The Results
Let’s get straight to the results. Our survey revealed that the most important factor to people when buying a new home is the location, with over three-quarters saying they would be willing to pay more for a home in a better location. This was followed by property size (53%) and a landscaped garden or outdoor space (47%), this can easily be achieved by installing a composite decking patio or artificial lawn.
Most common property turn-ons
· Location – 73.53%
· Property Size – 52.94%
· Garden/outdoor space – 47.06%
· Parking – 38.24%
· Number of bedrooms – 32.35%
· Age and condition – 26.47%
· Transport links – 20.59%
· Having a garage – 17.65%
· Council tax band – 2.94%
· Neighbours homes – 2.94%
Most common property turn-offs
· Noisy/nuisance neighbours – 97.06%
· Located on/near a busy road – 76.74%
· Small or unkept back garden – 70.59%
· Crime rates – 70.59%
· Messy exterior or poor kerb appeal – 50%
· Only one bathroom – 44.12%
· Poorly rated local schools – 38.24%
· Too much clutter indoors – 20.59%
· Undesirable street or house name – 8.82%
Top turn-offs when it comes to viewing a potential property include messy exteriors, crime rates and being located near busy roads.
97% of those surveyed said that noisy or nuisance neighbours would put them off buying a house, followed by 77% saying the same of being located near a busy main road. Almost three-quarters (70%) revealed a small or scruffy back garden would also put them off buying a property.
New build vs Period properties
The debate between new build and period properties is one that divides a lot of homeowners, with the majority having a strong preference for one over the other.
More than half said they prefer period properties due to their sturdiness, character, and larger rooms compared to just one in 10 voting new build as their preferred property choice for their convenience and low maintenance appeal.
Surprisingly, one in three said they don’t have a preference for the style of property.
How to add value to your property?
Unfortunately, it’s pretty hard to change your neighbours and the location of your home, but there are some things you can do to improve your property value both long and short term.
Property size was voted the 2nd most important factor when buying a property, so adding an extension – or converting an existing space can prove very valuable in the long run if you aren’t planning on selling just yet.
Having a well-kept or landscaped garden came in third, with more than three-quarters of Brits admitting they would offer more for a property that offered this. Adding a composite decking patio can help to add value along with maintaining the low maintenance aspect of a home.
So here is some expert advice on the best ways to add value to your property. “A garden can definitely help sell or put people off buying a home, especially post-lockdown. One with space for a shed, trampoline, home office or hot tub will help boost the value.
“Some easy ways you can add value to your home is by de-cluttering and deep cleaning. Re-paint in a plain colour, tidy the garden and use rooms as intended (so take that dusty exercise bike out of Bedroom 3!).”
Source: theoutdoorlook.co.uk
