Families Want to Spend Time Together

A new survey has shown that features such as a modern and open-plan kitchen and a back garden are important for those looking to buy a property. This highlights that families want areas where they can spend time together.

The research was carried out by OnTheMarket, a property website, amongst estate agents. It found that 28% of them believed that a good modern kitchen was the feature most likely to attract buyers. The other areas they tend to focus on are having a driveway or other off-street parking facilities (23%), a free-flowing kitchen-diner area (17%) and a back garden (14%). When it comes to choosing a new home, buyers will also be interested in those with an en-suite, a conservatory, real wood flooring, a front garden and neutral décor. They also want to be in an area with fast internet speeds.

Living in the Kitchen

According to the estate agents who were surveyed, the kitchen and dining area has now become a central part of the home. Rather than just being a place to cook and eat, families also want to use it as an area to socialise with each other and catch up on their days. They are focussing on the existing features so that they can move straight in, alongside the capabilities to extend and turn the space into exactly what they desire. In many cases, the kitchen can actually be the room that sells a property or puts buyers off completely.

Make the Most of the Garden

Outdoor space was crucial for many of the agents who took part. Buyers are looking for good-sized back gardens where they can have some privacy and create their own little oasis. It's important for them when buying a new home to have some form of space where they can spend time outdoors, whether in a garden or on a balcony with stainless handrails.

The area can be used for relaxing in or entertaining, but it's becoming increasingly important to buyers. According to the survey, a decent back garden could add as much as £20,000 to a home's value. This shows just how integral it is to the decision-making process.

By focusing on these particular areas when house hunting, buyers are showing just how valuable family life is to them. They want the space and facilities to spend time together across all areas of their life, from cooking and dining to doing the garden.