What do homebuyers really want?

YOU’VE made the decision to put your house on the market.

You’ve read numerous property blogs and feel sure that there’s nothing you’ve overlooked in terms of presenting your property in the best light possible: you’ve carried out a thorough spring clean, you’ve decluttered and ensured that your underwear isn’t left drying on the radiator and you’ve given the décor a refresh.

And you’ve certainly done the right thing as so many decisions on whether to view a property are made from the online images before the prospective purchaser has even stepped inside.

However, with the first impression all ship shape, you’d do well to also consider some of the following points as these are the things we’ve witnessed countless purchasers discuss during many hundreds of property viewings over the years.

Storage space is a key factor for many buyers.

People have ‘stuff’− an awful lot of it in some cases − and having somewhere to store it all will be a key consideration as they start to visualise themselves in their new home.

It’s, therefore, always a good idea to draw attention to the storage on offer when a prospective purchaser is viewing your home and stress how useful even the most innocuous of crevices can be.

Sparkly clean windows are a given and all sills should be dust free and devoid of flaky paintwork.

However, have you given thought to the view outside the window?

Viewers of your property will get a very different perspective on your outside space from an upstairs window so think about what you can do to maximise the view.

You don’t need to worry if your home isn’t perched on top of a hill overlooking the rolling English countryside or the sea – not many are – but you can try adding some easy on the eye fencing or trellising to the garden and grow a flowering vine such as Clematis or Hydrangea up them.

This not only adds privacy, but come spring time, your view will be full of beautiful flowers and blossoms.

Older properties, meanwhile, are often rich in eye-catching period features that give the property charm and personality.

That doesn’t mean though that buyers will want the cobwebs and grime that may have accumulated over the years.

Dusting and polishing will provide your home with an aesthetic edge that will show it as a much-loved home and with viewers likely to be looking at multiple properties, anything that gives your home an aesthetic edge is worth highlighting. Contemporary colour schemes that flatter these features, such as a slate grey, khaki or teal can also help achieve the wow factor.

Whatever the age of your property, checking for creaky doors, dripping taps and blown lights will demonstrate that a certain level of pride and care has been taken in the property and contribute to an overall positive impression being created.

Don’t be surprised in potential purchasers start checking out the functionality of switches or the squeakiness of door hinges – you have been warned!

Locally, there’s a wide choice of properties depending on your personal needs.

However, the properties which tend to spend the least amount of time on the market, boast at least one of the following attributes: terrace homes, three bedrooms, and within the £300-400k price bracket.

However, don’t assume anything when it comes to marketing your home.

We’re increasingly seeing homebuyers requesting homes with particularly large gardens to accommodate their chickens and seek to achieve a slice of the ‘good life’ – we’ve even had a purchaser request a property with sufficient land for their yurt… that’s a type of tent for those not in the know!

If you’re thinking about making a move and want to know how best to market your home, then why not visit your local branch of Andrews on King Street or check us out online at andrewsonline.co.uk