At Origin, we know that special features can go a long way in giving a home the added ‘wow factor’. So, we investigated to find out just how much British homeowners’ value added extras when it comes to their properties. The research proved that we are a nation of home improvers, with the average Brit willing to spend £13,000 on features to make their properties extra special.
The Most Desired Features
It came as no surprise to us that natural light is the most sought-after feature in a home, with 54 percent of homeowners agreeing that it is important to them. This was closely followed by storage (53 percent) and an en-suite bathroom (52 percent).
Almost 90 percent are willing to invest in these extra features, with a large garden, a garage and a great view most likely to be splurged on.
When considering moving to a new house, homeowners are also happy to compromise on the overall size of a property in order to get the features they want. In fact, our study found that over three quarters of Brits would sacrifice square footage for certain features. Interestingly, homeowners are less likely to compromise on the location of their home, suggesting that location remains king.
Adding Value
Special features can go a long way in adding value to a home, with homeowners expecting to pay up to 10 percent more for a great view, and eight percent more for natural light or an outdoor seating area. It is therefore no surprise that 15 percent of Brits intend to boost the value of their home by adding some extra features.
What the Experts Say
To find out more about this trend, we spoke to Property Consultant Alex Goldstein. He told us: “The results of your research prove that people are often willing to pay a premium for the features that really matter to them. Having worked in the property sector for nearly 20 years, it is no surprise to me that natural light and storage take the top spots. However, we are also seeing new and emerging trends, like en-suite bathrooms and outdoor spaces, becoming far more important.
“Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, people are spending even more time in their homes and they have had to become multi-purpose - suitable for work, rest and play. During lockdown, people have had time to consider what they really want and need; be it designated workspaces, more accommodation for the children or a bigger garden. Once they have decided, they go the extra mile to get it, as they know they will get good use out of it and it will make the additional time spent in their home more enjoyable. An Englishman's home is his castle, and, in his mind, he deserves all the comforts that go with it.”
Conclusion
We know the transformative effect that an abundance of natural light can have on a home, so it seems only natural that the features Brits prioritise the most are those that link a home to the great outdoors.
Whether it is creating a cosy patio, or adding large bi-fold windows or doors to make the most of an incredible view, it is clear that homeowners are increasingly valuing added extras in the home and are willing to invest in achieving the ‘wow factor’ in their property.