The seven must-have home features British buyers want in a property (aff)

A large garden, a quiet location and off-street parking are among the top home features British buyers want most in 2026, according to new research from estate agency Purplebricks. The study reveals the features that could make the biggest difference when selling a home – from outdoor space to EV charging points and garden offices.

The research suggests home-hunters are on the lookout for a number of specific features before taking the plunge on one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

After years of hybrid working and rising energy costs, buyers are thinking differently about what makes a home feel liveable. The findings also reveal what homeowners should focus on if they want to increase the appeal of their property when selling.

For many, the first key thing isn’t something a buyer will likely spot immediately, instead it will be after they walk around the back or side of the property.

1. The garden

A large garden is one of the most desirable home features UK buyers want to see with six in ten Brits (66%) saying it is their top priority in a property.

Tom Evans from Purplebricks understands why potential buyers would focus on the garden. He said: “The garden is the place buyers picture themselves hosting family barbecues when summer comes round.

“Outdoor space allows families with children - or those planning for them - to understand what they can achieve with the amount of space that they have.

“While some buyers might be looking at flats, even a shared garden of some kind can help push the asking price up considerably.”

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2. The Location

For many buyers, the location of a property is right at the top of their priority list. Six in ten (66%) Brits believe it’s all about “location, location, location” when it comes to buying a home - checking for busy roads, nearby pubs and clubs and access to transport and schools.

Tom said: “It’s understandable for many home-hunters to consider noise pollution, this is often something that we discuss a lot with viewers.

“It is important to understand if the home of your dreams is in a flight path or adjacent to a busy main road as traffic will be coming and going at all hours.

“The same can be said for purchasing a property that is near a pub or club - the consideration for loud music and late night noise has to be considered.”

3. Off-street parking

Off-street parking is another big topic for buyers, says Tom. And, six in ten (65%) Brits agree that a driveway is one of the most important features in a home.

Tom said: “Off-road parking has always been a welcome addition to buyers wanting to invest in the property market.

“When people get home, they don’t want to be jostling for a parking spot on the street, having a private space to pull-up on your property takes the unnecessary stress away.”

4. A bath

Brits want more than a stand-up shower - they want to recline and relax in a bath. One in two (50%) home-hunters say they look specifically for this feature in a property.

Tom Evans said: “Many homes now have no bath at all - the idea of a long soak after work seems to have become a thing of the past for some homeowners.

“However, we are starting to see a return to the tub, with many home-viewers looking specifically for a place to unwind between the bubbles.”

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5. En-suite bathroom

And it’s not just a bath buyers are eyeing, four in ten (41%) Brits want an en-suite alongside a traditional bathroom.

An extra bathroom can ease the stress and chaos of a family getting ready for work and school in the morning.

6. EV Charging

For electric vehicle owners, a place to charge their motor is a lucrative “must-have” in 2026.

This subtle addition - costing from £800 to £1,500 for the equipment and installation - may not add huge value to a property, but could make all the difference to a relevant buyer.

7. Garden Studio

A garden studio or office space is another top feature we’re finding home-hunters are looking for these days.

With hybrid or full-time WFH very much the norm today, many homeowners have already taken the plunge and built a separate work or living space in the garden.

Tom says the flexibility of a garden studio offers a lucrative prospect too, with interested buyers eyeing the space as an additional bedroom that’s ripe for AirBnB or similar.

Tom added: “In 2026, buyers aren’t being shy about what they want, the new couples on the market are millennials and Gen Z who strongly hold beliefs about how they want to live.

“They want to be sitting in their garden enjoying the outdoors with their cars parked on the driveway enjoying a relaxing quiet afternoon in the summer sun.

“The modern couple wants at least two bathrooms in their home to ensure nobody has to wait for someone else to finish showering before they can get ready.

“Homes which have these features will be attractive to new buyers this year and going forward into the future.”

As the housing market continues to shift, these findings show how the definition of the “perfect home” is changing – with outdoor space, parking and flexibility now top of the list for Britain’s next generation of buyers.