A list of what buyers really look for in a new property

People trying to sell their home used to be told that filling the air with the scent of freshly ground coffee and baking prior to a viewing was the way to greet potential purchasers. That’s a lovely idea – but no longer cuts the mustard. Aromas won’t persuade buyers to part with five figure deposits.

Instead, sellers should look at what buyers really value. They firstly demand comfort and convenience.

Buyers need efficient heating and hot water when they move in. Otherwise, expect to knock between £5,000 and £10,000 off the price for a new boiler, some radiators and inconvenience. Double glazing is also essential – you can buy units that will fit in nicely with the look of period properties.

Then, according to comparison site Go Compare, the next essential is security. If the windows and doors don’t lock properly, that’s another price cut.

Buyers need reliable broadband signals. The importance of this feature has soared up the list of essentials – and will continue to do so as we become even more dependent on internet use.

They’ll also be looking at electrical sockets – and their number. No one wants spaghetti like extensions all over rooms – it’s dangerous as well as unsightly. There’s no ideal number but the more the better. Putting in new sockets is expensive and disruptive as floorboards and ceilings may need attention.

Sellers should expect to provide a good energy rating for the home.

Where possible, buyers expect a garden. If that exists, they want it neat and tidy for when they move in. They won’t care too much about the choice of plants – but they’ll run a mile if the outdoor space is a weed-infested garbage tip.

Sellers often place emphasis on features which buyers really don’t look for. A good parking space is increasingly less important – especially in big cities.

Those wooden floors may look fantastic and cost a fortune. But buyers may see them as difficult to maintain and cold.

And remember, not all buyers will appreciate that you’ve knocked all the walls down to create a huge open-plan space. Many families want rooms for the children to do their homework, or simply to escape from each other. Only one in eleven buyers specified “open-plan” in the survey. Wood floors and period features are not the selling point you might think they are. Below: A big garden is great, but if it’s untidy it can be a big turn-off