The owner’s manual and installation instructions
- Warranty terms and whether they transfer to a new owner
- Any electrical permit and final inspection sign off
- The remote and app setup notes
- A line in the listing and purchase agreement stating that the fireplace conveys
We used a similar checklist in our piece on whether a wine cellar adds home value.
When it is not worth it for value
- Selling within months: you take on cost and wall work for a feature that may not raise offers.
- Tight flip budget: paint, lighting and repairs usually come first; a fireplace is a finishing touch.
- Warm climates: sources note that fireplaces carry less weight where heat is rarely needed.
- Rentals: a built in unit can help a listing stand out, but check the lease, building rules and wiring. In a rental you do not own, choose a plug in or furniture unit you can take with you.
Frequently asked questions
Do electric fireplaces add value to a home?
They can add appeal and some value when built in and finished well, but no reliable source gives an electric specific resale figure. Buy for enjoyment first.
What is a built in electric fireplace’s value compared to a plug in?
A recessed, finished unit is usually treated as a fixture and stays with the house. A freestanding or TV stand unit is usually personal property and adds little at sale.
Does electric fireplace resale value differ from gas or wood?
Most data covers fireplaces in general. Local buyer demand decides.
Do I need a permit to hardwire an electric fireplace?
It depends on your jurisdiction. Hire a licensed electrician and check with your local building department; local code has the final word.
Questions about which electric fireplace suits your wall or your plans to sell? Call us at 866-777-2590, Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship with free freight shipping, and orders below that ship for a $200 flat rate. Please review our return and refund policy before you order.
