Homebuyers willing to pay more for utility rooms and hidden storage than extra space
UK homebuyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for practical, well-designed homes that maximise usable space rather than simply offering a larger footprint.
Research by furniture design brand Häfele found that more than a third (38%) of UK homeowners would pay more for a property with a dedicated utility space, while one in five would pay a premium for effective use of understairs areas (20%), bespoke alcove storage (19%) or converted garages (19%), according to new research.
The Häfele UK Homes for Living report also found that almost half (45%) of homeowners would pay more for a property with a modern kitchen, while 40% would pay a premium for a modern bathroom.
RACE FOR FUNCTIONAL SPACE
The study also found that 44% of homeowners use their kitchen for multiple purposes but do not feel they have enough space to do everything comfortably, while kitchen use for home working has risen from 15% in 2022 to 18% in 2026.
At the same time, frustrations around clutter and usability are growing. Lack of storage (29%), cluttered worktops (29%) and small, poor or inflexible layouts (27%) ranked among the most common household complaints in the research, while two-fifths (40%) said functionality hidden behind doors and drawers is now a priority.
Nikki Davies, from estate agency brand EXP, says: “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.”
Davies says some improvements can also add genuine value where they materially improve the way a home functions She adds: “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such as garage conversions that create additional bedrooms, offices or playrooms can add up to 10%, while reconfiguring outdated layouts into more flexible open-plan living spaces can increase value by up to 15%.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.”
Häfele
