What property buyers want in the current climate

Ever since the property market reopened after the COVID-19 lockdown, a new and very clear set of priorities has emerged from those buying property. In a nutshell, people are looking for homes where they can live, work and play in comfort. Jawitz Properties examines the typical home buyers' wish list and gives would-be sellers ideas about what should be improved and focused on when it's time to sell.

Space and security

For decades, South African property buyers have listed security as one of their top priorities and for this reason, sectional title properties have always been popular. Thanks to the priorities that changed during the lockdown and in its aftermath, home buyers now want the best of both worlds: space and security. For this reason, eco estates, coastal estates, golf estates and the like are enjoying unprecedented levels of popularity. Standalone homes will be more favourable in the eyes of would-be buyers if they offer plenty of space both inside and out, and are in neighbourhoods that are perceived to be secure.

Top tip for property sellers: Ensure that the property practitioner selling your property is aware of all security features that you have installed, such as alarm systems, electric fencing, spotlights and automated gates.

Modernised kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are the two areas that buyers inspect the most carefully. Kitchens are not only a place where meals are cooked - they are a space in which families enjoy eating and socialising. While you may not want to invest in large-scale renovations if you are considering selling your property, small things like new doorknobs on cupboards and freshly painted cupboard doors can go a long way to introducing your kitchen to its new owner.

Great-looking bathrooms are also a major selling point, and while retiling or replacing an old shower may be beyond your budget, there are a number of small steps you can take to help your bathroom look its best. For starters, clean any mould off the walls and ceiling. This can be done with a simple bleach-and-water solution. If you've got a shower curtain, consider upgrading to a chic glass shower door.

Top tip for property sellers: If you are going to do any improvements or upgrades before putting your home on the market, focus on the kitchen and bathroom.

Connectivity and 'green' features

In the age of working from home, high internet speeds and good connectivity have never been more important. If your home has good fibre or LTE speeds, ensure that your property practitioner is aware of this so that they can share this information with would-be buyers.

Features which make your home less reliant on Eskom and more environmentally conscious have also never been more popular. Such features range from gas stoves and solar panels to inverter systems and JoJo tanks. They will all make your home more appealing - especially to millennial would-be buyers. Solar geysers and eco-friendly insulation are also on the list of features that are growing in popularity among buyers.

Top tip for property owners: Even if you're not planning to sell your home in the near future, features like inverters and gas stoves do more than keep you sane and productive during loadshedding - they also add value to your home.

Spaces that multitask

More than ever, people are wanting to make the most of every square metre. This means home offices doubling up as spare bedrooms when needed and awkward corner spaces being transformed into storage solutions.

Top tip for property sellers: Stage your home to make it immediately apparent that the space is versatile and multifunctional.

Whether you're looking to sell a property or find a new home that ticks all your checkboxes, Jawitz Properties has your needs covered. Contact us today if you're interested in buying or selling property in any corner of South Africa.