A new report from Redfin says outdated kitchens are the biggest turn-off for affluent American homebuyers.
More than half (54%) of luxury home buyers say they probably wouldn't make an offer on a home that needs kitchen upgrades, according to a survey of luxury real estate agents released Tuesday by Redfin.
A survey of around 300 real estate agents in the luxury residential segment provided insight into the most common requirements customers look for, and what they don't want: Outdated kitchens, as well as lack of visual appeal and outdated bathrooms, were also major turn-offs for buyers.
In contrast, open-concept floor plans are in high demand, the survey found.
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Redfin reported that 83% of real estate agents said that open floor plans were their most desirable feature, followed by granite countertops at 51%. The least desirable housing trends for luxury home buyers were linoleum floors at 1% and tile countertops at 2%.
“Luxury home buyers want to fall in love with their future home and, because they have the financial means, are often making emotional decisions,” Andrew Rottner, a Redfin Premier agent in Denver, said in the report.
The most sought-after kitchen and bathroom feature among luxury home buyers is a double vanity, with more than four in five agents (86%) rating the feature as a must-have among their clients.
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Similarly, a majority of agents, over 80%, said they would like a kitchen island and granite countertops, followed by a walk-in pantry, according to Redfin. Luxury home buyers are least likely to ask their agents about bidets (4%), hot tubs (6%) and mini-fridges (7%).
When it comes to outdoor amenities, landscaping is the most desired amenity, followed by indoor-outdoor living space, while only 2% of agents say a very large number of buyers are looking for a pizza oven and only 5% are looking for solar-powered outdoor lighting.
