Published April 14, 2021
How Have Homebuyers’ Preferences Changed?
These are homebuyers’ top three property preferences since COVID-19 began.
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People are living at more than ever due to the pandemic and homebuyer preferences have changed. There are many examples of this to discuss, but today I’ll focus on the three most prominent changes that I’ve noticed:
1. Storage space. This has always been important, but in our COVID-adjusted world, it’s practically gold. Custom built-ins are worth consideration, especially for closets that get a lot of use, such as in the master bedroom and front hallway. They’re relatively inexpensive to install, making them a great investment.
2. Space to work from home. Did you know that your home or condo doesn’t necessarily need to have a conventional home office space to appeal to buyers who work from home? People in that segment of the market are seeking homes with good lighting and aesthetically pleasing backgrounds. After all, the last thing you want when you’re on a Zoom call with your workplace is to be in a dimly lit corner in front of a distracting backdrop. If you’re a seller, assess your home’s overall work-from-home viability; are there any simple changes you can make to render it more friendly to those who work remotely?
"Be wary of installing permanent fixtures, as your tastes may not resonate with the majority of buyers."
3. Outdoor space. As we look forward to warmer weather here in the GTA, outdoor space is more important than ever. Given that so many of us have spent record amounts of time indoors, we’re all craving fresh air and the ability to get out and socialize with friends and family. I know that’s not a possibility for condo owners, but that’s why I recommend bringing touches of nature inside. You’d be surprised at how much plants can liven up a living space!
If a balcony is the only space you have to work with, put maximum effort into sprucing it up. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your layout, but do be wary of installing permanent fixtures; as with anything in your home, your tastes may not resonate with the majority of buyers.
If you’re looking to sell your home, this list should hopefully give you some ideas about how to appeal to buyers. If you have any further questions about selling your home or the market in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d be more than happy to speak with you.
