If you’re about to put your property on the market, you should already have a good idea about the type of buyer you’re aiming for. A particularly busy demographic is growing families, so it’s always worth pitching your place at people who are looking to upsize as their numbers swell.
Here’s how to catch the eyes of wandering parents.
Make sure your front and back gardens are safe
This isn’t so much about excavating unexploded bombs and removing bear traps as much making sure there are no gaps in the fence, that the swing isn’t about to snap and that there are no shards of broken glass or similar hazards.
Big up the local schools
A major draw for parents when they’re looking at houses and new areas is the quality of the schools. If your local primary school is rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, then push this fact to the front of the queue. Many families are happy to pay a premium to secure a home in the catchment area of a well-regarded school.
Decorate and furnish the place in a kid-friendly manner
You may have your own children, in which case your home will already be geared towards littlies. If your own children are older, or you don’t have any, then you can still appeal to parents by designating a corner of the kitchen or a spare room as a play area. Have a table and board games set up there, or a reduced-size sofa and bean bags, all ready to welcome viewers’ children.
Offer information on playgroups, nurseries, gyms and GP surgeries
These are also important to parents when they’re looking for a new home. If you can offer advice, information and help so that movers can find their feet, then they’ll feel more supported and more likely to choose your place and area than another. This effect is enhanced even more if the locale really does have a lot to offer residents, so don’t be shy.
