Change is inevitable in all walks of life and the housing market makes no exception.

 

Can you remember when conservatories, greenhouses and dining rooms were all the rage? Now, most people couldn’t give two hoots about them. Even fitted wardrobes are on the decline! We really thought they were here to stay forever.

Tastes evolve and priorities change, especially when a pandemic hits! So we thought it might be both fun and useful to highlight some of the features that buyers are looking for as we move towards 2023.

The first few items are a lifestyle change rather than a 'specification' change but are as equally important to highlight;

As the pandemic hit, working from home became a necessity rather than an option. Millions of people had not even contemplated home working before and, unsurprisingly, many found that they actually enjoyed this way of working. Post lockdown restrictions have seen many workers transitioned to either full-time or part-time remote working which showed people that they can live pretty much anywhere they want and still work efficiently.

Unsurprisingly, this has led to a huge demand for properties near the sea. Enquiries for coastal homes rose by around 115% during 2021 and selling times for seaside homes dropped from an average of 71 days to just 51 days. This trend is continuing through 2022.

As with the thought process for coastal homes, many homebuyers now see the freedom and space that a countryside location can offer as their next home destination. Both demand and prices of rural properties have continued to rise throughout 2021 and 2022.

Right, now let's look at the characteristics of properties that are rising up the list of 'must haves' for home buyers;

'Open Plan' was perhaps the phrase that is now referred to as 'flexible living'. Just look at any new build development popping up and you would be hard pressed to find something that’s not open plan. This trend pretty much goes hand in hand with the decline of dining rooms. Now more than ever, buyers are looking to optimise their space, and an open plan layout is often the best way to do that.

However, the rise in the popularity of more flexible living spaces has been driven by the fact that more people are spending more of their time at home and , while many still love the idea of open plan living, others consider that style is no longer practical as there are now more people at home more of the time.

The most sought-after properties now need to be flexible enough to offer both living styles.

The popularity of garden offices has skyrocketed in recent times. No prizes for guessing why; this one’s got ‘the rise of home-working’ written all over it.

The beauty of a garden office is that it offers the best of both worlds. It means your office is technically separate from your house, so that when you’re out of it, you’re not constantly reminded that work is a thing. But since it’s conveniently placed in your garden, you don’t have to endure a lengthy commute, and your home comforts are just a few steps away.

Plus, a garden office can have plenty of home comforts of its own. You’ll find a lot of them are now fully kitted out with carpets, electricity, heating, and WiFi.

As mentioned earlier, outdoor space has become the most sought after feature of a property in recent times. This may well be some sort of revenge against the time we all spent indoors during lockdown. Those with gardens valued their time outside, while those without were limited in their ability to go outdoors and enjoy the great outdoors where they can spend their time.

With energy prices going completely bananas, it’s no wonder that homebuyers now place energy efficiency high on their list of priorities.

Energy efficient features include thermal insulation of walls, roofs and windows, smart systems incorporating thermostats and smart lighting, high-performance appliances, and sustainable energy solutions like solar panels. A few of these features could save a household thousands each year.

We mentioned before that conservatories are one the decline - and that, it seems, is because they are being replaced by… oranges?

Not oranges. Orangeries. They’re similar to a conservatory, only with less glass - and they can be built separate from the main house, like a summer house. Typically brick-built, orangeries are a handy kind of extension because they can be used for all sorts, be it a home gym, a playroom, a music room, a cosy snug, or an office.

This is definitely what homebuyers. Millennials and, particularly, first-time homebuyers prioritise their kitchens and bathroom. These rooms are the most important feature for many when considering whether or not to purchase a home.

New home builders concentrate on these rooms in particular, offering a large range of units, finishes and upgrades to let the buyer pick their perfect combination.

Top tip for sellers with a young or first time buyer audience; upgrade your kitchen and bathrooms if you have the budget to warrant it.

Be sensible though as you don’t need to break the bank to attract first-time homebuyers. Make improvements to stand out from the competition. There is no need to spend £20,000 on a new kitchen when homes in your area sell for £150,000.

Underfloor heating has really hit its stride in recent years. Advancements in technology have made it more affordable and energy efficient than ever, and the systems are versatile enough to be installed under just about any type of flooring.

Another perk is the discretion. You can do away with clunky looking radiators, and instead use an underfloor system that opens up endless possibilities for interior design. Once you’ve walked on a heated floor, it’s hard to go back.

The last feature on this list is somewhat peculiar. How exciting can bi-fold doors be?

Well, according to the masses, they’re very exciting! A simple bi-fold door has the ability to extend a living space seamlessly into the outdoors and with the increasing periods of warmer weather, this option is seen as a must for many.

If you’re looking to sell your house anytime soon, it might be worth looking into acquiring at least one or two of these features. While they’re not the be all and end all, they could easily increase the value of your home, and will probably assist in a much quicker sale of your house.