The UK’s housing market has begun to experience incredible buoyancy over the past few years. This has led to increased property value and a remarkably competitive market, one that is actively encouraging homeowners to renovate their homes to ensure it achieves its full potential. And, while competition is overall good for homes, it can lead to disappointment as sales begin to fall through due to more appealing options available elsewhere.
This is why it remains incredibly important that homeowners are putting effort into their home’s curb appeal, as well as its long term favourability, so as to capture the interest of buyers and stand out among a crowd of other homes. To help, we have collected information from leading estate agents describing the most important factors of making your home outshine its neighbouring competition.
Ecological Design
The effects of climate change are becoming ever more pertinent and it is leading buyers to seek out properties that are, essentially, futureproofed with effective green design. This manifests itself as potentially familiar installations, such as solar panels and modern boilers, but can also take the form of smart home features, which actively reduce energy consumption, established compost systems that reduce food waste, and vehicle charging points, which are increasingly likely to become ubiquitous over the next ten years.
Remote Working Space
Historically, estate agents have encouraged homeowners to maximise the amount of space within homes, equating the number of bedrooms with value. This, however, is less often the case as a greater number of potential buyers are seeking out home offices instead.
Since many properties are having to catch up with the teleworking culture that has recently developed, a number of homeowners are, instead, establishing their professional remote working spaces in the gardens, choosing to install outbuildings and log cabins. These luxurious options are not only ideal working spaces but also have the potential to accommodate other needs too, such as guest bedrooms and creative studios.
A Great Garden
Aesthetics are always important, but never more so than when it comes to curb appeal. A handy rule of thumb is that if the feature of your home is visible from the curb, then it needs to be clean and well-presented. If not, your home’s first impression is likely to be poor.
Gardens, as a result, receive a significant amount of scrutiny under the keen eye of neighbours. Buyers are potentially less likely to invest in a property if the garden requires substantial upkeep or immediate work because it will take priority.
Clear Space
You may feel rather confident in your interior design skills, however, it is almost always the case that the interest of buyers will always see them choose space over cultivated aesthetics. As such, be sure to minimise the amount of decor and furniture you showcase during your open house. Visitors are far more likely to value space, imagining their own designs than to be impressed by yours.
