Having spent large periods of 2020 in various states of lockdown – and now Tier 4 in specific UK areas – people have been in their homes for longer than ever before.
This has impacted how prospective buyers feel about their properties, with 55% considering moving in the next 12 months due to Covid, according to a study by luxury door specialists IDSystems.
The survey of 1,000 UK homeowners found that half of those aged 18-24 and one third of those aged 25-34 are planning on moving home in the next year due to coronavirus.
While London had the highest number of people preferring to live in the city (46.4%), it also had the largest percentage of people who had changed their mind, with 25.5% wanting to move out to the countryside instead.
As a seller, providing a home that is comfortable, secure and optimised for living and working could separate your property from the rest, helping you to entice more prospective buyers. Below, we outline how you can do this.
Zoom-proof rooms and spaces
It can be a challenge to work from home and juggle family life – particularly when important virtual meetings are interrupted with noise. Therefore, creating a ‘Zoom-proof’ space in the home is essential for a peaceful working environment.
This includes a space that is as soundproof as possible and a simple backdrop away from busy areas of the house to avoid any disturbances. If your home is open-plan, try organising a space in a quieter area of the room with a divide to hold calls and meetings.
Transform unused spaces
Converting unused spaces – such as a garage, loft or cellar – can provide extra room in the home. These spaces can be modified into a home office, relaxation zone, or a playroom, but it’s important that your property still has comfortable living areas.
Additional living space can also significantly boost the value of your property, especially if extra bedrooms and bathrooms are added. Most conversion projects do not require planning permission, which is another great reason to consider a home improvement of this kind.
Install an annexe or garden
Although a larger investment, adding an annexe or extension to a property could improve your living environment and add substantial value to the property. Providing a room that is completely separate from the rest of the property can create the ideal environment for undisturbed home working, or a tranquil space for relaxation.
It can also be a place for extra family or members of a support bubble to stay and visit that isn’t in the main home. If not an annexe, it could be worth converting any loft space to ensure all facets of the home are utilised.
A snappy internet connection
A quick, strong internet connection is essential when working remotely and is considered more important than other utilities in the home. If you believe your broadband speed could be improved, consider installing extenders to boost internet signal, or changing internet providers altogether for a connection that supports working activity and home living.
Before switching provider, it’s worth doing research online to check which company has the best service in the area.
Luckily, with buyer demand still strong and expected to continue into the new year, now is an opportune time to list your home for sale. These measures can help to future-proof your home for the ‘new normal’, boost the value of your property and, in turn, attract a wider pool of buyers.
Here at Kings Group, we provide expert advice and guidance on selling during these extraordinary times, all while adhering to government guidelines. For more information on our services, as well as our Covid-19 policy, please contact one of our branches today.
We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much your property could be worth on the current market.
