3 minute read
Time to move?
Credits: Photography by Feature Pro.
Home staging and styling service provided by Cullum Design, London. cullum-design.com
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Since the UK housing market re-opened in May there has been a significant increase in the desire to move house. Whilst the surge in demand is due partly to those who were already planning to move, key search terms on Rightmove show that buyers have re-prioritised their needs when looking to move house.
Many will continue to work from home at least part of the week and so properties with defined home or garden office space, homes with larger gardens or those that are close to natural beauty spots and coastal areas, have become more sought after.
Urgent relocations, be it from changing jobs or following lockdown relationship break-ups, are also fuelling demand for a home move. It seems buyers are forfeiting a city-central location in favour of a longer, occasional commute from the seaside or countryside, as they embrace the benefits of working from home. Estate agent Savills, who work within the higherend property market, have also reported a higher interest in requests for countryside living.
HOUSE-HUNTING GETS HIGH-TECH
Whilst the increase in property searches shows initial interest and a desire to move, it doesn’t reflect the ability of potential buyers actually being ready and able to agree to a purchase. Indeed, during lockdown, many with extra time on their hands resorted to “looking for their dream house on Rightmove” but were merely curious and indulging in daydream scenarios.
Some house-hunters have gone one step further during lockdown by using their own headsets for a virtual reality (VR) tour of online homes. During the first month of lockdown, Zoopla says virtual reality viewings for new-build properties tripled. Although currently around only 8% of their properties offer this facility, it is a growing trend, with developers starting to budget for virtual tours from the start.
Dreams can become reality though so, if you decide upon a change of lifestyle and manage to find your dream house, then you will want to do all you can to get a confirmed buyer, quickly and at the price you want to sell for...
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Credits: Photography by Feature Pro.
Home staging and styling service provided by Cullum Design, London. cullum-design.com
SECURE A SALE
With the increase in properties coming on to the market and with buyers anxious to move before any significant changes occur in the economy, sellers are keen to beat the competition and realise the asking price for their home. According to Rightmove, home staging a property for sale increases the sale agreed price by an average of 8%. When you are selling a high-end property this can make quite a difference.
EXPERT ADVICE
Before launching your property on the market it’s worth looking at your home with “new eyes” and seeing how interior styling can improve presentation. Cullum Design based in London, specialises in home staging and interior consultancy - dressing properties empty of furniture that are coming to market so that they look their best to achieve the optimum sales or letting price.
Creative Director Natalie Fernbach told us, “Providing a stunning interior transforms a property for photography and viewings. It is not just show homes that benefit from dressing, ex-rental properties, prime lettings and homes that are preparing to go on the market – any property benefits from stunning and engaging interior styling.
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styletheclutter.com
For the luxury property market it is now essential to dress homes and flats, as it’s as much about lifestyle as anything else. You want prospective buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home.
Property photography has come a long way too – with more stylized shots used on property listings and social media for marketing. The cost of staging is low compared to the return on investment for property owners looking to achieve a maximum on their assets.”
We also spoke to Surrey-based Interior Stylist Leoma Harper, of Style The Clutter, who said, “It is really important to make a space feel welcoming and lived in, when it comes to dressing a room. Making someone walking in feel comfortable and at home instantly makes them imagine living in the space, which in turn helps sell properties and the lifestyle.
This is created through giving the space ambience and style, using accessories such as candles, plants, books and trays, even kitchen accessories out on display. Soft furnishings such as cushions and throws will also help create an environment that will make someone want to unwind and relax.”
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