Property features you think you need, but might never use
While some property features might sound like must-haves, buyers are encouraged to focus on features they will actually use.
When searching for a new home, it’s easy for the wish list to grow. A swimming pool, large garden or spare bedroom might all sound appealing, but once the novelty wears off, some of these features may end up being used far less than anticipated.
Adrian Goslett, CEO and regional director of REMAX Southern Africa, encourages buyers to think carefully about how they actually live and which features will genuinely add value to their everyday lives, before paying a premium for these supposed “must-haves.”
“It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a home and focus on features that look good on paper. However, buyers need to ask themselves whether they will actually make use of these features often enough to justify the additional cost.”
To help buyers decide if it’s a feature they will genuinely use or not, property experts share some of the common features that homeowners admit to using less frequently than they had hoped they would.
A swimming pool
There’s nothing quite like spending a hot December day lounging by the pool, feet in the water, and ice lolly in hand. But before picturing every weekend spent poolside, consider how often you are realistically going to use it.
Pools require constant cleaning, chemicals and maintenance. If you’re the type of household that loves entertaining outdoors or have children who will regularly use the pool, then those costs will be worth it, but if you’re only using it a handful of times a year, that price might be hard to justify.
A huge garden
While a large garden offers plenty of space for children, pets and entertaining, bigger doesn’t always mean better. They require more mowing, watering and general upkeep, all of which take time and can add to monthly expenses.
“You need to ask yourself what you actually want to do with the space. If you have children or pets, enjoy gardening, or regularly entertain outdoors, a large garden could be worthwhile but remember that sometimes a smaller, low-maintenance outdoor area can offer all the benefits you need without spending your weekends behind a lawnmower,” he explains.
A spare bedroom
Are you worried about where your in-laws will stay when they come to town, or perhaps that friend from university who now lives abroad has been talking about visiting? In these situations, having a dedicated guest bedroom might seem essential. But it is worth considering how often those guests actually visit.
Goslett notes that paying more for an additional bedroom that stands empty for most of the year may not be the best use of your budget as a home office with a sleeper couch, a multifunctional room or even putting occasional guests up in nearby accommodation could work out far more affordably than paying for an extra bedroom you rarely use.
“My advice for buyers is to focus less on what your dream home is supposed to have and more on what suits the way you live every day. A shorter wish list could not only make the property search easier, but could also help you avoid paying extra for features that you really won’t use,” concludes Goslett.
If you’re unsure which features will suit you, reach out to your local agent who can help you narrow down your wish list and find a home that not only suits your budget, but compliments your lifestyle as well.
Issued by Kesia Cloete
