Survey reveals that for UK buyers it is still a case of location, location, location
Location is still the most important issue for the majority of UK house hunters with over 50% prioritising the location of their home over the size, according to new research. When asked what their top three must haves are when choosing a prospective property, almost three quarters of those surveyed short listed a garden or private outdoor space as their top priority.
Equally, space to expand and grow into a home, avoiding the need to upsize in the short term, is a priority, with over half of respondents short listing a spare bedroom as the second most important feature that they would require when purchasing. It appears that 38% prioritise car parking as the third essential characteristic, according to the independent research commissioned by property developer St James, of the Berkeley Group.
Open plan living was identified as another important feature, confirming the idea that a home’s value is defined by more than just its location and number of reception rooms. Instead, buyers now realise that with space at a premium, flexible square footage is also key. Open plan space is far more adaptable and lends itself to the changing demands of its occupants. ‘It is encouraging to see that the desire for private outside space, flexible open plan accommodation and parking are high on the wish lists for London house hunters. We recognise that these continue to be key selling points for the majority of our London developments,’ said Paul Hopkins, managing director of St James Group (North London).
Quote from PropertyForum.com : “Buy to let property investors in the UK need to do their homework and find which areas in the country bring the highest rental yields it is claimed.”
‘Our family homes are now designed where possible, to include a dedicated dressing area as part of the master suite; a study which is located on the first floor away from the noise of the family living accommodation; and bi-fold doors incorporated to create a ground floor living area that allows the garden to become an extension of the internal living accommodation,’ he added.
Meanwhile, a survey from independent estate agents Move with Us reveals the most off putting cosmetic flaws that potential buyers just can’t see past when house hunting. The survey found that unpleasant odours came in as the number one factor that potential buyers just can’t overlook with 22% reporting this as the top turn off when dismissing a property as their potential new home. A shabby, tired kitchen was next with 21% and a rundown bathroom came in third at 20%.
On the other hand, the survey also revealed the cosmetic flaws that potential buyers are most likely to be able to see past during a viewing. A bad paint job was cited as most easy to get over with a 22% response, clutter and an unruly garden came in joint second at 20%, followed by poor carpets at 16.85%. ‘Some cosmetic flaws are easy to see past and potential buyers can normally visualise what they’ll do with the space regardless of a bad paint job or a bit of mess on the floor. Others however prove much more troublesome and can often mean that a property ends up sitting on the market for longer before being sold or the vendor having to sell at a reduced price. With higher numbers of new properties entering the market, sellers should pay extra attention to making their property stand out against the competition,’ said Robin King, director at Move with Us.
‘Sellers who want to make their kitchen or bathroom more desirable to potential buyers without the expense of purchasing new ones can opt to replace cupboard doors or give walls a lick of paint. Elsewhere in the house, sellers can help potential buyers to visualise themselves living in the property by neutralising any bright colour schemes and taking down personal photos. Ensuring the property can be seen as a blank canvas is a great psychological technique to help sell it,’ he added.