20 non-negotiables when it comes to buying a property

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There are certain non-negotiables we all have when choosing to buy a property and certain things can make or break the deal. A new study by Barclays Mortgages' reveals Brits' must-haves when it comes to buying a property, with double glazing, central heating and an outdoor space being the top three features they aren’t willing to live without.

The average Brit will live in five different homes in their lifetime and this has driven a strong sense of what they can put up with, and what they can't. A buyer's non-negotiable list has an average of five features on it, and has the power to make or break a sale.

Over a third of Brits are not willing to put an offer on a home if it doesn't have one of their 'must haves' and a further 36 per cent would reduce their offer. However, when a property does tick all of the boxes, Brits will pay up to 10 per cent over the asking price.

With the average house in the UK valued at £254,624, the cost of ticking those non-negotiable boxes comes in at a whopping £25,462. This cost grows to £50,924 for first-time buyers, as almost half are happy to pay up to 20 per cent over the asking price for a house that has everything they are looking for.

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The non-negotiables: Brits’ top 20 must-haves when purchasing a home

1. Double glazed windows

2. Central heating

3. Garden/Outside space

4. Driveway or parking spaces included

5. Lots of natural light

6. Downstairs toilet

7. A spare bedroom

8. Radiators

9. Good storage options

10. Garage

11. Ensuite bathroom

12. Energy efficient home

13. Bathtub

14. Separate toilet and shower

15. Power Shower

16. A separate utility room

17. Letterbox

18. Entrance hallway

19. New/recent boiler

20. Tiled bathroom

Photo credit: Brandt Design

Barclays' research also found that homeowners are willing to compromise to some extent, however, almost half draw the line at three features they don't like.

The top three biggest turn-offs for buyers include:

1. Carpeted bathrooms: 21 per cent

2. Single glazed windows: 21 per cent

3. Weird layout: 20 per cent

'Buying a home is a huge step,' says Claire MacPhail, Business Development Manager at Barclays. 'Whether you’re getting on the property ladder for the first time, remortgaging, or looking for your forever home, you need to know what you do want as well as what you don't want.

'Thinking about your non-negotiables before starting the search for a new home can make the process more focused and save you time.'

Photo credit: Photographer: Polly Wreford | Stylist: Jen Haslam | Production: Sarah Keady

Claire MacPhail’s top tips for property hunters:

1. Make a list and stay focused: There are a number of things to keep track of when buying a home. To help you stay on track, make a list of all of your non-negotiables; splitting into 'must have', 'nice to have' and 'flexible', so you don't get distracted when on your property search.

2. Look at the home as a whole: When looking around a property, be open minded. Remember, a property can be anything you want it to be, so don't focus on what the rooms currently are, and instead think about what the home can bring. Remember, you can always move things around when you're in.

3. Your preferences may change, and that's OK: Over the time it takes to find your dream home, your circumstances may shift. Something that might initially have been non-negotiable for you, may no longer be the case in your next home, and vice versa.

4. Stick with your gut: You’ll know when you've found 'the one'. While there may be things you would prefer to have or not have, trust the feeling you get when you envisage living there and making the house a home.

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