A Pantry, Veggie Patch and Home Office - Modern Home Must-Haves

A pantry, veggie patch and wine cellar - the most desirable features modern home buyers are looking for, according to a new study.

Forget simply having a spacious kitchen and a decent-sized garden, today's buyers are increasingly attracted to homes with practical storage, dedicated entertaining spaces and features that reflect their lifestyle.

A nationwide study of 2,000 British adults, commissioned by car rental company SIXT, has revealed the most desirable features that can make a property more attractive to prospective buyers.

A kitchen island tops the list (36%), followed by a walk-in wardrobe (34%), a cosy window seat (29%) and a hidden utility room (29%).

A vegetable patch or herb garden (24%), a pantry (24%) and beautifully stocked bookshelves (23%) also rank highly.

Other sought-after features include a garden office (20%), a wood-burning stove (20%), a tree house for children (17%) and an outdoor fire pit (17%).

And for those who enjoy entertaining, an American-style fridge (14%), a cinema room (14%) and a well-stocked wine rack (13%) are also among the features that make a home more appealing.

The findings suggest that buyers are increasingly interested in how a home fits their lifestyle, rather than simply its size or number of bedrooms.

Indeed, 40% believe the lifestyle a property appears to offer can be almost as attractive as the bricks and mortar themselves.

And seven in ten (71%) agree there are particular details that can instantly make a home more desirable.

The research also highlights the importance of first impressions, with 88% of Britons forming an opinion of a property within seconds of arriving.

On average, it takes just 28 seconds for prospective buyers to make their initial judgement.

More than half (55%) say the exterior appearance of a property has a major influence on whether they would buy it, while 88% agree that kerb appeal plays an important role in the buying and selling process.

And 41% believe the exterior of a property is just as important, or more important, than the interior.

The study also found that almost three quarters (72%) believe a nice vehicle parked on the driveway can make a home appear more desirable.

Danny Groom, Associate Director and Estate Agent for Crabb Curtis, comments:

"As an estate agent I see every day what pulls people into a house - first impressions really do count and those little details, from a premium car in the driveway to freshly cut flowers or the smell of freshly brewed coffee can make all the difference.

"It's no surprise to me that deciding whether a house is right for you can happen in just seconds.

"Viewing a property is a very personal experience and if buyers see the lifestyle they lead, or want to lead, in a house it can certainly speed along the decision-making process.

But while desirable features can help attract buyers, the research also identified the biggest reasons people reject a property.

A staggering 83% have turned down an otherwise suitable home because they simply could not imagine themselves living there, something they have done an average of six times.

Signs of damp or mould are the biggest deal-breaker (62%), followed by unpleasant smells (52%), a neighbour's rubbish-filled garden (49%) and a busy or noisy road (48%).

Dirty bathrooms (46%), insufficient storage (42%), small kitchens (42%) and dark rooms with limited natural light (42%) are also major turn-offs.

Meanwhile, 57% believe smaller improvements can have just as much impact as major renovations when it comes to making a property more attractive.

The findings come as SIXT encourages homeowners to consider the appearance of their driveway when preparing a property for sale.

Through its premium rental service, sellers can hire a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Audi for a viewing weekend or longer while their property is on the market, without making a long-term commitment.

Jamie Holt, Operations Director at SIXT, said: "First impressions count when you're buying a home, and this research suggests they start before you've even reached the front door.

"What's on the driveway is part of that picture, so for sellers who want to give the outside of their homes a lift, we have the Mercedes-Benz, BMWs and Audis to do it.

"We can't promise it will sell your house, but a little extra kerb appeal certainly can't hurt."

THE MOST DESIRABLE FEATURES MODERN HOME BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR

1. A kitchen island - 36%
2. A walk-in wardrobe - 34%
3. A window seat - 29%
4. A hidden utility room - 29%
5. A vegetable patch or herb garden - 24%
6. A pantry - 24%
7. Beautifully stocked bookshelves - 23%
8. A wrought iron front gate - 20%
9. A home office - 20%
10. A wood-burning stove - 20%
11. A driveway - 18%
12. A tree house in the garden - 17%
13. A fire pit in the garden - 17%
14. A large American-style fridge - 14%
15. A cinema room - 14%
16. A well-stocked wine cellar - 13%

ENDS

Research notes

The findings presented in this release are based on a nationally representative online survey of 2,000 British adults conducted for SIXT by research and insights agency Perspectus Global in October 2026.

Perspectus Global adheres to ESOMAR principles and the Market Research Society (MRS) Code of Conduct. All data collected and processed is strictly confidential.