A new study has identified the top 15 features that make a home desirable to modern buyers, with kitchen islands, walk-in wardrobes and wine cellars ranking highly.
The nationwide survey of 2,000 British adults, commissioned by car rental company SIXT, found that buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that reflect their lifestyle rather than simply offering a large number of bedrooms. Practical storage, dedicated entertaining spaces and lifestyle-oriented details are taking priority over size alone.
Top features buyers look for
A kitchen island tops the list of desirable features, followed by a walk-in wardrobe, a cosy window seat and a hidden utility room. A vegetable patch or herb garden, a pantry and beautifully stocked bookshelves also rank highly among buyers.
Other sought-after features include a garden office, a wood-burning stove, a tree house for children and an outdoor fire pit. For those who enjoy entertaining, an American-style fridge, a cinema room and a well-stocked wine rack are also among the features that make a home more appealing.
First impressions matter
The findings suggest that buyers are increasingly interested in how a home fits their lifestyle, with 40% believing the lifestyle a property appears to offer can be almost as attractive as the bricks and mortar themselves. Seven in ten agree there are particular details that can instantly make a home more desirable.
First impressions play a significant role, with 88% of Britons forming an opinion of a property within seconds of arriving. On average, it takes just 28 seconds for prospective buyers to make their initial judgement. More than half say the exterior appearance of a property has a major influence on whether they would buy it, while 88% agree that kerb appeal plays an important role in the buying and selling process.
Additionally, 41% believe the exterior of a property is just as important, or more important, than the interior. The study also found that almost three quarters believe a nice vehicle parked on the driveway can make a home appear more desirable.
Reasons for rejection
Danny Groom, Associate Director and Estate Agent for Crabb Curtis, said: “As an estate agent I see every day what pulls people into a house - first impressions really do count and those little details, from a premium car in the driveway to freshly cut flowers or the smell of freshly brewed coffee can make all the difference.
"It's no surprise to me that deciding whether a house is right for you can happen in just seconds. Viewing a property is a very personal experience and if buyers see the lifestyle they lead, or want to lead, in a house it can certainly speed along the decision-making process."
While desirable features can help attract buyers, the research also identified the biggest reasons people reject a property. A staggering 83% have turned down an otherwise suitable home because they simply could not imagine themselves living there, something they have done an average of six times.
Jamie Holt, Operations Director at SIXT, said: “First impressions count when you’re buying a home, and this research suggests they start before you’ve even reached the front door."
