Stick to the Average

[Offplanpropertyexchange]

When looking at the Investment property stick to what Joe Public would want, think of all those hotel rooms that you have stayed in the layout is always the same. Ok thats not strictly true some have baths in the middle of the bedroom ok for one night but could you live like that? probably not. People are attracted to the unusual for an instant and then turn back to what they know, what their family and friends have. So I would advise avoid anything strange and different stick to standard layouts, standard fittings, neutral everything. You do not want to buy the unusual house in the street you want to buy the one that is the same as the rest of them.

The same is true of doing up property just because there is a built in cupboard that could be converted into a sauna do not do it , people would prefer a cupboard.

Stay conventional and you will not limit your market.

[Henry]

You are right on this one. One of our family homes back in the Eighties was quite different, it had the master bedroom downstairs, a sunken bath an open plan lounge which you stepped down to and dining room that was separated by a fireplace visible from both rooms. I couldnt believe when I came to sell it one couple were looking to see how they could put up walls to make it more standard.

[Rabscuttle]

This is so absolutely true. I remember when I was younger with roomies and we were looking for a new place to live. There was one house that was in a great location, but no one liked the weird sunken livingroom so we never rented the place - and mind you we were just looking for a rental - ou can imagine how much more picky a buyer will be!!!

[elvenrunelord]

I totally disagree with you there again Mindy. Our entire modern consumerist culture is based on have it your way and custom built for you. The place Henry posted about sounds really interesting and unique. A home has to have some personaility, and if it does expect some people not to like it. And that is ok. You only need one.

[mandiees]

I would say its important not to settle when making an investment like a house. It is one thing if you are buying just to flip, ,in which care picking something more average would be a good move, but a whole different story if this is a dwelling to share with your family for years to come. Uniqueness should not be underestimated, and there are many buyers on the market today looking for a home with personality, not some cookie-cutter lookalike.

[Orrymain]

Sometimes, though, those oddities can get the buyer a good deal. My sister got a terrific deal on a home several years ago because the home was ... odd. They'd remodeled it a couple of times, creating a very unique infrastructure. The price was right as a result. If you don't mind strange, it's sometimes not a bad thing to look at to get a good deal!

[djschwab]

Have you ever watched those shows where people had to spend money just to change some of the things they did to their house? I think your house should reflect your personality, but within reason.