When polled on what they want from a property, buyers are more likely to talk about location and the amenities it offers than the actual features of the house itself.
And beyond stating they're looking for three bedrooms, rather than two, and that they need a separate bathroom and toilet and lots of storage, buyers tend to keep their wish lists to themselves - something that's only talked about when the Lotto jackpot has hit $20 million.
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But buyer wish-lists do affect how they view properties on the market and their mood during open homes.
OneRoof, therefore decided to ask several real estate agents to get a handle on what it is buyers actually want.
1. Two living areas
Gary Wallace, who sells homes in Auckland's Remuera, says an extra living room is often used as a quiet escape or, more often than not, a place for children to hang out.
“Teenagers tend to need more space, because inevitably, their friends come over,” he says.
The second living area doesn’t need to be another lounge, and many buyers will be tempted to turn such spaces into media rooms with a big TV screen and hi-tech stereo system.
All buyers want to have a garage, even if they don't drive, it's where they store toys. Photo/ Getty Images
2. Garaging
No matter what price range buyers are in, garages are seen as a necessity, and can often be a sticking point - even for buyers who don’t have a car or when there's plenty of off-street parking.
Linda Simmons, who works on Auckland's North shore, jokes: “People want a garage because they want to keep the crap that they should have thrown out before they moved.”
Garages are typically where homeowners are storing tools, bikes (their own and their kids'), kayaks, surfboards, ski gear and winter clothing. They also can potentially serve as an extra room.
3. Pools
A swimming pool is still desirable but buyers can be very particular about what they want. Luxury real estate agent Michael Boulgaris says buyers at the top end of the market are no longer being hooked in by large outdoor pools.
Even though infinity pools are in fashion and buyers with children love the idea of having a large pools to entertain their children, these types of pools are costly to maintain, he says
“In Auckland you aren't going to use a pool all year-around like you can in warmer places in the world.
“Unless you can afford to keep it heated, it’s not going to be that enjoyable for children and the family,” he says.
At the middle and lower end of the market, buyers are turning to spa pools, which require less maintenance and take up less space.
A large outdoor pool is too hard and costly to maintain and the buyers opt for spas. Photo: Getty Images
4. Quality appliances and materials
Boulgaris says buyers in the market for million-dollar-plus homes love marble.
“Marble bathrooms, marble kitchens – everything marble. But buyers want quality. They don’t want cheap fixtures or anything that rattles.”
Kitchen and bathroom fixtures don’t have to be on trend but buyer want something that will looks as if it will last. Solid bench tops, French oak floors and designer kitchen fittings in luxury homes are features that also feature in buyer wish lists.
5. A beautiful and well-landscaped garden
For vendors, a good garden can win over an unsure buyer. It's often the first thing and last thing they see at an open home, and buyers who have small children often tend to spend more time in the garden than in the actual house itself.
Linda Simmons says if buyers have a choice, they’d rather opt for a north-west facing garden. “It’s really important to have it north-facing,” she says.
Professionals agent Derek von Sturmer adds that a nice lawn and clean hedges go a long way.
Even if the garden area is only 40sq m, declutter it and make a small 30cm-40cm hedge to visually widen and clean the space.
