Every buyer has a list of wants, needs or must-haves when it comes to looking for a new home.
Even with a wish list that has been carefully prepared, finding THE perfect home can be tricky, and trade-offs often need to be made.
Regardless of personal taste, such as modern or federation style, city apartment or land, and a buyer’s age or stage of life, most property buyers will have the following items somewhere on their list.
Price
The majority of buyers will put price at the top of their list. This obviously makes sense; if they can’t afford it, they can’t buy it.
And whether it’s buying a home to live in or an investment property, buyers want to make sure they are not financially overstretched.
Location
We all have a dream suburb or city that ticks all the boxes, but it can take a lot of looking before the right house comes up at the right price.
Once it does, home buyers are usually willing to compromise on a few things that aren’t up to scratch if the home is in the right location.
The “right“ location is usually based on what stage of life the buyer is in; however, generally, one that is close to shops, schools, and public transport.
Plus one – one home, two living areas
More than one living area will get additional interest, even if it is as simple as a sunroom. Families, in particular, are after a space for the children to play, make a mess, and hang out with their mates, whereas adults want a living space to relax and enjoy quiet time.
No work required
Most buyers want it all done, apart from maybe a few cosmetic things like changing wall colour or bedroom carpet. Otherwise, they want the home they purchase to be ready and waiting for them to just move in and enjoy.
This is predominantly so in the case of kitchens and bathrooms. Possibly the most expensive and disruptive internal rooms to renovate, buyers do not want the hassle of having to renovate these rooms.
Buyers are looking for large renovated kitchens, with good quality appliances and plenty of bench space. For bathrooms, they are looking for at least one, with an ensuite off the main bedroom and to be modern and clean with good storage.
The great outdoors
Australians love the outdoors; love entertaining, and love entertaining outside, so an outdoor area that flows well from the main living area/ kitchen is a huge asset.
In addition to an outdoor entertaining area, a yard, with some grass for the children, or dogs, to run around and play in, is another hot item on the buyer’s wish list.
Storage
There can never be too much storage in a home. Buyers love built-in wardrobes, space under a staircase, kitchen and bathroom storage, and even a space to store more outdoors.
Natural light
The power of light. Natural light. A light and bright home is a huge selling point, no matter who the potential buyer is.
North facing is always a winner, but skylights and large windows can also help to bring natural light to those houses or rooms that aren’t facing the “right” way.
More than just a place to lay your head
The bedroom. No longer just a space to sleep with just enough room for a bed, a side table and a freestanding wardrobe, buyers now want good-sized bedrooms that offer built-in storage with enough floor space for a reasonable amount of furniture, and room for the kids to be able to play.
The feel-good effect
It’s the wild card, the non-visual, non-tactile factor that can make buyers overlook a home’s shortcomings. It’s that inexplicable feeling you get when you walk through the front door of your home at the end of a long day.
That feeling of being “home”.
And that’s ultimately what we are searching for – a place we feel calm, happy, secure- our sanctuary – a place to call home.
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 