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Mortgage holders warned of add-ons

Date: Mon, 04 Jul 2005

Home buyers have revealed the "added extras" that could make or break their decision to buy a property.

The survey by the Nationwide mortgage found that almost a third (30 per cent) of people would be put off by the smell of stale cigarette smoke, while one in five (18 per cent) said that pet hair or smells would be their biggest turn off.

One in ten (11 per cent) would not consider buying a house with mirrored ceilings and a further one in ten said that polystyrene walls or ceiling tiles would put them off buying.

Nine per cent said that an old bathroom suite would be a big turn-off.

The survey also revealed some of the more unusual features that would most attract a buyer to a new house, with one in five (22 per cent) saying they would be most attracted to a property with a walk-in wardrobe.

20 per cent would find underfloor heating most appealing while 13 per cent said that a jacuzzi would attract them the most.

Nationwide mortgage executive director, Stuart Bernau, commented: "Taste is an individual thing and many buyers will want to change a new home in some way to suit their needs.

"It is important, therefore, to factor in potential renovation or re-decorating costs into their home moving budget. Specific Barn Conversion mortgages or mortgages encompassing renovation are available and worth looking in to.

"Buyers should look beyond the upfront price of the property and anticipate ongoing costs."

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