19th November 2021 / Prue Fletcher: 6 Features to Win the Hearts of Post-Lockdown Buyers

Fashion in real estate comes and goes, and it's been interesting to see what buyers are seeking in this COVID pandemic era.

As experienced sellers know, meeting the demands of the marketplace is one of the critical arts when trying to maximise the value of your property.

In recent data published by REA 'More space and peaceful surroundings are at the top of Victorian buyers' lists when looking for a new home'.

Buyers are rethinking which areas to buy in and opting for more "ideal" living situations to accommodate working from home and growing families.

95 Cerberus Drive, Ocean Grove

This is why so many owners of apartments and houses will not only focus on improving their bathroom and kitchen areas but feature their green and/or outdoor communal spaces/gardens to make their homes more attractive and valuable to buyers.

Below are some of the features that buyers are seeking in today's market:

Heated Floors

These are becoming increasingly prevalent in the specifications of new homes. So, if you're looking to upgrade your bathroom, or put down new flooring, consider heated floors. They're seen as a luxury by today's buyers, especially if you're stuck at home all winter.

Separate Laundry

A real winner with young families is a separate laundry. Smart shelving, and storage, coupled with a modern front-loader and dryer, will put your home ahead of the pack in the eyes of today's buyers.

Curbless Shower

1A Page Street, Balwyn North

If a bathroom upgrade is part of your strategy to maximise the value of your home, you cannot go past a curbless shower. Instead, floor tiles and frameless glass walls better integrate the shower into the rest of the bathroom and create a sense of flow. But make sure your drainage is good.

Healthier Kitchen Alternatives

With our social habits modifying due to Covid, buyers are more health-conscious and want to spend more time in the kitchen. A steam oven eliminates the need for oil, and the food retains more nutrients.

Versatile Outdoor Spaces

15A West End Road, Warrandyte

A growing majority are also placing value on space to relax in the outdoors — Not surprisingly, 66% of respondents to a recent Knight Frank survey say large gardens and outdoor space are more important, with the lockdown period having emphasised the connection between wellbeing and the great outdoors.

We are seeing a shift in preferences from Victorian buyers after having spent nearly 2 years confined to the indoors.

103/78 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North

Presently, there is a huge demand for homes with outdoor spaces, whether that be gardens, balconies or even communal spaces, instead of the focus purely focusing on the interior of a home.

Natural Light

Increased endorphins and a beautiful aesthetic combine when you achieve streaming natural light in a home. Make sure your photos capture and promote this feature in the marketing. It's guaranteed to attract the attention of discerning buyers.