What drives a buyers’ priority list of demands will depend on the type of homehunter they are. For some, their greatest motivator could be the school catchment. For others, it will be the time and ease of their commute to work. But, aside from these more traditional buyer priorities, other needs are also creeping onto the 2025 wish list.
The traditional must-haves:
Good schools
As we’ve said, access to good schools remains a primary factor in many families’ moving decisions when they have children to also consider in the homebuying equation. Many will base a move solely on getting into the catchment area of their chosen school and may even seek to time their move around the school year.
Stable connections
Buyers also want fast broadband and reliable mobile connectivity, with one survey recently citing it as the number one must-have for buyers. This is not just for those working from home or hybrid working but is also a general expectation for gaming-obsessed teens and second-screen surfers alike.
Commute times
Commute times and ease of commuting are also returning to the shopping list when it comes to buying property. Although the pandemic saw many workers move away from traditional work locations, most companies have now mandated either a partial or a full return to the office. That means that buyers are once again considering their proximity to local transport hubs, especially if it’s to allow them to get to work while still enjoying the rural living they may have adapted to during Covid.
New needs:
Sustainability and energy efficiency
As homeowners become more cognisant of their impact on their environment, they are increasingly looking to invest in sustainable homes. And, whether it’s for the sake of the environment or the sake of their budget, many are looking for energy efficient properties. At one end of the scale that means well-insulated homes, while at the other it’s about properties that offer premium energy-efficient options, such as solar panels or heat pumps.
Such features help homeowners save money, as well as reduce their environmental impact, and also help them to future-proof their investments. This is especially true for landlord buyers for whom changing EPC ratings and MEES responsibilities make energy efficiency particularly crucial.
The appeal of new builds
Although garden and outdoor space remain on the tick list, new builds are increasingly desired. These often have smaller outside space or gardens than older properties. Space may have been sacrificed to accommodate parking, for example. The upside is that such properties offer the convenience and ease of modern design, a ready-to-move-into property and eco-friendly features already installed and which many buyers love. This is also likely to include smart technology, which can be more efficient, such as smart thermostats.
Buyers needs are changing but perhaps the biggest requirement, especially in the current market, remains price. Being aware of how those requirements are altering allows sellers to more effectively target the right buyers and conclude the deal they want faster but it has to be at the right price. Those who price competitively, in line with the rest of the market, are the ones most likely to be offering exactly what buyers want.
Proctors is an independent network of individual estate agent businesses with branches in Beckenham, Bromley, Park Langley, Petts Wood, Shirley and West Wickham. We’ve been buying, selling and letting in these areas since 1946. Get in touch to find out how we can help you with your property requirements.