What's happening this month?

Five in-demand factors buyers are now looking for

 

Working and spending more time at home has caused significant changes to people’s property needs.

 

More than a quarter of the UK’s renters and homeowners (26%) have found that their property needs have changed since the outbreak of COVID-19.*

 

 

What are the key changes likely to stay on the priority list now restrictions are easing?

 

Gardens

 

Lockdown has caused a general desire for more space, meaning that many of us are seeking homes near public gardens or green areas.

 

Unsurprisingly, the demand for gardens has also increased by 74% worldwide, with UK buyers making it a top property feature to look out for.

 

 

Accessible Wi-Fi

 

Zoom and facetime have become the key to keeping in touch with loved ones, as well as playing an important role in remote working practices.

 

This means that having fast internet is essential for those looking to buy.

 

 

Natural lighting

 

Being confined to our homes throughout lockdown has given people a craving to create open, natural spaces inside.

 

Velux windows have increased in popularity due to the natural light and improved air quality they provide, whilst high ceilings also give a sense of greater space, and have seen higher search volumes of 15% over the pandemic.*

 

 

Home gyms

 

Lockdown has encouraged people to become more active in their spare time by taking up running and cycling where gyms have otherwise been forced to close.

 

Whilst sporting and leisure facilities have now opened up again, there's still a hesitancy from some previous members about when it is safe to return, making a home gym a staple feature of any home to attract attention from buyers.

 

 

Views

 

Having beautiful views is a big selling point, with balconies also increasingly more desirable now.

 

If you've been holding off on your next move, we'd like to extend our support. Contact us today.

 

 

*Wayhome

 

 

How valuable is your garden?

 

With the summer months promising a season of sun and property market surges, we're sharing guidance on how to make your gorgeous garden pay for itself.

 

If you'd like to increase your home's value, spending some time on the outdoor space is a must, with summer buyers and sellers extra vigilant about their green space options.

 

 

Here are a few improvements you can make:*

 

Add a building

 

Potential gain = between 5% to 15% value to your home

 

Over lockdown, many of the country's professional workforce found themselves stuck at home and searching for places to accommodate working from home, opting for a noisy kitchen or dark spare room where no other options were available.

 

For those homeowners and landlords already benefitting from having an outdoor building, many found that they could use that to their advantage to raise the value of their property.

 

Outdoor buildings can be used in many inventive ways, such as an office or gym.

 

 

Letting the outside in with bi-folding doors

 

Potential gain = between 5% to 10% to the property's value

 

Over the past few years, bi-folding doors have become a fashion symbol for homes as their popularity has grown massively.

 

Fewer homeowners have opted for conservatories, instead favouring extensions in other parts of their home to avoid taking away from their gardens.

 

However, as well as opening up the space joining your indoors and outdoors, bi-folding doors can portray your property as an ideal location to entertain guests or host summer events.

 

 

Add decking

 

Potential gain = up to 10% added to the value of your home

 

For those who routinely invite over friends and family members, this feature can give a garden multiple levels and different zones, so don't be afraid to be creative when looking at ways to maximise on space.

 

 

Just a splash of paint

 

Potential gain = 5% or around 12.5k in value depending on the project

 

Whilst at first it may seem like a daunting task, adding a lick of paint to your home’s exterior can make a big difference.

 

 

Are you curious to discover how much your home may be worth? Contact us today.

 

 

 

 *MyToolShed