The property market can be tricky to read, so if you’re thinking of putting your home up for sale, either now or in the future, how do you know how “saleable” it’s likely to be?
What’s hot?
Gocompare.com quizzed more than 2,000 people to find out what they want from a property.
It found a home that’s going to stay warm and cosy, and be energy efficient, is a big priority - with both central heating and double glazing coming out top in terms of desirability. Many people also cited a new boiler as being a high priority.
With many valuables tucked away around the home, security is also high on people’s minds, with secure doors and windows appearing in fourth place on the top 20.
Technology is also a key factor. The research suggests many home buyers will want to make sure their home will accommodate their gadgets and keep them connected to the wider world.
Plenty of electrical sockets was found to be paramount, as was a good broadband connection for streaming films, and a living room big enough for a supersized TV.
...and what’s not?
There are also quite a few surprises when it comes to what didn’t make the top 20.
Despite adding character, period features failed to make the list, suggesting some buyers may be willing to forego charm in favour of practicality when it comes to property searches.
While nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of people were concerned with having a garden, a conservatory also failed to make the top 20.
Open plan kitchens and living areas, and homes located near to highly-rated schools, also didn’t make the cut.
Matt Sanders from Gocompare.com Home Insurance says: “It is surprising to see previous must-haves, such as good schools and conservatories, fail to make the top 20.
“However, our research shows that buyers are becoming more financially savvy and are willing to make compromises on the finer details of a property to keep costs down and avoid expensive work in the future.”
How your home can become a ‘must-have’ property
The findings suggest that a new boiler, extra plug sockets and modernising insulation could be a smarter investment than more traditional selling points if you’re looking to sell your home.
But there also steps you can take to broaden your property’s appeal to buyers even if you don’t want to plough more money into it before selling up.
Sanders suggests: “It’s worth making small changes to the decor when it comes time to sell.
“Making your home seem warmer, fresher and more secure could have a positive effect on potential buyers.”
Here are the top 20 “must-haves” people want to see in a property, according to Gocompare.com:
1. Central heating
2. Double glazing
3. A garden
4. Secure doors and windows
5. Driveway or dedicated parking space
6. Plenty of electrical sockets
7. Local shops and amenities
8. A good, reliable broadband connection strong enough to stream TV and films
9. Friendly neighbours
10. At least two toilets
11. A bath
12. A good energy efficiency rating
13. A new boiler/central heating system
14. A reliable, clear mobile signal
15. A shower cubicle
16. A garage
17. Cavity wall insulation
18. A landline telephone
19. A living room big enough for a large, flat screen television
20. A dining room
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here