Understanding who you are selling to is a critical part of selling your home efficiently. If your property is most likely to appeal to a retired couple, you will present it differently than you would to a young family. Obviously, you need to keep your options open, but some tweaks to reel in the most likely buyers could help you make a sale.

Typical House-Hunters

These are your typical house-hunters – think about which profile fits your property best:

First Time Buyers

First timers are likely  to be looking for smaller properties such as flats. They can put up with some quirks in exchange for a great location, and will want somewhere that is cost-efficient and ideally open plan. Millennials are also picky about good quality bathrooms and kitchens, so if yours is super-shabby, it might be worth investing in an upgrade.

Families

If you live in the catchment area for a good school or have access to a park, you’re likely to appeal to this demographic, especially if you have three bedrooms or more. Make sure that all of your bedrooms are presented as bedrooms! A playroom (perhaps in a converted garage?) would be a huge plus, as would a safe, fenced garden or roof area.

Retired Couples

Malta attracts hundreds of retirees who come for a taste of the Mediterranean good life. Additionally, many locals seek to downsize once their children leave the nest. They are likely to be looking for quieter, rural areas that still have decent access to shops and medical care, and likely need one full bedroom and a least one guest bedroom / office. Low maintenance and easy access are key selling points; crumbling infrastructure, too many steps and no lift will make them think twice.

Second-Homers

Second-home buyers generally prefer a beautiful setting to multiple bedrooms, and they might be on the look-out for traditional features too. Houses of character are likely to appeal, as will flats in rural areas. They will probably be considering the rental possibilities too, so that they can make some extra income.

Investment Buyers

These purchasers will be looking seriously at rental income and appreciation. They are likely to want maximum space and a clean, neutral look in a location that is popular or up-and-coming (for instant renting) or a more run down property that can be upgraded and sold on at a profit (or ‘ flipped’). Their purchase will be much less emotional, so have your rental income and appreciation figures ready to hand. The advantage is that they might pay in cash.