House hunters in Manchester say utility rooms, hidden storage and flexible layouts are top of the list of desired features in a new home, as people look for properties that feel calmer and easier to live in.
Two fifths (39%) of Manchester residents said they would pay more for a property with a dedicated utility space, while more than a fifth would pay a premium for clever use of understairs storage (22%), bespoke alcove storage (21%) or converted garages (21%), according to new research.
The Häfele UK Homes for Living report also found that almost half (48%) of homeowners in the region would pay more for a property with a modern kitchen, while 40% would pay a premium for a modern bathroom.
The findings suggest buyers are increasingly willing to pay more for homes that maximise usable space rather than simply offering a larger footprint, reflecting changing expectations around how homes should function day to day and as kitchens continue to take on more roles within the home.
The study also found that more than half (51%) of all homeowners in Manchester use their kitchen for multiple purposes but do not feel they have enough space to do everything comfortably.
At the same time, frustrations around clutter and usability are growing. Cluttered worktops (32%), a lack of storage (31%) and small, poor or inflexible layouts (26%), ranked among the most common household complaints in the research, while almost half (45%) said functionality hidden behind doors and drawers is now a priority.
Nikki Davies, from estate agent EXP, said: “What buyers value has changed significantly over the past few years. We now see genuine interest and excitement at viewings around features such as utility rooms, understairs storage, well-designed kitchen cupboards and flexible living spaces because people are trying to make homes work harder day to day.
“For many buyers, square footage is no longer the priority. They want homes that feel organised, practical and ready to live in without needing major renovation work. Features that improve storage, reduce clutter or create more usable living space often generate much stronger emotional appeal and can help homes sell faster and closer to asking price.
“Some improvements can also add genuine value where they materially improve the way a home functions. Creating a utility room from unused space can add up to 5% in value, while adding a second bathroom, en suite or downstairs WC can also increase value by up to 5%. Larger projects such as garage conversions that create additional bedrooms, offices or playrooms can add up to 10%, while reconfiguring outdated layouts into more flexible open-plan living spaces can increase value by up to 15%.
“In the current market, buyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for homes that already feel thoughtfully designed, adaptable and easier to live in.”
Rachel Tuckey, Chief Product Officer at Häfele UK, said: “People are trying to make homes work much harder than they did a decade ago. Kitchens are no longer just places to cook and eat. They are offices, utility spaces, entertainment areas and family hubs all at once.
“That pressure is changing how people judge value in the home. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to spaces that feel organised, adaptable and easier to live in, even when the footprint itself is relatively modest.
“The research shows practicality is no longer viewed as separate from premium living. Features like utility rooms, integrated storage and flexible layouts are becoming part of what makes a home feel higher quality and ultimately more desirable.”
