From functional necessities to aspirational upgrades, explore the ten features shaping property searches across the UK
When it comes to house hunting, everyone’s got their non-negotiables.
For some, it’s all about a garage for the car (or the clutter). For others, it’s a garden big enough for a football pitch, or maybe a pool to dip into when the Great British summer finally shows up.
Zoopla’s latest search data offers a clear snapshot of what buyers have dreamt about most this year, revealing the keywords that are setting the pace in the property market.
And if you’re lucky enough to own a home with these features? Get an valuation to find out how it impacts your home’s value and how many buyers would be interested right now.
1. Garage (or even better, a double garage)
Garages are still the undisputed heavyweight champion of home features. Whether it’s shelter for a cherished car, a place to hide an ever-growing collection of tools, or the perfect spot for a DIY gym, buyers cannot get enough.
And if one garage is good, a double garage is clearly better. More space, more storage, more smug satisfaction when the heavens open.
With electric vehicles on the rise and families needing room for everything from bikes to buggies, it is no wonder this keyword sits firmly at the top. A garage is no longer just a bonus. For many buyers, it’s an essential piece of kit.
2. New-build buying schemes
Hot on the heels of practicality comes opportunity. Our exclusive filter for new-build buying schemes helps you quickly spot Help to Buy-style options and developer incentives that could make a real difference to your affordability.
The appeal is clear: energy-efficient homes, modern layouts and a little extra financial support to help make that first (or next) step. Two schemes in particular are drawing plenty of attention.
- Deposit Unlock
Deposit Unlock lets you buy a new-build house or two-bedroom apartment with just a 5% deposit. The developer pays into an insurance policy that lowers the lender’s risk, which can mean a better mortgage rate – even if you’re borrowing up to 95% of the home’s value.
It is open to all buyers, provided the developer is part of the scheme. Studios and one-bed flats are not eligible. - Own New – Rate Reducer
Rate Reducer focuses on making monthly payments more manageable. It uses the housebuilder’s incentive budget to lower your mortgage rate, sometimes to below 1% for a fixed period.
For example, a 5% incentive on a £350,000 mortgage at 60% LTV could bring the rate down from 4.79% to 0.99% for two years, cutting payments to roughly £883 a month.
The scheme is available to both first-time buyers and existing homeowners, with several major lenders and over 200 housebuilders already on board.
Together, these schemes show why searches for new build buying options remain sky-high and why our exclusive filter is proving such a powerful tool for buyers ready to make their move.
3. Annexe
Annexes are having quite the moment, and it’s not hard to see why. Buyers are searching for homes that can bend and flex with real life, whether that means a comfortable space for ageing parents, a soft landing for adult children, or a handy spot to generate a little side income.
An annexe offers independence and connection in equal measure. It’s close enough for support, yet separate enough for privacy, which makes it a smart solution for today’s multigenerational households.
No surprise, then, that this search term keeps climbing the charts. Versatile, practical and future-proof, an annexe adds a layer of convenience that many buyers now consider essential.
4. Rural
The city has its sparkle, but many buyers are craving something a little quieter.
Searches for rural homes are climbing, driven by the lure of open fields, slower mornings and the joy of hearing actual birds rather than delivery vans.
For some, it’s about trading crowded pavements for winding lanes. For others, it’s the promise of space, fresh air and a lifestyle that feels a touch more grounded.
Whatever the reason, the countryside dream is very much alive, and plenty of movers are ready to swap city bustle for a gentler pace.
5. Acre
When a garden simply will not cut it, buyers are turning their sights to something a little more expansive.
Searches for “acre” highlight a growing appetite for proper space, whether it’s for smallholding ambitions, a paddock for the family pony, or the ultimate backdrop for summer gatherings.It’s a clear sign that post-pandemic priorities still linger. Room to roam, breathe and create a lifestyle on your own terms has never looked more tempting. An acre is not just land; it’s possibility.
6. Large garden
Some things never go out of style, and a large garden is firmly on that list. Families want space for kickabouts, gardeners want room to grow, and plenty of home-workers simply need somewhere to step outside and remember what daylight feels like.
The appeal is timeless: breathing space, privacy and a slice of the outdoors to call your own.
As priorities shift towards wellbeing and balance, it’s no surprise that the search for generous gardens continues to flourish.
7. Swimming pool
A swimming pool is one of those features that instantly sparks a little daydreaming.
Buyers are clearly picturing themselves doing leisurely laps before breakfast or hosting sun-soaked parties that run well into the evening.
Whether it‘s an indoor pool for year-round fitness or an outdoor one that turns every weekend into a mini getaway, this search term adds a splash of aspiration to the list. It’s luxury you can live in, and people are understandably tempted.
8. Sea view
Few things tug at the heart quite like a sea view. It’s one of our most romantic search terms at Zoopla, and for good reason. Waking up to rolling waves, salty air and endless horizons feels less like a property feature and more like a daily dose of calm.
From Cornwall to Scotland and every coastline in between, buyers are actively chasing that coastal magic. It’s not just scenery; it’s a whole way of life, and plenty of movers are ready to make the leap.
9. Driveway
A driveway might not be the flashiest feature, but it’s certainly one of the most appreciated.
In busy towns and cities, having your own parking spot feels like winning a small daily lottery. No circling the block, no late-night parking dramas, just pull in and you’re home.
It’s practical, secure and wonderfully convenient, especially for anyone with an electric vehicle. A private spot means reliable charging without hunting for an available plug or battling the public charging queue.
It’s no wonder demand for driveways keeps climbing. They’re the quiet hero of modern living, and buyers know it.
10. HMO
Rounding off the top ten, we have investors stepping into the spotlight.
Searches for “HMO” show that plenty of buyers are keeping a sharp eye out for strong rental returns, especially in thriving student areas and busy commuter towns.
It’s a clear sign that the market is not just about finding the perfect home. For many, it’s also about making a savvy move.
HMOs offer solid demand, reliable income potential and a foothold in some of the most active parts of the lettings market, which is why this keyword continues to draw in the investment-minded.
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From garages to garden space, annexes to acres, Britain’s searches reveal a nation that knows exactly what it wants from its next home.
Some dreams are practical, like driveways and HMOs. Others are full of aspiration, from swimming pools to sea views. And then there’s the steady rise of rural living, flexible annexes and clever new-build schemes that help buyers stretch their budgets a little further.
Together, these top 10 keywords paint a picture of modern movers balancing logic with lifestyle, craving both convenience and a touch of luxury.
And with more filters than anywhere else, Zoopla makes it easier to find your perfect place.