Far from being a property market cliché, finding the perfect home really is all about location, location, location. Faced with the decision of additional space or a perfectly positioned plot, homebuyers are encouraged to opt for the latter.
When it comes to choosing the perfect location, there are two main factors: practicality and desirability.
Practical factors, such as proximity to transport links, a popular school catchment area, and local amenities, put a property in high demand, making it more likely to hold—and increase—its value.
Properties in desirable locations which benefit from stunning views of the surrounding area can also be excellent investments. In some homes, the view from the windows can be as impressive as the property itself—if not more.
Potential buyers can forgive a smaller than average floor space when they can look out across a dramatic view of a rugged coastline or snow topped mountains, particularly if such views are maximised with strategically positioned bi-fold doors, large windows and well-appointed terraces.
The public’s most desired view
So, what is the most coveted view? We carried out an independent survey among the British public and here’s what we discovered…
A view of the sea or beach attracted votes from over half of respondents.
One in ten would choose to look out over a view of the mountains.
Woodland and forest was the third most popular vista, closely followed by rolling fields.
A city-scape was the least popular view, attracting just 4% of votes.
The expert’s opinion
To find out more about the perfect view and how to make the most of it, we spoke to experts in the property field. Here’s what they had to say:
The Property Expert
Ugo Arinzeh
Managing Director
The Interiors Expert
Tom Sanders
Architectural and Interior Designer
Our survey revealed that a sea or beach view was the public’s most desirable vista, how would you recommend styling a room to compliment this?
Ugo: Having an ocean view is truly special and can increase wellbeing. To make the most of it, I recommend making sure the windows that face these views are as unobstructed as possible. Place sofas facing the windows—instead of in front of them—and make sure that you maximise your window sizes as well. For example, replace standard size windows with larger ones, or even full height floor-to-ceiling windows, or bi-fold doors.
Tom: I’d take cues from the landscape and interpret these into the textures, colours and materials used in the room. Stay away from the clichéd blue tones on walls and instead keep them neutral, building on shades of white with accents of greys and earth tones. Keeping furniture styles and materials simple will create a sophisticated look. Use accent materials of linen and slub cotton on cushions and curtains to give an authentic feel. By creating a layered, neutral canvas you can introduce interesting statement objects such as hand-blown glass bottles, large house plants in mismatched wicker baskets or pots and soft accent lamps. Keep it light and airy, allowing the view to take centre stage, and stay away from a ‘themed’ approach.
What would you recommend home owners do to enhance their view?
Ugo: When it comes to maximising external vistas the ‘less is more’ approach is the best way to enable the view outside to really stand out. Having windows as large as the space permits is critical. Window treatments should be easy to draw up or open, and installing them as high or as wide as possible outside the actual window is important to take advantage of the full window space when open. Ideally, if you can have a deck or patio space, this will further enhance your ability to engage with the outdoors. Simple, neutral patterns on the window treatments work best and won’t detract from the views you are wanting to show off and enjoy.
Tom: It’s all about the view so the interior shouldn’t fight this. Instead, keep your walls and floor coverings neutral and natural. Build on these with furnishings in complementary tones from the same palette and allow for the decorative objects to be focal in the room to create internal drama whilst complementing the view.
Do you think that it is worth paying a higher price for a property with an impressive view?
Ugo: When working with buyers we have found that an impressive view will definitely command a premium. Many high-rise developments in cities will command higher prices than the same sized flats on lower floors that don’t have a fabulous view. In London, for instance, properties that face a park are often worth more than those of a similar size that face a housing estate, or a busy street. Homes are not just about the interior space but equally as important is their connection to the external world. Views of lovely natural green spaces, water, or even a bustling city scene (if you’re high enough), are the sort of connections that hold great appeal to many buyers.
Tom: Properties with impressive views enhance your overall experience of your home. The visual connection with a field, river, woodland or ocean make people feel more routed in their surroundings, more connected to the greater outside world.
If a property has a great view but it isn’t clearly visible from inside the home will this affect its value?
Ugo: I think this will definitely affect the value. Great views typically mean an extension to the outside space, which is very appealing to buyers and owners alike.
Tom: There is no doubt that the value can be affected by this. The extent to which the views aren’t clearly visible has an impact on this, as does the scope to rectify the problem. However, when potential buyers view a house in stunning surroundings they’re more likely to wonder why the occupiers haven’t addressed this and then get excited at the possibility of rectifying themselves in a way they’d like.
What can be done to rectify this and is it worth addressing?
Ugo: To rectify this you can re-orient rooms to take advantage of those that have the best views. For example, swap a family room for a bedroom if that room has a better view. Another simple solution may be to strategically place mirrors opposite the windows to expand the views. More expensive options include expanding existing windows and where possible adding them. If a home owner has the funds to do so, I certainly think it’s worth addressing. The difference between standard (or non-existent) windows compared to the drama and effect that floor-to-ceiling windows or bi-fold doors can create is significant.
Tom: Reviewing door and window positions within an existing property are solutions that can be considered and easily designed into a scheme depending upon the existing structure and layout of the plan. Adding large bi-fold doors from main living spaces to the outside will open up the views and also provide a flexibility between inside and outside living areas. Further, explore balconies. These can be a simple Juliet added to new French doors installed within an existing aperture at first floor level or higher. Or if you’re planning an extension, why not consider a roof terrace to maximise views and useable space. Undoubtedly it is worth addressing. Being able to see the sea or the woodlands beyond our home is something that can bring joy to people’s lives. Watching the changing seasons, the wildlife and so on enriches the experience within our homes whilst adding value to your property.
Do you think the cost of installing bi-folds to maximise a view is reflected in the resale value/desirability to potential buyers?
Ugo: Depending on the views, replacing standard windows with bi-folds will earn a good return on investment. Bi-folds also create ease of access to the outdoors, even if it’s just a Juliet balcony which opens up a space.
Tom: Flexible useable space is something people will pay a premium for. Being able to open up a large part of the house for parties and large gatherings makes the house work more efficiently for you. It extends the useable space of the property and encourages people to go outside. Bi-folds provide a visual connection between outside and inside that is desirable to many people today.
What desirable features do people favour/request when choosing a property?
Ugo: Buyers will consider multiple factors including location. And, yes, the view factor is definitely on the list of desirable features.
Tom: From a designer’s point of view, when looking at a property to either remodel or buy, it’s the potential flexibility of spaces that’s important. People need open flexible spaces that allow for the many changing needs of families. We demand a lot more of our houses today than we ever have done and it’s the possibility of being able to get the house to adapt and change to our needs that people really look for, whether that is the potential to knock around the plan or extend. People tend to focus more on immediate surroundings than a particular view. For example, having a house on a large plot with trees and hedges at the boundary is more favourable than a small house with close neighbours and a far-off view of a beautiful mountain range. So, people are more interested in their immediate view, their immediate context than specific scenery.
Enhancing your view
If the USP of your home is the view, then it makes sense to focus on it. As our experts highlight, this can be done in a variety of ways. Bi-fold doors are an excellent way to make the most of a stunning vista, and also provide a solution when the prime living areas of the home don’t naturally overlook the view. Flexible configurations enable bi-folds to be fitted around corners or to create an elevated view from a roof terrace or balcony.
Although a great location can increase the value of a property, it is not all about asking prices and desirability for future occupants. Looking out across a stunning view can help improve wellbeing and provide some all-important headspace to instill a sense of calm and tranquility. With this in mind, finding ways to connect your home to its surroundings will present much more than aesthetic benefits.
