Scouring the market for your next home can be daunting, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
If you’ve already made your list of ‘must-haves’, but you can’t shake the feeling that something is missing, we’ve listed some key features to keep an eye out for when attending viewings for your next place to call home:
A well-maintained property
The first thing you’ll need to discover is whether the property is structurally sound and free of serious issues like damp.
Things like big cracks, flaky plaster and watermarks on the ceilings should be noted during viewings as it’s better to ask the homeowner or estate agent about any issues upfront than to wait until your offer has been accepted.
If the issues seem minor and your heart is set on the home, don’t dismiss the importance of having a house survey to help you spot risks and identify what needs attention.
An open floor plan
Your next home may not be your largest, so it’s good to find a layout that makes the most out of every square inch. A good way around tighter space is finding a home with an open-plan style kitchen/living room, as this layout can take a small amount of space and maximise it.
Storage solutions
After years of apartment living or being confined to your childhood bedroom, a home with plenty of storage can feel like a welcome taste of freedom.
Even small homes can have the cleverest storage solutions, so keep an eye out for built-in wardrobes, deep-set cupboards and mounted shelving.
A modern kitchen
Kitchens are the heart of the home, which is part of what makes them such a pivotal selling
point.
Paying more for a home with a kitchen you love might make more financial sense than buying a home with a kitchen in need of serious renovation – but this should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For traditional properties, most kitchens could benefit from a few modern enhancements, and any improvements made will be a sure-fire way to invest
into your home.
Strong broadband
Don’t be afraid to ask questions at your viewing; it’s important from the offset to find out key details such as the WiFi connection’s stability.
The next generation of buyers is going to include a whole lot of hybrid and remote workers, and if you’re planning on setting up an office space in your new home, you’ll need to ensure the service isn’t slow.
A spare bedroom
An additional bedroom allows space for family growth – and opportunity for growing your investment over the years. Whether you plan on sprucing up a guest room, setting up a kid’s playroom, or crafting a stylish home office, a handy spare room will bode well for you in years to come.
Finishing touches
The smaller details can amount to a beautiful finish on a home and therefore shouldn’t be overlooked. Things like attractive hardware, a stylish fireplace, custom window treatments, or tech updates such as a smart thermostat or a modern security system can all be huge selling points for a home.
If any of these elements matter to you, keep an eye out for them when house hunting or consider where you can apply them once you move in.
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