Features that will sell your home.
Buyers in the Current Market
After a somewhat turbulent year here in WA due to the global pandemic, it’s no surprise that we have seen a huge shift in design and home trends toward making our homes more liveable than ever. This is especially true after more and more people have been encouraged to stay home and, with more of us spending time indoors than previous years, the priorities of our home habits have changed. Now, not only are we looking for things to keep us busy at home, but we are also on the hunt for more liveable and purposeful spaces.
Now, as the WA housing market continues to adapt as more Australians return home from overseas, sellers need to think twice about the features of their home as well as making upgrades prior to sale. With our stock low and demand remaining steady, sellers will want to ensure their properties are in top condition to guarantee buyers spending big on homes with quality finishes in the right neighbourhoods.
It’s fair to say that consumer tastes can vary from region to region, so it’s best to consult with your local real estate agent to find out which home features are in high demand in your area. But, if you want to get the most bang for your buck, then it’s best to focus on features that most home buyers really want to see and these are five of the top picks…
Home Office
Over the last 12 - 18 months of the global pandemic we have experienced first hand the difficulty faced when trying to juggle the work / life balance from home, so offering a designated space for work is extremely valuable to buyers at the moment.
We suggest setting the room up to really show its purpose with a desk, chair, study lamp and, if space allows, a set of shelves or drawers to serve as storage. Whilst this will help potential buyers understand the intention behind the space, it will also help to showcase the size of the designated room.
Home Gym
A gymnasium can be seen as such a novelty so showcasing your spare room as a gym will be quick to draw the attention of potential buyers when they’re browsing different listings online.
But, before you get put off thinking this one is going to cost the Earth, it can actually be quite the budget-friendly option! All you really need is a couple of yoga mats, some dumbbells and an exercise ball to show the intended purpose of the space. And, let's be honest, if you’re anything like us, you’ll most likely have these things hanging around the house already! Of course, if you’ve got the facilities on hand, it’s a great opportunity to move your bench, weight wrack and treadmill from the garage into a designated room of the home.
Outdoor Living Areas
As Australians, there’s one thing we love to do and that’s entertain our friends and family at home with a classic BBQ. So, as a result, nothing disappoints a potential buyer more than discovering their otherwise-perfect-home doesn’t have much of a backyard space.
If you happen to fall into this bracket, we suggest you make some effort to present and dress your outdoor area as a usable, inviting space. Even if it’s as simple as a couple of outdoor chairs and a side table, some flower boxes or some built-in bench seating, showing potential buyers how they can enjoy your outdoor space is extremely important in driving a sales result.
Open Floor Plan
Gone are the days of a formal living and dining area. These days, the modern buyer favours an open floor plan that allows for seamless everyday living. Open floor plans means easy socialising and an ability to keep an eye over the kids whilst cooking. Plus, the open floor plan lets in more natural light, which is a huge selling point of a home.
If your property still has a purpose-built living and dining room, be honest: How many times a year do you use these rooms? Only for Christmas dinner and the occasional formal dinner party? Removing these walls to create an open floor plan will win major points with buyers in today’s market.
Renovated Kitchen
A modern kitchen can be a great way to draw in those prospective buyers and see an impressive sales result, especially in the type of market we are seeing today. In a recent survey, potential buyers valued quality appliances and surfaces, as well as range of storage in their kitchen preferences.
Whilst kitchen renovations can add up fast, if you’re able to invest in a kitchen upgrade, then it’s money well spent. But, even a more affordable cosmetic update can draw a great return on investment. Consider new bench-tops, a trendy tiled splash-back and freshly painted cabinets for a stylish kitchen update for minimal cost.