Why do some properties fly off the shelves while others linger? Recent insights reveal the intriguing buyer preferences that could hold the key to faster sales. Curious about what’s setting these properties apart? New data has revealed which unique features are helping sellers secure buyers at a faster rate than the wider market, with some unexpected design elements leading the way.
The research has uncovered that properties with functional and cost-saving features are in higher demand, leading to faster sales in the current UK market. According to an analysis of recent listings, affordable and functional home features, such as kitchen breakfast bars and energy-efficient ratings, are drawing more attention than high-end luxuries, indicating a shift in buyer preferences toward affordability and practicality.
Across listings analysed in the 30 days ending 11/10/2024*, an average of 12 per cent of properties found buyers quickly. However, properties boasting the following three standout features outperformed this benchmark: breakfast bars, kitchen islands and energy-efficient ratings. Properties with breakfast bars saw the highest interest, with 13.6 per cent going under offer within a month. Properties with kitchen islands along with those with an EPC rating of C or above followed at 12.6 per cent while properties with a freestanding bath, renovation potential and unique features performed just below the benchmark.
The data below shows the current demand for homes in the UK with certain design features – listed in the last month*
- breakfast bar – 13.6%
- kitchen island – 12.6%
- EPC rating C+ – 12.6%
- freestanding bath – 11.1%
- renovation potential – 10.4%
- unique features – 10.2%
- wooden beams – 9.7%
- dressing room – 9.5%
- high ceilings – 9.2%
- sash windows – 8.9%
- roof terrace – 7.6%
- listed building – 7.3%
- large garden – 7.1%
- pool – 5.6%
- general demand – 12.4%
Interestingly, luxury elements like pools and expansive gardens have seen lower demand, with pools ranking lowest at just 5.6 per cent of properties going under offer.
Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, which conducted the study, commented: “It’s important to understand which unique features are enticing buyers and to what end this could help you to sell your home more swiftly or boost the price you can achieve.
For example, it’s the smaller, more functional features that are currently resonating with buyers, such as a more usable kitchen space. The chance to reduce their outgoings with a more energy-efficient property is also a high priority and this speaks to the fact that whilst the market outlook has improved, many buyers remain restricted due to higher mortgage rates.”
With affordability and practicality now top of buyers’ minds, the data offers valuable insight into which features sellers might focus on when preparing their properties for the market.
*Research conducted by Yopa using data from Jitty.
