The top 20 things you can do to help sell your home from installing more plug sockets to getting a bath
FORGET fancy kitchens, smart bathrooms or highly-ranked schools - a new research suggests that these features won't help you sell your home.
An efficient central heating system, double glazing and home security top the list of "must haves" property features, according to a survey of more than 2,000 Brits by GoCompare.
Fast broadband and a clear mobile signal have also moved up into the top ten of home essentials as new buyers look for homes that will allow them to have all the latest technology.
Almost 60 per cent of people surveyed ranked the number of electrical sockets as an important feature.
But just 9 per cent of buyers thought of period features as a property must-have, while 13 per cent only said good schools is an essential factor.
Friendly neighbours and access to a dedicated parking place, have both dropped down the list compared to last year.
How to get help buying a house
THERE are several government schemes available to help you get on the housing ladder.
- Help to Buy loan: This scheme is for those who have a 5 per cent deposit, and is only available on new-build properties that are worth less than £600,000. The government lends you up to 20 per cent of the property value (interest-free for the first five years) which gives you access to cheaper mortgages. You will need to pay this back at the end of the mortgage or when you sell.
- Starter Homes: First-time buyers under the age of 40 can access this new scheme. You’ll get a 20 per cent discount on the market value of the property (new-build only) but you cannot sell or let the property for five years after you buy it.
- Shared ownership: This scheme is available to non-homeowners who earn £80,000 a year or less (£90,000 in London). People can buy a share of a home from a housing association and continue to rent the remainder. Buyers will need a ten per cent deposit as well as money to cover stamp duty and other fees. You’ll also need to find a mortgage lender that is willing to lend on shared ownership properties.
Ben Wilson, spokesperson for GoCompare Home Insurance said: “Buying a home is the biggest financial commitment most people will make.
"So, before viewing properties it is helpful to have an idea of the type of area and property you’d like to live in and think about your real ‘must-have’ priorities.
“Connectivity and energy efficiency are two massive factors for anyone thinking about a move at the moment, while the number of electrical sockets is now more important than access to local amenities.
"Likewise, a broadband signal fast enough for streaming, and a reliable and a clear mobile phone signal are deemed home essentials today and sellers need to be wise to these new priorities."
If you're looking to sell your property, you can check , which shows you which renovations could add value to your home.
You don't have to spend a fortune refurbishing every room to make your home stand out to potential buyers.
Luxury London estate agent Daniel Cobb revealed the simple touches you can make to boost your home's value and make sure that you get an offer quickly.
MORE ABOUT HOUSE PRICES
Getting your foot on the property ladder can seem like an impossible dream for many.
And that's not surprising when you think first-time buyers now have to fork-out nearly £50,000 for a deposit to get their foot on the first rung of the property ladder.
One young couple lived on a diet of beans and noodles while they saved to buy their first home before they turned 21.
HOME LOAN The £120K homes first-time buyers can afford WITHOUT putting down a deposit
Meanwhile, a London lad bought a £135,000 three-bed house with his girlfriend at just 18 - but he had to make one big sacrifice.
If you have scraped enough money, next you'll want to know how to find the best mortgage deal for your first home. Here's our guide.
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