In the face of Brexit, What factors add value?

Across the UK, house prices are fluctuating daily amidst Brexit uncertainty. Some days they are up, some days are down, but for a nation obsessed with the property market, what makes for a valuable area? The Open Property Group Investigates.

Good Neighbours

Good neighbours make an area far more valuable than one that is filled with nuisances, £19,856 nicer to be exact. On the flipside, neighbours from hell can wipe over £17,321 off a property’s value. Similarly, areas which boast low crime levels are likely to be more valuable than those with rising crime levels.

Good Schools

A good school is also vital for an area to be valuable. Savills estate agents suggest that a good school adds 25% on to the house’s value than one that is situated next to a poorly performing institution.

Ofsted can thus be either a Godsend or very harmful for a property’s asking price. A poor Ofsted report can see up to 8% knocked off the value whereas a good report can see buyers pay an average of an 8% premium on a home.

The Waitrose effect

Without stating the obvious, upmarket shops and restaurants also do wonders for the value of an area. In fact, if the area has a Waitrose, it is one of first things an estate agent tells any potential buyers. And why? The so called “Waitrose effect” is said to add 12% (or £40,000) on the average property.

As well as having a fancy local supermarket, a swanky restaurant is equally as beneficial for the value of an area – areas with Michelin-starred restaurants are said to house properties worth 50% more than that region’s average.

No eyesores

The visual aspect of an area is also key to its worth. Eyesores such as wind turbines and mobile masts can be damaging for an area’s value. However, areas with pleasing views boast more expensive house prices.

A sea view in the South-West can cost a premium of up a staggering 66%, estuary views 82% and harbour views 81%.

Leafy areas are also said to see a hike in property prices, research shows that streets with trees planted bring an average of £4,700 extra. In a different environmental aspect, areas with good flood plains are now highly sought after.

A flood can cause up to £40,000 worth of damage to a home so areas with prevention tactics are worth more than those without such measures in force.

No Traffic

Traffic is also crucial to an area’s worth. An area with a build-up of lots of traffic are far less valuable than areas with a quiet traffic scene. And as well as having a quiet morning commute in terms of what’s on the road, the noise coming from the roads can also knock a chunk of an area’s value. Loud road noises are thus a huge no.

Fast Internet

With so much of our private and professional lives dependent upon the World Wide Web, good broadband speeds are now essential. An area with fast internet speeds (over 25mbps) will see properties with much higher house prices than those with a poor connection.

Market Towns

Bringing our list to a close, Market towns are also said to make far more valuable areas. Research by Lloyds revealed that properties in market towns were worth an average of £25,000 more than similar properties, not in market towns.

If a property meets all these conditions, there is absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t be able to sell despite the current uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

How to market to Estate Agents UK

The UK’s property sales and letting industry is quite sizable in both volume of work and those employed within. Some 25 million dwellings in England alone exist and there were estimated to be approximately 55,500 estate agents working in the United Kingdom as of the second quarter of 2024. Up and down the country, in…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Preventative Measures to Reduce the Risk of Emergencies in a Rental Home

Ensuring that a rental home is safe and well-maintained is essential for both landlords and tenants. Emergencies in a rental property can lead to significant stress, financial loss, and potential damage. However, by implementing preventative measures, landlords and tenants alike can reduce the risk of emergencies and create a safer living environment. This guide provides…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Understanding the Metrics Used by Estate Agents to Determine Your Home’s Worth

Determining the value of a property can sometimes feel like a complex process shrouded in mystery. However, understanding the various metrics and considerations that estate agents use to assess your home’s worth can demystify the process and empower you as a homeowner. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide to the key factors estate agents…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 15/11/24

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Digital transformation of real estate drives profitability Press Release – London 14th November 2024 – Following the October budget, estate agents across the UK are seeking new ways to adapt to an evolving property market. Rising costs and shifting buyer expectations have driven a need…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Labour’s Vision for Homeowners and Renters: Key Changes to Expect

The UK housing market continues to be a complex and often challenging landscape for both homeowners and renters. Labour’s vision for housing reform aims to address longstanding issues in affordability, security, and sustainability, setting out a series of policy proposals that could reshape the property market. Whether you are a homeowner, a renter, or an…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

The pros and cons of renting to students: is it the right choice for you?

Student properties are no different in term of quality and facilities than any other type of private rental. And although landlords may have to spend a fair amount on setting up and properly maintaining student lets, they can also charge a good market rent. To help you decide whether letting to students might be worthwhile…
Read More