Features such as double glazing, smart technology, and being near a station are the top three features that attract the most demand from those seeking rental homes.
A new study of over 600,000 available properties on Rightmove reveals the home features that are driving the most enquiries from home-movers to agents, with these features appealing to renters and fixer-upper homes coming out in the number one spot for buyers.
The unique study analyses what matters most to buyers and prospective tenants at the stage when they are seriously considering viewing a property by sending an enquiry to an estate or letting agent.
Rightmove created the demand rankings by analysing hundreds of different features mentioned by estate and letting agents in over 600,000 property descriptions and the subsequent enquiries that were being sent to them.
As renters aren’t able to make significant changes to the property, they are looking to ensure it has double glazing, smart technology such as a smart heating system, a new boiler, and is more energy efficient so they can try to keep down their energy bills.
Being near a station ranks higher for renters than for buyers, as well as home features that add storage space such as a basement, attic or shed.
A parking space is also a priority for many renters, and properties that are open plan also make the top 10 list.
Among buyers, homes in need of renovation are the most in demand and are eight per cent (or £29,000) cheaper than the average property up for sale.
The average asking price of a fixer-upper home is £336,979, while the current national average asking price for all types of home is £366,281.
However, those looking for a newly refurbished home are paying a premium of 19 per cent, or almost £70,000, with “refurbished” also making the top 10 of most in-demand features for buyers, at number seven in the list.
These buyers are paying a national average asking price of £435,874 (£69,593 higher than the current national average asking price of £366,281 for all types of home).
After renovation projects, homes with new boilers, double-glazing, loft conversions and storage space attract the most attention, while chain-free homes and those with a garden and near stations all make the top 10.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert said: “This new study could help sellers and landlords when they’re thinking about the different features to highlight on their property listing.
“It may not seem important to mention that a property has storage space or a new boiler, but our study shows this could make a difference when prospective buyers and renters are deciding which homes to go and view.
“It also shows the different priorities that home-movers have – some are in a more fortunate position to be able to consider buying a newly refurbished home, while others want to put their own stamp on a home and do it up from scratch.
“Or they may realise that if they buy now they can spend time doing up the house a room at a time.”
