Biggest buyer turn off might not be as expected

While a busy road, rough neighbourhood and poor fixtures and fittings might be many assumptions as the number one buyer turn off, a new survey suggests that it's something far different.

Research from Aussie Home Loans into the top features buyers look for, and what they dislike, has found that the smell of cigarette smoke is the biggest turn off, with 69.1% of house hunters and renters saying it makes them steer clear. Pet smells came in far lower at 53%.

This distaste for cigarette smells was even more evident from the younger generations, aged 25 to 34, with 71.9% finding it to be the most offensive.

A busy road location, as expected, came in second with 65.8% of respondents citing it, with a dirty house coming in third with 61.6%.

While it may come as a surprise to renovators, while a good neighbourhood is the most appealing attribute (68.2%), a modern kitchen came in down the list at third, 63.4% and a modern bathrooom was number seven, with 50.2% citing it.

“We undertook the survey feeling confident that we would know the outcome, but were surprised to find some things were not as much of an issue for homebuyers as we expected,” said Aussie’s general manager for marketing and product, Stuart Tucker. 

“It should be a great guide on whether they need to renovate or tidy some rooms, how to dress their house, and an idea of what areas may be beyond their control, like their neighbourhood and location. Also how to prioritise their advertising message with their real estate agent," said Tucker.

“With the real estate market hotting up this Spring, this list should help canny sellers get a head start on the competition,” he said.

Nine Rewards surveyed 1,000 people for this Aussie Home Loans research.