Date issued: 15 Nov 2004
SOLD AS SEEN
Home Movers Reveal the ‘Added Extras’ That Could Make or Break a Sale
Nationwide Building Society has
conducted research amongst potential home buyers to understand what turns them
on and puts them off properties for sale. The survey also reveals what items
they would consider taking with them or leaving behind when they
move.
The biggest turn offs
are:
- Almost a third (30%) would be
put off by the smell of stale cigarette smoke
- One in five (18%) said that
pet hair or smells would be their biggest turn off
- One in ten (11%) would not
consider buying a house with mirrored ceilings
- A further one in ten (11%)
said that polystyrene wall or ceiling tiles would put them off buying
- 9% said that an old bathroom
suite would be a big turn-off
Nationwide executive director,
Stuart Bernau, comments; "Taste is an individual thing and many buyers will want
to change a new home in some way to suit their needs. It is important,
therefore, to factor in potential renovation or re-decorating costs into their
home moving budget. Buyers should look beyond the upfront price of the property
and anticipate ongoing costs."
The survey also revealed some of
the more unusual features that would most attract a buyer to a new
house:
- One in five (22%) would be
most attracted to a property with a walk-in wardrobe
- 20% would find underfloor
heating most appealing
- 13% said that a jacuzzi would
attract them the most
People were also asked what they
would consider taking with them when they move, beyond the usual items of
furniture and possessions. Almost half (46%) said that they might take the
garden ornaments, 40% said that they might not leave without the lights and
lampshades and a quarter (25%) said that they might even take the curtain rails
and blinds! Conversely, there are some things which people would happily leave
behind. Surprisingly, over half of the sample surveyed (55%) would consider
discarding unwanted furniture, one in three (37%) might leave rugs or mats and
32% would consider leaving kitchen appliances. Worst of all however, 6% said
that they would even consider dumping an old car at the property!
Taking out a mortgage is one of
the most significant financial commitments that anyone makes in their lifetime
so choosing the right lender and the right product is paramount. Stuart Bernau
says; "Homemovers invest a significant amount of time and resources in looking
for the right home. They should also bear in mind that spending only a short
while choosing the right mortgage provider can potentially save thousands of
pounds. Steer clear of lenders which charge high fees or redemption penalties
and look for daily interest and flexible features such as overpayments and
payment holidays."
Nationwide offers very
competitive fixed rate and tracker mortgages for homemovers, with a 2 Year Fixed
Rate available from 4.95% and a 2 Year Tracker available from 4.75%.
Notes to editors:
Research conducted on Marketing
Sciences' PanelWizard™ survey in October 2004. Sample size of 1014 adults
nationwide, via a mix of telephone and online omnibus.
Key Features of the Product
Range
- Range of flexible features
available on all new mortgages - to overpay, underpay or take a payment
holiday
- All new mortgage products
available to new and existing borrowers
- Interest is calculated on a
daily basis on all products
- No Higher Lending Charge
- BMR is guaranteed to be no
more than 2% above the Bank of England base rate
- No compulsory insurance
- Free Mortgage Payment
Protection Insurance (MPPI) - new mortgage borrowers and all existing
Nationwide members moving home benefit from 12 months' free MPPI when they
take out a new Nationwide mortgage
- Valuation fee varies based on
purchase price of property and not product chosen
- Valuation fees are
non-refundable for home buyers and home movers
- No valuation fees or legal
fees for remortgagors
- Non-refundable £349
reservation fee for fixed rate and tracker
mortgages
