Selling your home? 20 things buyers want to see
If you are renovating a property or thinking about selling you might think a fancy kitchen or a smart bathroom will lure in buyers. But, you’d be wrong – according to new research, it’s security and connectivity that sells homes these days.
Central heating, double glazing, home security and a garden top the list of ‘must haves’ property features, according to new research by price comparison site GoCompare.
Fast broadband and good mobile signal have been the biggest movers up the list as buyers look for homes that will work well as smart homes and allow them to have all the latest technology.
Rising energy bills mean today’s buyers are also focused on finding a home that won’t leave them with hefty bills as a good energy efficiency rating makes it into the top 10 for the first time.
“Connectivity and energy efficiency are two massive factors for anyone thinking about a move at the moment, while the number of electrical sockets is now more important than access to local amenities,” says Ben Wilson, spokesperson for GoCompare Home Insurance.
“Likewise, a broadband signal fast enough for streaming, and a reliable and clear mobile phone signal are deemed home essentials today and sellers need to be wise to these new priorities.”
At the other end of the spectrum, fewer buyers consider a conservatory, wood floors, good local schools, open plan living spaces and period features to be a high priority when choosing a home with all of them failing to make the top 20.
Looking to buy a home? Compare mortgages with loveMONEY
Top 20 property must-haves
|
|
Feature |
Percentage surveyed who consider it a must-have |
|
1. |
Central heating |
82% |
|
2. |
Double glazing |
80% |
|
3. |
Secure doors and windows |
74% |
|
4. |
A garden |
69% |
|
5. |
A good, reliable broadband connection sufficiently strong to stream films and TV |
59% |
|
6. |
Plenty of electrical sockets |
59% |
|
7. |
Local shops and amenities |
58% |
|
8. |
A driveway or dedicated parking space |
53% |
|
9. |
A reliable, clear mobile phone signal |
53% |
|
10. |
A good energy efficiency rating |
52% |
|
11. |
At least two toilets |
52% |
|
12. |
Friendly neighbours |
51% |
|
13. |
A bathtub |
50% |
|
14. |
A shower cubicle |
49% |
|
15. |
Cavity wall insulation |
46% |
|
16. |
A living room big enough for a large, flat screen TV |
42% |
|
17. |
A garage |
41% |
|
18. |
A dining room |
40% |
|
19. |
A landline telephone |
39% |
|
20. |
A new boiler or central heating system |
37% |
Most Recent
Comments
-
At the end of the day, it's location, location, location. The rest can be altered.
REPORT This comment has been reported. -
Lawrence - a lot depends on the age of the people in the survey. Our children are grown up, so access to a good school is not as important to us as it would have been 20 years ago. I'm surprised to see "plenty of electrical sockets" on the list. Isn't that the sort of thing you could sort out quickly and reasonably cheaply after you move in?
REPORT This comment has been reported. -
Got all of those, including the bath which we will be converting to a walk-in shower soon. In the 15 years we have lived here I think the bath has been used three times. I hasten to say we each take showers at least once a day, often more. Even got the seaside at the end of the road, Waitrose, et al, and mainline stations within half a mile and access to the motorway network and South Downs in five miles. Blimey! Sounds good, I'll take it.
REPORT This comment has been reported.
Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature
07 January 2021