With Valentine’s Day coming up at the weekend, we look at ten reasons why Staffordshire property owners think their homes are dreamy or dreary. A three-minute read.
Top five things people love about their homes
1. A room with a view
Beautiful views are calming, provide distraction, and reduce claustrophobia. Lucky homeowners who look out upon an unspoilt view are also less likely to be overlooked by their neighbours. So, they needn’t worry about Owen from over the road seeing them in their PJs.
2. Period charm
For some, it’s the character of an inglenook fireplace, a warm and comforting Aga, or elegant period features, that they love. Those who prefer these distinctive qualities are more often turned off by the sterility offered by some new and modern homes.
3. Home is where the heart is
Undoubtedly, for many homeowners, what they love most about their home is not the size, look, or location, but the memories created in them. The children’s heights marked in pencil on the door frame, the old oak tree, climbed a thousand times, even the tiny holes in little Johnny’s bedroom wall from misdirected dart throwing.
4. The house that Jack built
Designing and building a home or extension can be an incredibly exciting (and stressful!) experience. Whether it’s an upstairs laundry room or a dedicated dog shower, homebuilders can create a unique home that they love.
5. Location, location, location
This list wouldn’t be complete without including that well known saying. We feel proud to call Staffordshire our home and thousands of Staffordshire property owners say that this takes the top spot in things they love about their home!
And five for the haters…
1. Size matters
It would seem that size really does matter when it comes to property owners’ biggest gripes about their homes. What starts out as a perfectly proportioned pad can quickly feel more cramped than cosy once children, pets, or elderly live-in relatives arrive. Add the ‘stuff’ that accumulates over time and the walls can start closing in.
2. Baby it’s cold inside
Old houses are notorious for being cold and draughty, but the questionable build quality of some newer houses might make you need an extra layer or two. Poor insulation and badly installed double glazing and doors can result in expensive energy bills and an uncomfortable home.
3. Noisy neighbour niggles
It’s Sunday afternoon. Your roast has set you up nicely for an afternoon snooze in front of the telly and the aspiring DJ next door starts spinning the decks. Live and let live? Maybe. But be warned if you’re selling your property and a minor irritation turns into a dispute. If you’ve made a complaint to the council or another authority, or written to the neighbour directly, then you’ll have to disclose it on the Seller’s Property Information Form.
4. Troublesome traffic
While good double glazing can help reduce traffic noise, it’s often high on the list of grumbles. And for those who own a property opposite a T-junction, let’s just say that they might wish that they’d viewed the property in the dark as well as in daylight… investing in blackout blinds are a must to block car headlights.
5. Garden envy
A lack of outside space is a real bugbear for lots of homeowners. And they’re feeling it now, more so than ever, following the Covid-19 lockdowns. Homes benefiting from a garden will add £££s to the price point (add a few more £££s if it’s south facing).
If the hates start outweighing the loves, it might be time to think about moving on. Make a list of all the things you’re looking for in your next home. At Belvoir Stoke-on-Trent, we’re here to help you tick off that list and find your next property love.
