You might think you know what buyers are looking for. Swimming pools, right? Giant man caves with room for an air-hockey table? A state-of-the-art kitchen with a literal robot butler?
Actually, buyers want simplicity and flexibility. They want rooms that will work for them and spaces that beg to be chilled out in. These are the top eight features you should review before you list your house for sale.
1. Green space.
It’s true, even the most devoted screen users want to go outside occasionally. Buyers are looking for space in the garden to entertain, let the kids run around and patch up holes the dogs have dug. We’re time-poor, though, so a space that’s easy to care for and doesn’t require a ride-on mower (except for fun) is ideal.
2. A way to keep the climate comfortable.
Air-conditioning is a huge selling point for buyers, especially if you’re on the market in summer , but don’t underestimate other heating and cooling. Savvy buyers want block-out blinds and adjustable awnings to keep the sun off, and double-glazing and ducted heating in the cooler months.
If your pre-sale budget won’t stretch to installations, consider some mature leafy plants in sunlit areas and room dividers to create zones for cheaper climate control.
3. Somewhere to store the car.
We’re a car-centric nation and property buyers are looking for a place to park. Remote-controlled garages are best, but there’s plenty of value in a covered carport, too.
If you’re further from public transport, highlighting a secure and attractive spot for the SUV could be a top selling tip.
4. Eco-friendly features.
The future health of our planet is a real concern for many of us. Buyers are looking for established and easy ways to do the right thing by the environment and save on their running costs.
Solar panels are the flashiest feature home buyers want, but there are loads of cost-effective additions you can make before you sell. Check out water-saving shower heads, high-quality insulation, LED bulbs that last longer than their fittings and sticking up Post-Its with climate-conscious tips.
5. Renovated wet zones.
Buyers will often tolerate shabbier bedrooms if the wet areas are looking flash. Renovating a bathroom, laundry or kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune and it can make a very real difference to your sale price.
Look for DIY options like flat-packs and kits. Some cabinet makers and builders have used fittings that will spruce things up without smashing the budget. Choose timeless white cabinetry and chrome fixtures for a look that will last.
6. A space to retreat.
We can only take so much of the other people in our homes. Buyers are looking for a way to escape, whether that means a quiet reading nook, a place to store their secret chocolate or a whole room that’s just for them.
Highlight extra living zones with staging furniture that reflects their flexibility. That extra-small bedroom becomes a cosy office. A second living room might be a rad home cinema. Help buyers understand how useful the spaces are and you’ll add dollars to your bottom line.
7. A chance to make their own mark.
You’re proud of the mermaid sculpture you built on the back patio but let’s be honest: no one else wants it. The things home buyers want rarely include decorations or appliances that are hard to change.
Avoid built-ins like barbecues and water features that are specific to your tastes. Instead, use their portable equivalents to show potential new owners how they might style – to their own liking – after they move in.
8. Low-maintenance everything.
We are all so busy. There are jobs to go to, kids to pick up and FOMO to have. Home buyers have increasingly little time to spend on home maintenance.
Your task is to make the stressful areas seem easy. Paving garden areas reduces the need for watering and mowing. Clean lines in the kitchen mean tidying up seems doable. Ditch the intricate or fussy in favour of simple, straightforward features that buyers really want.
Creating an appealing home for buyers doesn’t have to be expensive. There are heaps of small things you can do to help them imagine their perfect life in your old place. Start with the easy tasks and don’t spend more than you can expect to get back when it goes under the hammer.
This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice.