17 May 2024
What are prospective owners looking for when it comes to making a house a home? A poll by AA Home Insurance* has discovered that buying a property with a garden is the number one feature this year, with two fifths (43%) wanting to get their fingers green.
More than a third (38%) are looking for a home with off-street parking, while 29% are focused on location, location, location, with the proximity to local amenities finalising the top three desires.
What homebuyers want in 2024 – Top 10
- 1. A garden – 43%
- 2. Off-street parking – 38%
- 3. Proximity to local amenities – 29%
- 4. A garage – 26%
- 5. A larger living space – 18%
- 6. Public transport connections – 18%
- 7. Cheaper than what I’m paying now – 16%
- 8. Property with character – 14%
- 9. En-suite bathroom(s) – 14%
- 10. More bedrooms than I have now – 14%
“Be it the hope of hosting parties in the back garden or creating a ‘mini-Wembley’ so the kids can have a kickabout, having a green space of our own still tops the charts when it comes to buying a house.”
Outside of the top 10, 8% of movers said they needed to escape from their current neighbours. One in 50 (2%) said they wanted to find a home with a reduced risk of flooding, tied with the same number of homebuyers looking for a property with an EV charger already installed.
Last summer more than 274,500** home sales took place. With a similar number of house moves are due to take place this summer, The AA’s home insurance team has created a free Homebuyers Checklist*** to help prospective buyers ensure the property they are looking for is in good condition.
As well as the checklist, buyers are reminded to update their policy and ensure both the values for buildings and contents cover are correct for their new home.
Gus Park, managing director for AA Insurance Services, said; “The search for the perfect home is exciting, and it’s no surprise to discover that having a garden is the most desired aspect homeowners are looking for this year.
“Be it the hope of hosting parties in the back garden or creating a ‘mini-Wembley’ so the kids can have a kickabout, having a green space of our own still tops the charts when it comes to buying a house.
“As well as being an exciting time, moving home can also be one of the most stressful moments of our lives. Our free Homebuyers Checklist helps take some of the worry away, and ensures that every aspect of the home is given the once over before making an offer.”
* Yonder received 661 responses from AA members saying they planned to move home in 2024 to its online poll between the 11th to 23rd January 2024. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
*** Our free Homebuyers Checklist can be downloaded here. More advice and information can be found on our advice pages Homebuyers property checklist | AA Insurance (theaa.com)