9 features that will get first-time buyers making offers on your home

The biggest choice of low-deposit mortgages for two decades, and the fact it’s now almost £500 cheaper to buy and live in your own home per month than it is to rent? It’s these factors that are keeping first-time buyers invested in homeownership.

First-time buyers can be good prospects. They’re generally keen, affable and the start of the chain. They may also be particular about the type of home they’re looking for. If you haven’t sold a property for some time, familiarise yourself with these nine features today’s first-time buyers are looking for.

1. A short chain: no one likes hanging about but first-timer buyers often have added impetus to move quickly. If they rent, they’ll have to give their landlord notice at some point. If there are delays, they may find themselves homeless during the transition from tenant to homeowner.

2. Planning permission already in place: it’s quite common for first-time buyers to offer on homes that have the potential to be remodelled or made bigger. This allows them to save up and make improvements later on. Having planning permission in place is a clear signal of what’s possible, and saves the buyer the hassle in the future. 

3. Good insulation & green energy sources: gas and electricity isn’t cheap so if people are spending money heating a home, they’ll want good insulation to keep that warmth in. Even better if there are greener and cheaper sources of heat and power, such as an air source heat pump or solar panels.  

4. A smart energy meter & thermostat combination: first-time buyers may need to be prudent with utilities. A smart energy meter and thermostat combination, such as Hive or Nest, will allow costs and consumption to be controlled digitally.

5. An EV charging point: filling our cars at the pump can provide a shock to the system. Add in the revelation that new electric vehicles are now cheaper to buy than petrol versions, and the demand for EV charging points has never been stronger. Many first-time buyers now expect one as standard.

6. A work-from-home space: many first-time buys will prioritise a working-from-home space. Whether it’s a specially-created nook, a garden room or a dedicated study, create a place for people to work at home if you can.

7.  No big repairs: some first-time buyers won’t have much money left over are moving in, so a home that’s free of structural faults or major maintenance issues really appeals. If you know your home has flaws that might put off buyers, talk to us about pricing it realistically.

8. Excellent broadband: reliable broadband is important and first-time buyers are clued up when it comes to connections. They’ll want to know if there’s fibre to the premises, download/upload speeds and monthly costs. They’ll be bonus points if you've set up mesh or wired WiFi.

9. Mobile coverage: with landline telephones an almost antiquated concept, more home movers are relying exclusively on their mobile phones. We know you can’t help if you live in a coverage black spot but you can help by knowing the best service provider for your area and by having a digital line connected.

Our aim is to present your property to the very best of our abilities and to the widest audience. Contact us if you’d like to book a valuation and see what your home might sell for.