Top 8 features home buyers want in 2022
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Loading... - Bruce Robertson
- 10 Jun 2022
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When the property market first re-opened after the initial lockdown period, several distinct new trends appeared on buyer wish lists, among them, extra space for a home office and family entertainment and large gardens with pools became popular once again.
So says Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Johannesburg and Randburg, adding that location also became less of a priority than in recent years as those who could work remotely, took advantage of the fact by moving out of cities and opting for a more peaceful lifestyle in smaller towns and seaside villages.
“However, as we now begin to emerge from the greatest disruption in a century and people are adjusting to a post-pandemic world, getting their lives back on track and once again planning for the future, we’re beginning to get a good idea of what the trends will be going forward.”
So, if you’re thinking of renovating your home, buying a fixer-upper, or are about to start building your dream home, Odendaal believes that the following features will appeal to most home buyers for years to come and will therefore deliver the best return on investment in the long run:
Security - above all else
As crime continues to rise, so does the demand for gated complexes and security estates, so if your home isn’t in such a development, it’s imperative that you install the best security features that you can, as this will be one of the first questions you can expect from prospective tenants and buyers.
Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communication at Fidelity ADT, says against the backdrop of several rounds of load shedding in recent days, a warning has been issued for homeowners and business owners to test the battery systems for the alarm and security systems they use.
“We recommend that people test these systems regularly, but this has become more important now than ever before. The battery backup is a crucial element that needs to be tested, to give you the ease of mind that it will still offer monitoring and protection when the power goes out,” notes Hattingh.
She adds that there are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure security is not compromised during any power cuts:
1. Always remain vigilant, and report suspicious activity in your suburb to the SAPS.
2. Ensure that all automated gates and doors are secured.
3. With the added inconvenience of the lights going out at night due to power cuts, candles and touch-lights are handy alternatives.
4. Test the battery backup system and consider an additional battery pack for standby. Tests of alarm systems should ideally be conducted every six months.
5. Power cuts can impact on fire systems and fire control systems, so these also need to be checked regularly.
6. The more frequent use of gas and candles can increase the risk of fire and home fire extinguishers should be on hand.
Updated kitchens and bathrooms
If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future and have a limited budget for upgrades, once you’ve given the place a fresh coat of paint, the remainder of your money would be well spent modernising the bathrooms and kitchen.
Fewer buyers are willing to compromise on this aspect than any other. Whilst there will always be a good market for the ‘buy to renovate’ properties, purchasers not looking for projects will prioritise these two spaces.
Energy efficiency
First-time home buyers, especially, are interested in anything that will save them money in the long run although almost every potential buyer will be looking to limit their monthly spending on utility bills considering the rising cost of electricity.
In fact, millennials who now make up the largest property buying group often expect energy efficiencies like solar geysers to be installed in homes and eco-friendly features will also win them over.
According to Seeff Property Group, globally, the drive to more sustainable living has gained significant movement over the past years.
Locally too, Seeff says greening is gaining momentum, especially in and around homes. If you have not yet considered introducing green features into your home, then now is the time to start. Green features are not just a good investment but given the realities of the electricity and water crises, buyers are now likely to be swayed by these additions. Read More…
