Seven features buyers look for when purchasing a home

For many buyers, purchasing property is deeply personal. They are searching for a place to call home, somewhere they can picture their family living in for many years.

When selling, it is important to look at your property from a buyer's point of view.

Creative Design Director of Mr Home Staging & Design Co, who specialise in premium real estate styling, Gregg Churchill said you'd often be surprised by the interior 'must haves' buyers look for when purchasing a home.

"Potential home buyers usually have a list of key features or wish-list in mind when they start hunting for a home, and while sellers know it's important to play up key features such as a swimming pool, many vendors neglect to emphasise some of the more mundane things home buyers look for," Mr Churchill said.

What features matter most to buyers?

While the price and location of a property are always important to buyers, it's essential that you don't overlook all the other elements that make a home worth purchasing - especially in WA's current market environment.

To help you recognise what to accentuate in your home when selling, we asked Mr Churchill for his list of the seven home features buyers most want.

1. A second living area

Living space is paramount in the modern home, so make sure your real estate marketing mentions any extra living space you have, even it it's only a small sunroom.

Open-plan living is highly sought after by home buyers. This is particularly a priority for families who have children, who are seeking enough space to allow children to play in a separate area.

2. Renovated wet areas

A renovated bathroom and kitchen are paramount. Home buyers want a huge amount of space and modern amenities in the kitchen.

3. Outdoor entertaining

Most buyers would like an outside area that flows well from the indoors. Outdoor entertaining areas are always well received by home buyers, especially covered alfresco areas.

4. Natural light

Don't underestimate how beneficial natural light is when you're selling your home, so make sure you play up this feature. Open ALL the curtains and blinds to allow natural light inside.

5. Backyard

Having enough space in the backyard to kick a football around is the great Australian dream. Some grass under foot and adequate space to play with the kids is what everyone wants.

6. Storage

You can never have too much storage so remember to mention all your home has when marketing your property to buyers. This includes built-in wardrobes, space under a staircase, in your kitchen, bathroom or outdoors.

7. Decent-sized bedrooms

Bedrooms that offer built-in storage and enough floor space for a reasonable amount of furniture will be well received by buyers.

If you're thinking about selling, be sure to discuss what the key marketable features of your property are with your REIWA real estate agent. They are experts in their field and will have a sound understanding of what buyers are looking for in your area.