When it comes to selling your property, knowing what today’s buyers are actually prioritising can put you in a strong position. Knowing what to focus on can help your property stand out and give potential buyers what they’re looking for.
Here are the top priorities people tend to focus on when viewing a property to buy:
Overall Condition and Maintenance
If a buyer rocks up to view a property and they find it in a tired or poorly maintained state, they may be put off immediately, start thinking that they’ll be able to deduct from the asking price or just turn around and go home! Overgrown gardens, peeling paint, leaky taps or cracked tiles might not seem like huge issues, but they can be a sign of other structural issues, or that you have neglected the property and there might be extra repair costs to come.
Natural Light and Space
How much light and space in a property is a really big plus point – especially in key areas like the kitchen, living room and main bedroom and buyers will be looking out for it. It helps them to visualise and imagine what would go where if they bought the property. Clean windows, open curtains and a highly optimised layout helps make a space airy and aspirational. Creating clear space will help someone viewing a property to find flow and see its potential.
Kitchen and Bathroom Quality
Kitchens and bathrooms can be the key to turning a potential viewer into a solid buyer. Kitchens are often the centre piece of a home and the main gathering point where people spend a lot of time – especially if they’re a young family or are big cooking fans. The kitchen has to be functional and spacious enough for a buyers’ specific needs. And it can be expensive to change if it’s not quite right, likewise for bathrooms. Buyers will be keeping an eye on anything that looks dated or in need of repair, so keeping everything slick, smart and seamless is a must.
Energy Efficiency
Energy bills are on the rise, so potential buyers are keen to understanding how energy efficient a home is, to be able to work out future outgoings. Having energy conscious features to point to helps to show your property’s credentials, such as double glazing, modern boilers, loft insulation and good EPC ratings. Working on improving ratings or installing smart tools that can help is a good idea. Future-proofing and making your property as cost-efficient as possible to buyers is key.
Storage Space
Storage might not be the sexiest feature in a home, but it’s definitely the most useful. Where is someone going to put all their stuff? Built-in wardrobes, airing cupboards, under-stairs storage, cellars and lofts are all attractive features that you can highlight. It’s even better if you can make them clutter free to show off the space on offer to buyers.
Outdoor space is important too – is the garden well maintained, is there a garage, is there space for further expansion? Gardens can be high on a buyer’s priority list.
Neighbourhood and Location
How close a property is to schools, transport links, shops and green spaces all matter, as well as the general vibe and community feeling in a neighbourhood. Look to highlight anything locally that can boost your property’s appeal.
It’s not just about the ‘wow’ factor, focusing on a few factors that buyers prioritise can help to get your property closer to a sale.
For more advice and information, get in touch with our team at Home EA today.
