Report reveals major shift in what triggers buyers’ offers
Those purchasing homes' focus is moving away from a property’s kerb appeal and onto its overall cleanliness, surprise research claims.
Report has uncovered what genuinely persuades buyers to make an offer and challenges the traditional focus on kerb appeal, says Kevin Shaw (pictured), National Sales Managing Director at LRG (formerly Leaders Romans Group).
To compile the property service group‘s new sales report, the company surveyed 3,700 buyers across England and Wales, asking them to rank their top three deciding factors after price and location.
Unsurprisingly, updated kitchens and bathrooms topped the rankings at 76 per cent. But what was less expected was that pristine cleanliness throughout the property was a top-three priority for 49% of buyers.
Neutral décor no longer key
Distinctive kerb appeal – bright front doors and front garden planting – mattered to just 23%, whilst inside the property was another surprise, with only 26 per cent ranking neutral décor among their top three.
Outdoor spaces were more popular, though, with 55 per cent of buyers wanting attractive gardens to spend time in. 30 per cent, however, specifically prioritise low-maintenance options, suggesting buyers want somewhere that looks inviting but isn’t too much work.
The data also revealed a notable shift in preferences for turnkey properties. With cost-of-living pressures and the challenge of raising deposits, buyers increasingly want homes they can move straight into without additional investment.
Cleanliness outranks factors such as neutral décor, new carpets and even kerb appeal.”
Shaw concludes that a well-presented property can be highly persuasive: “Although it doesn’t quite rival the influence of updated kitchens and bathrooms, cleanliness outranks factors such as neutral décor, new carpets and even kerb appeal. Many sellers invest heavily in costly renovations while sometimes overlooking the importance of basic presentation.”
And he adds: “Successful selling isn’t about guesswork or chasing trends. It’s about understanding the evidence and making informed decisions. The priorities are clear, and sellers who align with them are the ones who achieve the strongest results.”
