Top Brands To Attract Buyers In Prime Central London
For sellers in prime central London, knowing what features, finishes or appliances are currently en vogue can make a difference when it comes to attracting buyers at the top end of the market.
Edward Aldersley, managing director of prime central London property specialist Aldersley London offers an insight into some of the top luxury brands currently elevating premium residences:
“Many sellers of super prime properties are going the extra mile when it comes to specific brands, including hand painted, embroidered silk wallpapers from Fromental which takes circa 18 weeks to produce as it is handmade. Exquisite lighting fixtures such as Porto Romano offer a statement feature, whilst flooring continues to be a desirable, high-ticket item with a mixture of high quality finishes including Carrara marble stone to parquet solid hardwood flooring with brass or antique borders giving an exquisite finish.
“Kitchens are a key area to add appeal and value to a property, with bespoke designed cabinetry from Smallbone and fully fitted with Gaggenau appliances quickly becoming a “must have” with buyers as they have become synonymous with high-end, high-quality appliances.
“Sub-Zero continues to be recognised as the “Rolls-Royce” of fridge and freezers, whilst Wolf cooking appliances are also considered as one the best of the best. The application of natural stone worktops using hand selected book matched slabs from Italy, such as Onyx or Marble, complemented by matt finishes on the kitchen cabinetry in statement colours such as dark blue or olive greens and bronze finished ironmongery also appeal to prime property buyers.
“For full house automation, Creston or Lutron followed by Control4 are typically the brands of choice, enabling users to control everything in their home from electric curtains and lighting to underfloor heating and TVs. Even toilets are a big thing when it comes to buying, especially for European and Middle Eastern clientele they tend to opt for smart toilets such as TOTO which are electronically operated, heated seats and cleaning hygienic water jets - some of which can even link to your mobile phone.
“Whilst big brands can be costly, a lot of buyers, especially when dealing within the prime and super prime property market, will expect certain brands to be present within properties as this will be what they are used to in their current homes. They want to ensure that when they buy the property, they can quickly and confidently navigate their new home and its various appliances and features.
”The presence of these brands highlights to buyers that the sellers have clearly invested time, effort and money into their properties, leaving no expense spared during renovations.
“With these types of brands present, it helps ensure a premium price is achieved when selling the property with some these brands almost seen to be the standard requirements for properties north of £10 million. A property that is well renovated with high end, desirable brands will usually exceed the value of properties which are not renovated or in a dated condition.”