In today’s challenging real estate market, boosting your home’s value is more difficult than ever, with house sales at a decade-low and mortgage approvals declining, homeowners looking to sell must focus on the features that truly matter to buyers. Recent research by Accoya sheds light on what potential buyers prioritize when searching for their forever home.
Key Findings: What Buyers Want
- Newly Fitted Kitchen (37%): Topping the list, a modern kitchen remains a significant draw for buyers.
- Natural Light (29%): Homes with abundant windows are highly desirable.
- Energy Efficiency (29%): A growing priority, likely due to rising energy costs.
- Landscaped Garden (24%): Outdoor spaces continue to be important.
- Recently Refurbished Bathroom (20%): Updated bathrooms add significant appeal.
Other notable features include double garages (18%), double driveways (17%), low-maintenance gardens (17%), bi-fold doors (15%), and balconies (13%).
The Rise of Energy Efficiency
Gillian Edwards, Head of Communications and ESG at Accoya, comments: “Energy efficiency has risen in importance. With high and unstable energy bills affecting every household, this is hardly surprising. It’s now one of the key features for those looking to purchase a home.”
Homeowners’ Response:
- 51% of homeowners plan to make energy-efficient home improvements
- 66% of higher-income households intend to improve their property’s energy efficiency
Sustainability: A Growing Trend
Beyond energy efficiency, sustainability is becoming a crucial factor:
- 36% of homeowners would invest more in sustainable home improvements
Windows: A Key to Energy Efficiency
“Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use,” Gillian explains. “This makes energy-efficient windows an important consideration for both homebuyers and homeowners.”
Accoya Wood: A Sustainable Solution
Accoya wood offers an excellent option for energy-efficient windows and doors:
- Highly stable and durable with a 50-year warranty
- 30% better insulation value than hardwood
- 8% better insulation value than softwood
Conclusion
As the real estate market evolves, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainability, and key features like modern kitchens and natural lighting can significantly increase your home’s appeal to potential buyers. By investing in these areas, homeowners can boost their property’s value and stand out in a competitive market.