Community no longer important to home buyers

Community is one of the least important factors when it comes to buying a home, a new survey reveals today.

Factors such as schools, transport and local amenities are now the most important points we look for when it comes to buying a home, the study by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) finds.

Sellers looking to entice buyers need not worry so much about whether they have a good local pub, are close to a park or have a sense of community spirit in the area.

Instead, factors such as off-street parking, a new kitchen, en-suite bathrooms and double glazing are the top sale-winning attributes for a property.

However, sellers should avoid having prospective buyers look around when their property is cluttered, unclean or when pets and children are running around, as these are the factors that are most likely to spoil a potential sale.

Peter Bolton King, the NAEA chief executive, commented: "These findings are, in some ways, a sad reflection on the way times are changing.

"When you consider that for most people their 'village' is contained within their mobile phone or email contact list, rather than the local neighbourhood, it's hardly surprising that people don't prioritise the personality of the 'physical' community where they live."

Mr Bolton King added: "With this in mind, those looking to sell property ought to look closely at which attributes in the area match the changing needs of property buyers today. The research clearly demonstrates physical attributes of a home and local area infrastructure are becoming increasingly important." XXX