The high property options house consumers are on the lookout for – from huge rooms to gasoline hobs

Nearly half of prospective buyers said the size of rooms was their top priority when searching for a home, new findings show. 

Beyond sizeable rooms, private outdoor space and a driveway were the second and third features viewed as the most desirable by prospective buyers. 

But buyers’ preferences also differed depending on their location, with some areas of the country prioritising space for a home office, while others were keen on a gas hob.

Across the country as a whole, double glazing, proximity to local amenities and the quality of the kitchen also ranked highly, according to data from comparison site Compare the Market. 

Lots of natural light, a good energy performance rating and close proximity to work were also in demand. 

Eighteen per cent said the quality of the bathroom was the most important feature to them when buying a home, while only 17 per cent said it was a south-facing garden. 

Top 10: The most desirable property features for buyers, according to Compare the Market

A spokesperson for Compare the Market, said: ‘When viewing homes, it’s essential to start by identifying your non-negotiables and must-haves. 

‘Consider aspects like location, size, layout, and specific features that align with your lifestyle needs.

‘It is important to be open to compromise on less critical aspects. 

‘Understand that no home will perfectly meet every desire, so weigh the importance of each feature against its potential alternatives or improvements. Flexibility on cosmetic details like paint colour or flooring can often be accommodated after purchase.

‘Lastly, seek input from your support network, such as family or a professional. They can provide perspective and help navigate decisions, ensuring that your chosen home meets your essential criteria while balancing compromises effectively.’

How much are buyers willing to pay for top features?

Of over 4,000 people surveyed, the majority said the feature they would be willing to pay the most for when buying a property was a good quality kitchen. 

According to the data, most buyers would be willing to pay an extra £1,372 to purchase a home with a high-quality kitchen. 

Meanwhile, buyers keen to snap up a home with a south-facing garden are willing to pay £1,339 extra to secure the home of their dreams. 

For more spacious rooms or a garage, buyers are typically willing to pay an extra £1,261 and £1,175 respectively, Compare the Market said. 

For a home with close amenity to local amenities, the data suggests buyers would generally be happy to pay an extra £1,047 for a property. 

However, in certain locations, proximity to schools, shops and public transport can come at a hefty premium and some buyers may find themselves shelling out considerably more than they would for a property in a less desirable location. 

Most valuable property feature by city

The data suggests that buyers in different cities are prioritising different property features.  

In Southampton, space to work from home was deemed the most important factor, with buyers in this location willing to pay an extra £3,976 for a home with this feature. 

It was also a priority for many buyers in Brighton, with prospective purchasers willing to pay £1,663 extra for a home with this feature. 

In Edinburgh, proximity to schools was deemed highly desirable, with buyers in the city happy to pay an extra £3,467 to snap up a home meeting this criteria. 

Conversely, in Sheffield, integrated appliances were a top priority, with prospective buyers in the city willing to pay an extra £3,434 for a home with them fitted. Integrated appliances were also found to be a priority for buyers in Newcastle. 

In Leeds, buyers would typically be willing to pay an extra £2,826 for a property with electric heating, the data suggests.

Meanwhile, in Glasgow, the figures suggest buyers would generally be willing to fork out an extra £1,917 for a property with gas hobs in the kitchen. 

Gas hobs were also priority for buyers in Liverpool, with prospective purchasers reportedly willing to pay an extra £1,751 for a property with them fitted. 

Compare the Market’s mortgage team told This is Money: ‘While major cities and nearby suburbs have historically been commuter hotspots, even residents in these locations are prioritising the home itself rather than the proximity to their workspace.

‘In London, less than a quarter are looking for homes that make their commute easier, while in Edinburgh, nearly a fifth more residents are focusing on the quality of their kitchen rather than how close their home is to work. 

‘The continued remote and hybrid working culture has allowed property priorities to evolve, suggesting that the effects of the pandemic still linger.’