Yorkshire Agent Finds Top 20 Homebuyer Priorities

New research by property company Bramleys has found that homebuyers would prioritise buying a home with superfast broadband over being close to a good school.

With the housing market continuing to benefit from the recent Stamp Duty holiday and the introduction of the government backed 95% loan-to-value mortgages, West Yorkshire-based residential property specialists Bramleys has looked into the top priorities of homebuyers when looking for a first or new home, and how the pandemic has affected house searches.

Unsurprisingly, a garden and parking space were the biggest priorities for buyers, with 60% and 40%, respectively, claiming it was an essential part of a property search. The survey of 3,000 UK adults found a third (32%) of Brits would prefer a home in a rural location, compared to just 10% who would prioritise homes in a city centre location.

Superfast broadband was an essential feature of a new home for a quarter (24%) of Brits, twice as many as would prefer a home near a good school (12%) or a home that was within a close community with friendly neighbours (12%).

With a rise in home working as a result of the pandemic, many office workers have had to create temporary work stations in spare rooms and on dining tables. However, it seems that having a more permanent home office space is way down the list of priorities, with just one in 16 adults claiming it would be a necessity for a new home. Essentials that came ahead of a home office is a property close to budget supermarkets (15%) and proximity to a local pub (8%).

The survey found the top 20 priorities for homebuyers were:

1. Garden (61%)
2. Parking space (40%)
3. Rural location (32%)
4. Good public transport availability (32%)
5. Close to family (29%)
6. Superfast broadband available (24%)
7. Close proximity to budget supermarkets (15%)
8. Close to workplace (14%)
9. Close to friends (13%)
10. Friendly neighbours/ close community (12%)
11. Close proximity to good schools (12%)
12. Already completely refurbished (11%)
13. City centre location (10%)
14. Separate garage (9%)
15. Close proximity to a public park (9%)
16. Close proximity to luxury supermarket (8%)
17. Close proximity to a local pub (8%)
18. Good selection of takeaways (6%)
19. Home office space (6%)
20. New build property (5%)

Paul Keighley, residential partner at Bramleys, said: “The pandemic and a year of lockdown has meant that priorities have changed for homebuyers. With more of us than ever embracing the great outdoors, and the relaxation of rules to allow gatherings in private gardens, it is no surprise that a garden topped the poll for the most popular feature for a new home, as well as homes in more rural areas.

“Before you even begin your home search, we would recommend creating your own list of ‘non-negotiables’ for your new home – this will help you narrow down your property search and give you a better indication of the best areas for you.”

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