A low maintenance, open-plan kitchen is always popular!
Considering selling or want to know what to buy to maximise resale potential? Here are some of the top items on home buyer’s shopping list this year
Single Story House
The idea of lugging laundry from one floor to the next doesn’t seem to be appealing to current home buyers, with single story housing proving more popular than two story homes.
Open-plan Living
In recent times, there has been a significant decrease in the popularity of formal dining rooms, replaced by a desire for open-planned spaces. Fewer internal walls are being used to create open spaces between the kitchen, dining room and lounge areas. Perfect for creating a social environment, utilising smaller floor areas and enhancing natural light.
Outdoor Living
Kiwis are renowned for hosting summer’s best barbeques and for this home owners are looking for an outdoor area that their friends will envy. Whether it be a paved patio area or the classic wooden deck, the space must be large enough to accommodate an outdoor table and of course the barbeque. Overhead sheltering and heat sources are added bonuses and help to make the space useable all year round.
Access to Outdoor Living Areas
With the rise in demand for open-planned living comes the expectation that these areas will open to the equally demanded outdoor living spaces. French doors, bi-folding doors, and sliding doors are a great addition to create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living.
Back yard space
Although apartment living is becoming increasingly popular, many buyers are still looking for a home which provides a decent backyard space. The ideal space is flat and be big enough for the children and pets to play and exercise.
Natural Light
High on the list for many home buyers is natural lighting. The presence of natural light can lift the atmosphere of a room, making it warm, comfortable and homely. Natural light will make a room airy and spacious, particularly beneficial in homes with smaller floor areas. We all know what a dose of vitamin D can do to our mood!
Scullery or a Butler’s Pantry
Scullery’s or a Butler’s Pantry were more traditionally found in big luxury homes of the rich and famous, however these days you will find these on the wish list of even the more modest buyer. This space is located adjacent to the kitchen, but generally hidden behind a door, and includes a food preparation area, additional storage and a place for bulky appliances. Also, a great place to keep mess out of sight when entertaining!
Storage Space
An important consideration for home buyers is the amount of storage space the home provides. An increase in open-plan living increases the need for generous storage to keep these spaces clutter free. Top spaces include; a laundry, linen cupboards and wardrobes in bedrooms.
Extra Bathrooms
Having extra bathrooms in hugely desirable for home buyers – nobody ever said “this house has too many bathrooms”. As a rule of thumb buyers are looking for a home that has bathrooms that equal (more or less) to the number of bedrooms. A bathroom near living areas is important too.
Parking
At a minimum, a safe off-street park is a must for home buyers. A double garage is preferred, particularly if it provides space to store lawn mowers and gardening tools, bicycles and extra storage space.
Proximity to shops, schools & public transport
Of all the neighbourhood influences, proximity to good quality reputable schools is most important to home buyers and can play a big part in their decision to purchase a home. Important too is proximity to local shops and access to public transport.
