Every buyer has a list of “wants” or “must haves” when they are looking for their new home.
Even with a wish list that has been diligently prepared, finding THE perfect home can be tricky and often compromises need to be made.
Regardless of personal tastes, such as modern or federation, city apartment or acreage, and a buyers age or stage of life, most property purchasers will have the following factors somewhere on their list.
What buyers want:
Price
In a recent survey, 73 percent of buyers put price at the top of their list. This obviously makes sense, if they can’t afford it, they can’t buy it.
Purchasing a home is building a nest egg for the future. Whether it’s buying a home to live in or an investment, buyers want to make sure they are not financially overstretched.
Financial satisfaction will mean that the buyer feels that their purchase has been affordable and that they got value for money.
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 however, home buyers are usually willing to forgive a few things that aren’t up to scratch if the home is in the right location.
The “right “ location is generally one that is close to shops, schools, and public transport.
For further reading on the importance of location, read our blog “the home or the ‘hood”.
Now, this is one amazing location: 2/47A Tara Street, Sylvania
Plus one – one home, two living areas
More than one living area, even if it is as simple as a sunroom, will garner additional interest. Families in particular are after a space for the children to play, make a mess, hang out with their mates in, and adults want a living space to relax and enjoy some quiet time for themselves.
The calm of a “grown up” living area: 195 Steyne Rd, Saratoga
No work required
The majority of buyers want it all done, apart from maybe a change of wall colour or bedroom carpet, they want the home they purchase to be ready and waiting for them to just move in and enjoy.
This is particularly so in the case of kitchens and bathrooms. Arguably the most expensive and disruptive internal rooms to renovate, buyers do not want the hassle of having to bring these rooms up to modern day standards.
What buyers want are large renovated kitchens, with great 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.
Simply stunning 24 Wunda Rd, Mosman
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.
Outdoor entertaining in style: 27 Waratah St, Freshwater
Storage
There can never be too much storage in a home. Buyers love built-in wardrobes, space under a staircase, storage in the kitchen, bathroom, 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.
Bathed in light: 24 Wunda Rd, Mosman
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.
Sweet dreaming: 9 Kurrajong Circuit, Mt Annan
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.