Attracting Buyers: Insights into What Matters Most
Selling your property? Buyers have unique dreams, whether it's a renovation project, a lush garden, or a perfect kitchen. Your property might be their dream come true.
In our quest to understand what truly matters to prospective homebuyers, Rightmove delved into the data from over 600,000 property listings to uncover the features that generated the highest number of inquiries to estate agents. Here are the valuable insights we've gained for property sellers:
1. **Fixer-Uppers: A Highly Sought-After Opportunity**
It's no surprise that homebuyers have diverse preferences, and this diversity is evident as both "renovation project" and "refurbished" properties ranked among the top 10 most sought-after features. However, properties described as "fixer-uppers" or in need of refurbishment take the lead among prospective buyers. This strong demand is fuelled by two distinct groups of buyers: first-time buyers looking for an affordable entry into the property market with the potential to renovate over time, and investors seeking cost-effective opportunities for renovation and resale or rental income. With an average asking price just under £337,000, fixer-upper properties offer a compelling option, over £29,000 lower than the current national average asking price of £366,000 for all property types.
2. **Move-In Ready Homes: A Premium Option**
On the other end of the spectrum, buyers in search of fully refurbished, move-in-ready homes are willing to pay an average premium of £70,000. This translates to a 19% increase over the national average house price. Rightmove's property expert, Tim Bannister, provides insight into this dichotomy: "This demonstrates the distinct priorities among homebuyers – some are in a fortunate position to consider purchasing a newly refurbished home, while others prefer to infuse their personal touch into a property, starting from scratch, or they may realize the potential for incremental improvements over time."
3. **Ample Storage Space: A Top Seller's Asset**
Beyond aesthetics, one of the essential factors for comfortable living is ample storage space. Buyers actively seek properties featuring "storage space," "cellars," and "loft conversions" as among their top 10 priorities. For renters, "basements," "sheds," and "attics" are equally crucial, securing their place among the top 10 features. Adequate storage facilitates the organization of seldom-used items, half-empty paint cans, and those lingering moving boxes.
These insights shed light on the diverse priorities and preferences of house hunters in Gravesend. As a property seller, understanding these nuances can help you better position your property in the market to meet the unique needs of potential buyers.
Whether you offer a project for buyers to customize or a move-in-ready solution, your ideal buyer is out there, eagerly seeking a property that aligns with their individual desires.