buyers Archives | Williams Of Petersfield

New Rightmove Study Highlights Current Selling Points In Homes

Posted on September 9, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

Whether you are buying or selling property, key selling points are crucial. These are the factors which make a difference in so many property transactions, and when Rightmove lists the crucial elements in present-day property transactions, we listen.

Garden offices are a big factor these days and are listen eleven times more commonly than they were a decade ago. Bi-fold doors have also seen a significant rise in listings, up by 589% on ten years. Orangeries have increased by 173% and underfloor heating has risen by 114%.

The number of summer houses listed has risen while greenhouses have fallen.

What do the experts say?

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Property Expert, says: “Agents and developers have their finger on the pulse when it comes to the home features that will attract suitable buyers. Where dining rooms and fitted wardrobes may not be as important to some potential buyers compared with ten years ago, other features like an outdoor office space have soared as working patterns have changed, and the findings indicate a move towards greener features too. With outside space coming at such a premium, it may be that homeowners are ensuring what they build outside can be used in a number of different ways. For example, summer houses and orangeries are likely to have fewer or smaller windows than conservatories, and so can more suitably double up as home offices during the week and entertaining spaces at the weekend.”

Steve Rule, Group Design and Technical Director at Cala Homes, says: “Over the last couple of years there has been a real shift in what home-hunters are looking for. Buyers are considering in much more detail what they really want and need from their home, and truly optimising their space, especially as many are spending more time there through home or hybrid working. From a sustainability point of view, smart home tech has become very important. Underfloor heating is becoming more popular, both for environmental reasons and for the improved aesthetic it offers. We’re also rolling out various energy-saving measures in our homes which have risen up the agenda for our buyers – from air source heat pumps and EV charging points to water-saving fittings and PV/solar panels.”

Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People, comments: “Homeowners want to reduce their impact on the planet and cut the cost of bills by making their homes more environmentally friendly – in fact, the number one reason for making eco improvements is to lower their bills. So, with the rising cost of living and increasing awareness of the importance of living sustainably, it’s no surprise to see that more homeowners are choosing to make greener swaps and invest in the likes of underfloor heating.”

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

How To Price Your English Home For Sale In 2022

Posted on August 5, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

As a homeowner in England, you may be wondering how to price your home for sale in 2022. You want to ensure that you get the best price possible, but you don’t want to undersell yourself, either. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to price your English home correctly and maximize your profits. Keep reading for more information!

How to price your home for sale in a buyers’ market

Buyers need to know how to price their home in a way that helps them connect with home buyers looking for houses. There is significant demand for homes in and around Petersfield, which is great news for vendors, but it doesn’t mean they can afford to be complacent when it comes to connecting with these buyers.

In the housing market, it’s all about price. You need to be competitive with your pricing in order to attract the attention of buyers who are looking for a great deal. However, you also don’t want to price your home too low and leave money on the table. The key is to find the right balance that will help you connect with the right buyer.

The housing market in Petersfield is very strong right now, with high demand for properties. This is great news for sellers, but it means that you need to be strategic with your pricing. If you price your home too low, you may miss out on potential buyers who are willing to pay more. On the other hand, if you price your home too high, you may have a harder time connecting with buyers who are looking for a great deal. The key is to find the right balance that will help you connect with the right buyer.

If you’re not sure how to price your home for sale in a buyers’ market, it’s best to consult with a real estate agent who can help you assess the current market conditions and come up with a competitive price that will attract the right buyers.

Factors to consider when setting your asking price

The housing market is always changing, and it can be difficult to know how to price your home. There are a few key factors to consider when setting an asking price. First, look at the overall housing market in your area. Is there high demand for properties? Are there more buyers than sellers? This will give you an idea of how much negotiating power you have. Next, take a look at the condition of your home. Is it in need of repair? Are there any major problems that will need to be fixed before selling? If so, this will impact the asking price.

Finally, consider the number of bedrooms and local facilities. If your home has more bedrooms than average or is located near popular amenities, you can set a higher asking price. By taking all of these factors into account, you can come up with a realistic asking price for your home.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

Petersfield Home Owners – Energy Efficiency Connects You With Buyers

Posted on June 17, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

If you are looking to sell your Petersfield home, it is helpful to know what buyers are looking for. In the current housing market, the demand for homes far outstrips the supply of property. This is positive news for homeowners looking to sell, but you shouldn’t be complacent.

If you want to maximise the return you receive on your property, you want to connect with buyers in the most effective manner. At Williams of Petersfield, we know the local market well, and we know what property buyers are looking for. This ensures we represent you in the most effective manner.

We also know the national market, staying in touch with what is happening across the country. This ensures we help you make informed decisions.

Going green makes sense in the housing market

One trend we see at the moment, both locally and nationally is energy-efficient homes are in greater demand, and many buyers are willing to pay more for this style of home.

If you are a homeowner looking to connect with buyers, it makes sense to carry out home improvements which boost the energy efficiency rating for your home.

A recent study by FJP Investment spoke with more than 1,000 people. 44% of respondents said they would pay more for a home that has a high energy efficiency rating. When focusing on people aged between 18 and 34, 59% said they would pay more for a home with a higher energy efficiency rating.

This is important information, as it should guide you in how to best enter the market. The study also showed only 22% of respondents said they would buy a home with a low energy efficiency rating, and make improvements from there.

Give homebuyers what they are looking for

If you plan on selling your Petersfield home, it is far more productive to give buyers what they want from the start. At Williams of Petersfield, we will make sure you connect with buyers in the most appropriate manner.

Jamie Johnson, chief executive of FJP Investment, said: “The energy prices hike will see homeowners across the UK facing much higher energy bills compared to previous years, and our research shows that more people are starting to take green credentials more seriously when it comes to their next home or property investment. Greater energy-efficiency will continue to increase as a key factor in preferences as homeowners seek to reduce energy bills and live more sustainably. Now, more than ever before, developers, construction firms and designers must prioritise sustainability in future projects to meet the demands voiced by homeowners, with most seeking a property already equipped with energy-efficient features rather than one that needs retrofitting further down the line.”

Jamie Johnson also said; “While the tax relief announced in the Spring Statement on solar panels, insulation and heat pumps is a step in the right direction, the measures don’t go far enough to solve the affordability issue facing many households who will find these energy incentives largely out of reach. Driving sustainability in new homes and removing the affordability barriers to green renovations and sustainable home ownership needs to be at the forefront of the government’s agenda, who must work hand in hand with the construction industry to ensure greater progress is made.”

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

Need Help Securing A Property Deal?

Posted on May 13, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

With so much demand for homes, you would imagine buyers would be keen to conclude the deal as quickly as possible. However, a recent study indicates 32% of property deals fell through between January and March of this year.

A quarter of the transactions which collapsed did so because the buyer was unable to arrange finance.

It is vital that buyers and vendors aware of mortgage lenders tightening their criteria when it comes to offering mortgages. These are challenging times financially, and it is no surprise to see lenders acting in this manner.

The managing director of the company behind the study, Danny Luke, said; “Property prices have been climbing and climbing in recent months. At the same time, the UK has been experiencing a steep rise in inflation and lots of people are beginning to really feel the pinch from steep rises in the cost of living. It was inevitable that the squeeze on people’s wallets would begin to be reflected in mortgage companies’ affordability assessments. From our conversations with potential buyers and estate agents, it is clear that lenders are being more cautious about which properties they’re prepared to lend on and how much home buyers can afford to borrow in light of rising day-to-day living costs. Energy prices have already risen by 50% for most UK households, and they look set to increase even further through the latter half of this year and into 2023. That, of course, has a significant impact on homeowner affordability.”

There are many reasons why property deals collapse

While a more cautious approach by lenders is a significant factor in collapsed property deals, it would be wrong to suggest this is the only factor. Other reasons for failed property sales in the first quarter of this year included:

34% of failed sales were down to the buyer changed their mind about the purchase
25% of failed sales occurred because the seller stopped the deal, citing slow progress
8% of failed sales are attributed to the buyer looking to renegotiate on the previously agreed sales price
8% of failed sales are down to a change in the buyers’ circumstances

We can help you better manage the sales process

Danny also said; “The property market has defied many predictions over the last two years, remaining buoyant and thriving despite challenging external conditions. Demand has remained strong since the end of the stamp duty holiday, and a shortage of properties coming to the market has led to exponential house price growth. However, both buyers and sellers are beginning to show more caution. Steeply rising living costs and worries about future financial security will undoubtedly impact buyer confidence.”

Danny continued by saying; “It’s little surprise that 34% of failed sales are attributed to the buyer changing their mind about a property after agreeing on a sale. There is such stiff competition for properties at the moment, that it’s easy for buyers to be pressurised into agreeing to a higher purchase price than they’re comfortable with, in order to secure a property. A few weeks in, when the sale really begins progressing, it’s understandable that buyers might start to get cold feet about the agreed sale price – which accounts for 8% of failed sales – or pull out of the purchase altogether.”

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

March Ideal Time To List Your Home

Posted on March 5, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

Given the demand for property in the housing market, there is no bad time to list your house for sale. However, from what we have seen, and what has been said by many specialists in the housing market, we believe March is the ideal time to list your home for sale.

Leading property portal suggests market will be busy in spring

A new study undertaken by Rightmove, which examines property moving data over the last five years (albeit excluding 2020) provides a number of interesting findings:

March is the month of the year when most buyers enquire about property
Around 75% of properties listed for sale are being bought, which compares well with the historical figure of 50%
On average, homes are currently finding a buyer in 39 days
Historically, homes find a buyer, on average, in 59 days
Historically, the number of new properties coming to the market is strongest in March
Even with this, March remains the strongest month to sell because of the high level of buyer demand
April and May are also strong months for sellers in the property market

What does the expert say?

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Data, was quoted by Property Reporter as saying; “Spring has long been known as a peak point in the housing market calendar, with many buyers and sellers trying to get into a new home for the summer months. However, this interesting study confirms that for those considering selling this year, March has historically been the best time to come to market on average. For any sellers who might be conscious of coming to market at a time when the number of new listings has traditionally been high, the data shows us that the level of demand in March means sellers are likely to meet with multiple potential buyers competing for their home.”

Tim Bannister concluded by saying; “This spring is certainly shaping up to be a busy one, with buyer demand, new listings coming to market for sale, and valuation requests to estate agents from future sellers all continuing to increase compared to last year. Gardens are likely to be high on the list of priorities for home-movers, as outdoor space continues to be a strong consideration factor when deciding on a next home.”

Study into property completion dates

June was highlighted as the busiest month of the year. Over the past five years, an average of 68,546 property deals are completed in June. This correlates with the property transactions agreed at the start of the year, which we know is a busy time of year.

March was recognised as the second busiest month of the year in the property market. Based on figures over the last five years, an average of 63,547 property transactions were completed in March. This is likely to correlate with property deals agreed before the holiday season making it over the line.

However, if you aren’t ready to move quickly, don’t panic. The study indicates the average number of property deals which are completed each month remains above 50,000 all the way through to December.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

What Comes Next In The 2022 Housing Market?

Posted on January 14, 2022 by colin_williams

At Williams of Petersfield, we are happy to help as many people as we can in the Petersfield housing market. We have assisted many buyers and vendors, and we know what people are looking for locally.

For the national market, we stay in touch with what is being said by the experts, and this helps us to help you make an informed decision.

What do the experts think will happen in 2022?

Grainne Gilmore from Zoopla was speaking with colleague Richard Donnell (as reported by the Property Industry Eye website), saying; “Richard, our latest house price report reflected what has happened in the market over the past 12 months. Prices are up 7.1% on the year, and 6.6 million homes have risen in value by more than £30,000. This is not what many would have predicted at the start of the pandemic back in March last year.”

Richard responded by saying; “Yes, the market in 2021 has been remarkably busy for agents, considering we are in a global pandemic. But, the pandemic itself has been one of the drivers of buyer demand, with many households taking lockdowns as an opportunity to reflect on where they were living, and the space in which they were living. Add to this the stamp duty holiday, and we have seen transactions rise to 1.5 million – translating into around one in 16 privately-held homes changing hands in 2021.”

What will buyers look for in 2022?

One of the biggest factors in shaping buyer activity in the past couple of years has been the need for space. It is likely that this will continue as we move forward, especially when there is still so much uncertainty over the pandemic.

Grainne said; “The rise of Omicron is causing more uncertainty for the households, and the wider economy, in the coming weeks. Our data shows a slowing in buyer demand, but it is very much in line with the usual seasonal trends. We expect a bounce back in demand in the days following Christmas and into the New Year. However, could Omicron have any impact on supply?”

Richard said; “The housing market is usually busiest in the first couple of months of the year with a spike in new listings as well as a surge in buyer interest. Starting last year with restrictions and schools closed put off many sellers. So long as schools remain open and we don’t see widespread restrictions then we would expect a strong flow of new instructions.”

What other factors will influence the 2022 housing market?

One of the reasons it is so hard to predict what will happen next in the property market is because there are so many factors involved with the process. This is why there is a need to consider as many of the factors that will shape buying processes and supplier demand as we can.

Grainne said; “There will be more economic headwinds next year, but the ‘pandemic-led’ search for space has further to run. Office-based workers will still be recalibrating their working practices and their home life, and some may choose to make a move because they no longer have to live so close to their workplace. This will continue to put upwards pressure on houses situated in wider commuter zones and more rural and coastal areas. There is more room for prices to grow in the more affordable areas, and we forecast average price rises of 4% next year, and 1.2 million transactions, roughly the same level as between 2014 and 2018. How long do you think the pandemic will continue to impact the housing market?”

Richard said; “When we look back at the pandemic in five to ten years we will recognise it marked a major turning point in the link between home and work and people’s attitudes to their home. The pandemic has engendered some seismic changes in how people want to work, and how they will work in the future. This trend has further to run, as more office-based workers decide how far they can live from the office if they do not have to be there every day into 2022 and 2023. Together with other structural factors such as an ageing population, the result should be a greater proportion of homes trading each year, bucking the decline over the last five to ten years and supporting the size of the market for agents and lenders.”

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

What Features Do Buyers Love In Homes Right Now?

Posted on November 26, 2021 by colin_williams

At Williams of Petersfield, we are always interested in how to add value to a home, and how property can be improved upon.

A study undertaken by MoveStreets, alongside the Post Office, suggests some of the features which are set to add the largest amount of value to a home. It is no surprise to see many of these upgrades sit neatly with the post-pandemic environment.

Home gym is viewed as top addition

A home gym is said to add around 44% in value, and by the average value of property, that equates to £116,267.

This seems a significant rise, and not one that every property owner adding a home gym should expect to benefit from. However, it does suggest that adding a home gym space to your house can make it more appealing to buyers, and will help you generate more money when you sell your house.

Mind you, it is important to note that not all home gyms are of the same standard or calibre. There are some home gyms of a very high standard, and others which are not too inspired. As long as the people using the gym get some form of exercise and activity, it is a good gym, but this doesn’t mean all gyms will add value to a property.

The same can be said for any change made around the home. A swimming pool or extension needs to be a suitable addition to a property, and it needs to be of good quality. If you need advice on what sort of changes you need to make to your property, get in touch, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Other improvements were as follows:

An extension was found to as much as £97,770 based on average property values
A walk-in wardrobe is said to add as much as 34% to the value of your home, and this equates to £89,843
A new kitchen can boost your property value by as much as £69,900
A swimming pool could add £58,000 to the value of your home
Upgrading your garden could boost the value of your property by up to £53,000
Carrying out a basement conversion at your home could increase value by up to £45,000
Converting your loft into a living space could add £28,538 to the value of your home
Installing a conservatory could boost the value of your home by £26,000
Adding or upgrading a driveway could add more than £23,000 to the property value

Adam Kamani, CEO and Co-Founder of MoveStreets, said: “There’s no doubt that the pandemic has changed the way we view our homes and what we consider a valuable addition having spent so much of the last two years within them. Any improvement that adds space is always going to appeal to buyers, however, it’s interesting to see that a space to keep fit now tops the table in terms of the most value-added.”

What Turns Buyers Off?

Posted on September 22, 2021 by colin_williams

We know there are many things buyers love to see when looking at a home, but what about the things that buyers hate to see when looking at present. It is vital vendors know what turns buyers off, and what can cost them money when it comes to the value of their home.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we help buyers and vendors connect. If you are looking for support or guidance in the local housing market, we are here to help.

What do you hate to see in a home?

A study carried out by Yes Homebuyers found the things that buyers hate to see when looking at property, and which significantly lower the value of a property:

Subsidence can lead to a reduction in value of 20% in a property
Taken at the average price of property in the UK (stated as £254,624), a 20% reduction would equal a loss of £51,000.
Japanese Knotweed is also recognised as an issue which has a serious impact on property value, and this can reduce your home’s worth by 15%
At the average price of property, a homeowner suffering from Japanese Knotweed can lose £38,000 in the value of their home
Even poor upkeep can impact the value of property, with a bad garden or shoddy conditions leading to a reduction of 14% in value
This drop is equal to £36,000 when you consider the average price of property in the UK
Items that impact the view of your property, such as mobile phone towers, new power lines or wind turbines, you can expect an average of 13% to be wiped from your property value
This reduction is around £33,000 based on average property prices
Having a nuisance neighbour is annoying, and this can reduce the value of your property by 10%, or close to £25,500
Similarly, if your property has suffered water damage or is a flood risk, the value is likely to drop by 10% and see you lose around £25,000 in value
If there is no convenient parking at your property, you can lose 7.1% of your value, which is around £18,000
Even having an unlucky house number, such as 13, can reduce the value of your home by 6%, which is around £15,000

There are many things people hate to see in a house

Other issues which reduce the value of your property include:

Structural issues can see you lose £13,500 in value
Local power stations can see your property drop £12,700 in value
If there is damage or odours left by pets at home, your property value can drop by £10,200
Cluttered rooms can cause a drop of £10,200
Damp and mould lead to a loss of value of £2,500
Asbestos can lower property value by £2,500
Woodworm can lead to a drop in property value of £1,300

Matthew Cooper, founder and managing director of Yes Homebuyers, commented: “Many of these buyer turnoffs can be easily and cheaply fixed, a process which should be well worth the effort and money thanks to the value they will restore to your home. Some of them, however, can be very expensive indeed. Severe damp issues and subsidence, for example, could cost as much to rectify as the value they restore. Furthermore, they can take an awfully long time to fix.”

Matthew Cooper also said; “In such instances, it might be worth considering selling your home at a reduced price rather than undertake the task yourself. Of course, you might struggle to find a buyer, as a result, but in most cases, a bonafide quick buy platform should take your property off your hands. Leaving you stress-free and able to focus on your onward purchase.”

95 Percent Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Launched

Posted on May 9, 2021May 17, 2021 by colin_williams

For many buyers, the hardest aspect of buying property is saving for the deposit. This is why the 95% mortgage guarantee scheme, which is now in effect, will be of benefit and interest to many prospective buyers.

At Williams of Petersfield, we work closely with many people in the local area. We know there is considerable demand for property right now, and we can help.

The criteria of the scheme is based on:

Buyers can purchase property valued up to £600,000 with a 5% deposit
The scheme is open to first-time buyers, and existing homeowners
The scheme is not limited to new-build property, it can be used on all manner of property
The scheme aims to help buyers by incentivising lenders to provide more affordable mortgages to more buyers

Can buyers in Petersfield benefit from the mortgage guarantee scheme?

With the £600,000 threshold in mind, it is helpful to be reminded of the average price of property in Petersfield.

According to Rightmove, as of the end of April 2021, the Petersfield housing market can be described as follows:

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £463,407 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £660,352. Terraced properties sold for an average of £358,202, with semi-detached properties fetching £458,345.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 5% up on the previous year and 6% up on the 2018 peak of £436,809.”

As can be seen, the average price of detached properties, the most commonly sold property type in Petersfield, is above the threshold, but the average price of all properties is below. So, if you are looking to buy a home in Petersfield, and you require assistance in saving for the deposit, help is likely to be available.

Robert Jenrick, Housing Secretary, comments: “For too many people, no matter how hard they work, homeownership can seem out of reach. One of the biggest divides in our country has been between those who can afford their own home and those who cannot. That’s why we are determined to do everything we can to help hard-working families and prospective first-time buyers get their feet on the housing ladder in an easy and affordable way, to level up this country. The new mortgage guarantee scheme which comes into effect today will give providers the confidence to lend and help families and young people get on the property ladder without the prohibitive burden of a large deposit.”

This measure should help buyers

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property data, says: “The new mortgage scheme could help some first-time buyers bring their plans forward if they have a lower deposit but are still able to pass the affordability checks, and will be welcomed by those who last year we’re struggling to come up with a 15 or 20% deposit. Although the number of new properties coming to the market is improving, it’s still nowhere near enough to satisfy the buyer demand that is already at record levels, and so more people choosing to trade up will be vital to open up more choice at the start of the property ladder.”

Tim Bannister also said; “The combination of not enough stock and high demand will help underpin prices, and over the past five years asking prices of a typical first-time buyer home have already increased by £23,000 on average, so those who can now afford to buy a home will be trying to make the move quickly in case prices rise further.”

Will Petersfield Buyers Benefit From Small Mortgage Guarantee Scheme?

Posted on April 25, 2021 by colin_williams

While the extension of the stamp duty holiday was the headline issue for property matters in the March 2021 Budget, it wasn’t the only measure announced. One of the biggest problems for property buyers is saving for a deposit.

The small deposit mortgage guarantee is great news for buyers who have been struggling, and hopefully, many prospective buyers will find assistance here. Also, existing homeowners who have found their attempts to move thwarted by the required budget will benefit too.

Will small deposit mortgage guarantee change this process for first-time buyers?

If you are interested in the small mortgage guarantee scheme, you should check if you can buy a property under the scheme. There is a threshold of £600,000; and to be eligible for the scheme, the property you buy must be priced no higher than this level.

As of the end of March 2021, Rightmove says the following about the Petersfield housing market:

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £428,729 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £353,247. Detached properties sold for an average of £622,206, with flats fetching £225,461.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 4% down on the previous year and 2% down on the 2018 peak of £436,809.”

Andrew Harvey, chief economist at Nationwide, said: “We have seen a significant widening in the gap between the least affordable and most affordable regions. London has been the least affordable region for most of the past 40 years – the house price to earnings ratio in the capital reached a record high in 2016 of 10.2 and remained elevated at 9.2 at the end of 2020. Scotland currently has the lowest house price to earnings ratio at 3.2, closely followed by the North at 3.3. Looking over the longer term, Northern England and Scotland have historically seen lower house price to earnings ratios than Southern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

There is support for property buyers

Andrew Asaam, mortgages director at Halifax, said: “We know that lockdown restrictions have made it more practically challenging for those buying and selling, but the stamp duty holiday has helped drive record levels of mortgage approvals as those held back by lockdown race to make savings. Raising a deposit is still the biggest struggle for those looking to take their first step on to the property ladder. We know that first-time buyers will benefit from steps that make a deposit more attainable and we’re committed to lending £10 billion to help people buy their first home this year.”

Zoopla’s head of research, Gráinne Gilmor spoke about first-time buyers returning to the market. Gráinne said; “Our data suggests that first-time buyers are returning to the housing market. The level of interest from people looking to step onto the housing ladder was up 5% in the first six weeks of this year compared with the last three months of 2020. We’ve also seen a 18% increase in the number of sales agreed on homes worth between £100,000 and £250,000, a price band typically associated with first-time buyers, in the first seven weeks of this year.”

Connecting With Property Buyers This Spring

Posted on April 20, 2021 by colin_williams

It is likely there will be considerable activity in the housing market this spring. As we move out of lockdown, many homeowners will look to make changes which allow them to make more out of life.

Also, there were a number of property market measures introduced in the 2021 March Budget. Many households will have examined their options, and it is likely some will find these schemes and new support to be of benefit to them.

If you are looking to sell your home, Williams of Petersfield is here to assist you. We have helped many local property owners connect with buyers, and we can do the same for you.

To improve your chances of connecting with buyers, it is vital you know what they are looking for.

Know what buyers are looking for

The study from GetAgent examines how people have changed in the past year when it comes to owning property. Homeownership is a dream for many people and households, but does the dream end with merely owning a home?

We know many people we work closely with spend a lot of time and money transforming their home. By doing so, they create a house where they feel at home.

The findings from the study were as follows:

38% of homeowners said owning property was their main aspiration
45% of respondents said that there was more to property ownership than having a roof over their heads, and it’s important that their home fits with their lifestyle
A further 17% of respondents said it was very important that their home fits with their life

The survey also asked people to rank what was important to them in their home, with the following results:

24% of respondents said safety was a priority
20% said size was a priority
Energy-efficiency was stated by 19% of respondents
8% said having a garage
6% said having a garden mattered
A home bar mattered to 4% of respondents
3% of respondents stated an integrated media system mattered

People want to love their home

Colby Short, Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, commented: “There’s no doubting we’re a house-proud nation but the definition of being house proud has certainly evolved over the years. Gone are the days of presenting a pristine show home to impress friends and family and today, we love to put our own unique stamp on our properties in all manner of ways.”

Colby concluded by saying; “For some, it’s energy-efficient improvements such as solar panels, for others a space to get their hands dirty working on their latest project is important. Others prefer to entertain, while the latest technology integration or entertainment system makes some of us tick. Whatever it is, we love to spend time at home doing the things we love and so it’s no surprise that they’ve become more of an extension of who we are rather than simply a roof over our heads.”