The utility room is an often-overlooked space, but the practicality of having a dedicated area for chores and storage appeals strongly to today’s buyers, especially as it keeps the main living spaces tidy and free from clutter.
In fact, the appeal is so strong that Benham and Reeves’s review of live property listings across Britain found that 34.5% of homes with a utility room are already sold subject to contract (SSTC). Demand is even higher in some regions; in Scotland, for instance, 46.2% of such properties are already under offer.
This high demand is matched by a healthy price premium. Previous research suggests that homes with utility rooms command an average price uplift of 5%.
Based on the current average UK house price of £271,126, that translates into a potential added value of £13,556.
London homes benefit the most. With an average price of £555,625, a 5% increase equates to a gain of £27,781. Other regions also see sizeable uplifts: £19,233 in the South East, £16,923 in the East of England, and £15,410 in the South West.
However, despite the demand, utility rooms remain in short supply. Of the 404,518 homes currently on the market in Britain, only 119,444 include one — just 19.3% of listings.
Stock is highest in Wales (24.4%), Scotland (24.4%), and the East Midlands (24.3%). At the other end of the scale, just 7.8% of homes for sale in London include a utility room.
Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, commented:
“Storage space is incredibly important for homebuyers, and storage doesn’t get much more substantial than a utility room. Being able to keep all of your cleaning detritus in one room is a low-key luxury that means the rest of the house can be kept clear of the clutter associated with household chores, not to mention mucky kids, dogs and the rest.
"But finding a home with a utility room can be tricky, especially in cities where homes tend to have smaller footprints, though it’s always worth remembering that if you find a property with a garage or basement, you have the option to convert it into a utility space.
"From a seller’s perspective, having a utility room can be a real ace up your sleeve. When preparing your home for viewings, we would recommend giving the utility room as much attention as you do every other space. Make sure potential buyers know the utility room is there, and let them see how beneficial it can be to the daily upkeep of the home. It could bag you an additional £14,000.”
