Looking to sell your luxury home in 2021? There are few things more exciting than upgrading to something bigger and better, but if you’re looking to appeal to a high-net-worth homebuyer, when it comes to shifting your current property, you might be wondering how best to get a quick and smooth sale.
Increasingly, affluent individuals are looking for homes that offer them the entire package – no longer are they impressed by materialistic features alone, and instead, are in search of a space that will facilitate an entirely luxury lifestyle. For those used to staying in some of the finest five-star hotels in the world, opulence is important – but being able to visualise what their life would look like if they were to purchase your home is more so.
This shift towards experience means that buyers are now looking for stand-out features they can actually use – and that are not just there for aesthetic appeal. Hot tubs, outdoor showers, cinema rooms and even meditation gardens are now top of the list, and adding a few of these to your home before putting it on the market could substantially boost your profits.
At a time where work / life balance is viewed as more important than ever, we asked the experts at revolutionary home-buying company Spring – which is changing the way luxury customers buy and sell their homes – to share their top picks. These are the features you should consider incorporating into your abode before you sell – but be warned, because you might not want to anymore once they are complete!
Loft conversions
According to Spring, loft conversions can add up to 25% in value to a home, creating more space and greater functionality in any kind of home, whatever the size. A loft conversion can become just about anything a home-owner wants it to be – from an office to a meditation room. Working out the kind of person you envisage living in your home and tailoring it to their tastes and desires will go a long way here and help you to style yours effectively.
Loft conversions are traditionally one of the more laborious home renovations to be made, and often, new buyers don’t want to deal with the stress – so doing the hard work for them will no doubt persuade them to willingly pay a higher price tag for their dream abode.
Home gym
Health and fitness have taken centre stage during the pandemic, with more people now taking more care to nourish their bodies with good food and getting in regular exercise. A glamorous, glass-walled home gym can add considerable value to your home, allowing affluent and potentially high-profile buyers to work up a sweat from the comfort of their own home. Offering both privacy and convenience for those living busy lifestyles, it’s certain to win them over.
Wine cellar
An affluent buyer will no doubt be no stranger to a fine bottle of vintage, and if wine collecting is amongst their list of hobbies then a private cellar to house the bottles they have amassed is certain to appeal. An added luxury that is not a necessity, but will absolutely facilitate a more luxurious lifestyle, it’s an extra feature that any wine connoisseur would love. Again, it all comes down to knowing your target customer, but the vast majority are certain to love it. And, with cellar conversions adding up to 30 per cent in value to your home, it would almost be rude not to.
Rooftop heated infinity pool
Let’s face it – few things scream luxury lifestyle in quite the same way as a heated rooftop infinity pool. The perfect place to relax and unwind in complete privacy and an even better place to kick back and enjoy a glass of champagne, this is one feature that instantly evokes memories of your favourite five-star hotels, and will make anyone feel like a celebrity in their own home. Add a hot tub into the mix too, and your home will practically sell itself – because what could be more appealing than being able to enjoy a spa experience at home?
A kitchen upgrade
It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of any home, and renovating yours to create more space and functionality could boost your home’s value by up to 15 per cent. But it’s the little extras that are most likely to win your prospective buyers over, such as a walk-in pantry, warming drawers and, of course, that all-important built-in wine fridge.
The bottom line
When it comes to adding value to your luxury home before selling, there are plenty of things you can do to boost the figures – but it’s important to bear in mind that any new additions should be functional, and cater to the majority of affluent prospective buyers – as well as looking good. It would be easy to assume that creating something unusual would set your home apart from the masses, but doing so can prove risky, and limit your pool of potential purchasers – so keep things opulent, yet refined. Save the crazy conversions for your new abode, which is where you’ll be spending your own time living – but bear in mind the impact this might have on a future sale should you ever wish to upgrade once again.
