Why Aspect Matters When Selling Your Property
Aspect plays a huge part in buyers’ decision-making, whether they realise it or not. Here’s your guide to what aspect means, how it can convince buyers, and how to make the most of your property’s aspect when you decide to sell in Brisbane’ western suburbs.
Why ‘north-facing’ homes have the aspect advantage
In real estate terms, ‘aspect’ refers to the direction a property is facing – its orientation. In Brisbane, homes with a northern or north-eastern aspect offer the most direct sunlight during the day, making rooms brighter and warmer. For these reasons, north and north-east facing properties have a particular advantage in the market during the winter months when buyers can appreciate both natural light and the potential savings on heating costs.
Can aspect create ‘passive’ heating?
The Australian government’s YourHome website offers specific advice on using the sun as a passive heating source by choosing the right aspect for your property, which varies depending where you are in Australia. While buyers in Brisbane’s western suburbs aren’t always building new homes and don’t often have the luxury of choosing their home’s aspect, this information can be useful for renovators who are planning to work with an architect to make the most of an existing property to buy or sell.
What if my property has the ‘wrong’ aspect?
Not every home can rely on a northerly aspect to convince prospective buyers. Those with southerly aspects can have rooms that are too dim, while west-facing properties contend with strong afternoon sunlight. In either case, it’s worthwhile talking with your real estate agent and a professional property stylist to hear about strategies that will present your home at its best. These could include ideas like:
bringing ‘borrowed light’ into dark areas by using strategically placed mirrors
if time allows, renovating to add windows or skylights in particularly dark rooms
screening out harsh afternoon light with awnings and shades.
Working with your aspect when planning inspections
When choosing the best time for your inspections, don’t work against your property’s aspect. Choose the time of day when your property brings in the most natural light and is at its most comfortable temperature. If this is difficult to organise, speak with your real estate agent and property stylist about how to work around any challenges your home’s aspect presents to make sure buyers are focused on it advantages.