Is it still just about location? What a buyer looks for in a property.
What is a buyer looking for when searching for a property?
What can you do to improve your chances of finding a buyer, over and above 'location'?
Here are the top 10 things that a buyer wants when looking for a new property.
What is a buyer looking for when searching for a property?
Do they even know?
Maybe they search until they find a property with a kitchen they like.
Or they may have a particular idea of what they need.
As a seller, there are things that you can do to improve your chances of securing a buyer.
You can highlight the key features of your home.
Showcase the USP of the property.
So what should your estate agent be sure to include in the brochure to try and persuade a buyer to choose your property?
It is widely said that the most important thing to consider when buying a property is location, location, location.
The reason for this is, budget allowing, everything else about a home can be changed, but you can not change the location. If you get that part right, you can make any property work for you.
But, current living expenses and the cost and upheaval of significant renovations, not to mention time, money and planning permissions, are all very valid reasons that a buyer will look for more than just the location.
Of course, the amenities locally are important. The shops and restaurants nearby will go some way to dictate the family's lifestyle. School catchment areas are critical for families with school-age children, as the school you live near is often the one your children will attend.
But there is not much you can do to improve or change the local amenities or the school close to your current home.
So, what can you do to improve your chances of finding a buyer, over and above 'location'?
Here are the top 10 things that a buyer wants when looking for a new property.
Downstairs WC - this may surprise you, but a busy household will want a downstairs WC if possible. The smallest and arguably least exciting room in the house is often highly coveted!
Storage - we live in a consumer society. We seem to be buying more and more STUFF! A whole movement is emerging for minimalism because we are drowning in things. But minimalism is quite extreme and impractical for most families. So the next best thing is plenty of storage. Built-in units, wardrobes, cupboards, shelving all make for a tidy and organised home.
Separate living spaces - either a room for the kids, tv and playroom and a separate 'adults' room for peace and tranquillity or a room that can be used as a home office. Maybe you have taken a wall down at some point in your property to open up the space. You don't have to go building walls again, but perhaps arrange the furniture in a way that shows that separation with a room divider? And make sure it is evident on the brochure that these rooms can be separated if necessary.
Security - having a fully-fledged CCTV system installed is probably a little overkill. Still, with the introduction of smart doorbells and relatively cheap security alarms, it is not too difficult to add security to your home these days, which can be very attractive to a new buyer.
Underfloor heating - there is possibly nothing better than coming home on a cold day, slipping your shoes off at the door and stepping your cold toes onto a warm floor! Underfloor heating can be a huge selling feature, and it can be added relatively easily. You can simply add underfloor heating to individual areas without massive upheaval using electric underfloor mats rather than a 'wet' pipe system. These systems are electric, so you can do one room only instead of having a 'central' system.
Kitchen Island - this is not always possible, but if you have a large kitchen diner, you may be able to add a central island. With bar stools on one side and the 'chef' on the other, preparing a meal is no longer a solitary experience. Friends can enjoy a glass of wine, and a chat with the host whilst they are putting the final touches to the meal.
Bi-fold doors - connect your living space with your garden and bring the outside in. On a hot summer's day, you can open up the entire door and allow full access to the outside space. If you have patio doors or French doors, consider upgrading to bi-fold so that you can really open the home up and enjoy the gardens.
Outdoor living - keen gardeners are a minority in the busy modern world so, low maintenance lawns and shrubs are what most buyers want. They are looking for easy maintenance that won't take up their free time.
Alfresco dining - as well as a simple yet perfectly manicured lawn, buyers want a seating area. Ideally, somewhere with ambient lighting and a heating option, either patio heaters or chimnea/fire pits, so those summer days can comfortably stretch into the evenings without everyone getting chilly when the sun sets. This could be a patio, pergola, gazebo or summerhouse. Many interior designers are setting these spaces up to look like living rooms, complete with a rug on the floor and cushions to ensure maximum comfort and style.
Technology - superfast broadband, smart tv, mood lighting, Sonos sound system, Alexa. Innovative technology is a part of our lives now, and having tech fitted in your home could set you apart from the competing properties and increase your chances of a sale.
Of course, it will not be possible to add all of these features to every property, but if your home benefits from any of these points, be sure to include them in the write-up!
It might just sway a buyer into making an offer on your home!