Traditional features lead the way
Some new research was published last week, highlighting the most important factors a new-build home can have, from the point of view of homebuyers who are looking to buy new. And despite our desire for lifestyle and contemporary living, it’s the more traditional features which still rank as the most sought after when people are looking for their ideal new property.
What buyers want
The research came via new home specialists Stone Real Estate, who looked to get a better understanding of what potential buyers want from a new development. And the figures showed the more traditional must-haves topped the poll. Around 30% of those surveyed rated a private or shared green space in which to relax as one of the most important features of a home. Coming second was wanting a dedicated car parking space, followed then by the availability of amenities and right behind that, proximity of transport links.
what’s not as important
Coming towards the bottom of the list were the need for high-speed internet (7%) and being close to a good school catchment (6%). And while developers are looking towards creating new spaces which place more focus on lifestyle, it might be worth them taking note of the fact that having top of the range appliances, shared social areas, an aftercare team and even the developer paying the stamp duty, ranked the lowest in terms of importance for new-build homebuyers.
Innovation vs tradition
Thanks to the level of innovation set by developers over the last few years, homebuyers that choose to buy new have been able to get a lot more for their money. After all, it’s a competitive market and developers want to stand out from the others. From on-site concierge services to shared gyms and kitting properties out with the very best appliances, across the country developers have been doing their utmost to gain buyer interest. But, it’s not that those buying new don’t appreciate or like some of the extra ‘perks’ that come with a new home. It’s more a case of them basing their choice on what we would see as the traditional aspects of a property search. And that comes down to ensuring the development has good transport links nearby (location, location, location), local amenities to take advantage of, somewhere to park the car and a little bit of green space to enjoy. If developers can deliver these as much as anything else, they’ll be onto a winner!
If you’re just starting with your new-build home search and consider traditional features important when it comes to where you choose to buy, search for our new properties by location here. Alternatively, sign up to receive our latest news and offers to be informed of new developments coming to the market near you.
