The #1 Top Rightmove Search Keyword in 2025 Isn't What You'd Expect

naomichance
Jan 1
9 min read

Rightmove's comprehensive analysis of 2025 buyer search data just revealed something remarkable: "garage" is the #1 most-searched-for property feature by homebuyers. This isn't speculation or anecdotal evidence. This is hard data from billions of minutes spent on Rightmove each year.

The top three buyer search priorities for 2025 are:

Garage (first place)
Annexe (second place)
Garden (third place)

With "rural" and "land" also appearing in the top five, the pattern is unmistakable: modern buyers are searching for multifunctional space. Not decorative features. Not trend-driven aesthetics. Space with purpose and flexibility.

If you're selling a property with a garage in London, Hertfordshire, or Essex, you're sitting on a feature that actively tops buyer search priorities. Understanding this trend and staging your garage strategically can be the differentiator that attracts serious enquiries, generates multiple offers, and justifies premium pricing.

This article explains precisely why garages are the Top Rightmove Search Keyword in 2025 for buyer searches, what this reveals about modern buyer psychology, and how to stage yours to maximise appeal and convert search interest into actual viewings and offers.

Why Garages Is The Top Rightmove Search Keyword in 2025: The Real Reasons

Rightmove's data shows garage as the top feature buyers actively filter for. But why? The reasons reveal something profound about what modern homebuyers actually need (not what designers think they want).

Reason 1: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Why Garages Are the #1 Search Priority: The Real Reasons

The most cited reason for garage popularity: EV ownership and charging capability. As electric vehicle adoption accelerates across the UK, buyers need dedicated charging infrastructure. A garage with existing EV charging installed is genuinely valuable and increasingly non-negotiable for tech-forward buyers.

The surprising popularity of garages may be a reflection of the growing ownership of electric cars and the need for charging them, according to Rightmove analysis.

Properties with pre-installed EV charging are highly competitive. Properties with space for future EV charging installation command premium positioning. For sellers, this is a concrete differentiator: "EV charging-ready garage" is searchable, measurable, and valuable.

Confidence level: Very High. EV adoption is accelerating, and charging infrastructure is a real barrier for buyers.

Reason 2: Multifunctional Space Necessity

Post-pandemic, "Race for Space" mentality hasn't disappeared, it's evolved. Buyers don't just want space; they want space that serves multiple functions. A garage solves multiple problems simultaneously:

Storage crisis solution: London, Herts, and Essex properties chronically lack storage. A garage = convertible storage asset.
Work-from-home flexibility: Garages convert into home offices, studios, or workshops without major structural work. Remote work remains prevalent in 2026.
Secondary income opportunity: A garage can be rented as self-storage unit (£50-100/month), workshop (£200-400/month), or creative studio (£400-800/month depending on location).
Workshop/hobby space: DIY culture, maker spaces, and hobbies requiring equipment (cycling, woodworking, vehicle restoration) demand dedicated space.

Garages tend to be a very simple and cost-effective means of extending a house, meaning buyers recognise them as high-ROI property assets.

Confidence level: Very High. Multiple use cases supported by post-pandemic lifestyle changes.

Reason 3: The "Storage Crisis" in Southeast England

Properties across Southeast England face chronic storage shortage. A typical three-bedroom semi-detached house in Surrey has minimal built-in storage. A Victorian terrace in Clapham, Islington, or Brockley has charming period features but zero modern storage solutions.

For buyers and renters, storage is survival. Garages represent convertible storage space. Whether as traditional vehicle parking or converted utility space, garages solve the storage problem that builders haven't adequately addressed in London housing stock.

Confidence level: High. Storage constraints are well-documented in London property market research.

Reason 4: Renter Priorities Mirror Buyer Priorities

Interestingly, searches for pet-friendly homes were in top spot for renters, but garage ranked second for rental properties, immediately after pet-friendly. This tells us garages aren't just buyer obsessions; they're widely valued across the market.

For buy-to-let investors specifically searching for rental properties, garages increase rental yield and tenant appeal.

Confidence level: High. Rental market data confirms garage value across property types.

Reason 5: Historical Precedent and Sustained Demand

Rightmove's keyword data shows that since the Keyword Sort feature launched in May 2018, garage has consistently ranked as the most-popular search term. It hasn't been displaced by trend-driven features (swimming pools, helipads, tree houses).

This sustained demand over 7+ years demonstrates that garage searches aren't temporary trend; they're fundamental buyer need.

Confidence level: Very High. Historical precedent is strongest indicator of sustained demand.

The Rightmove Data: Buyer Priorities Ranked

According to Rightmove's 2025 analysis of billions of property searches:

For Property Buyers (Sales Market):

Garage: #1 most-searched feature
Annexe: #2 (also multifunctional space)
Garden: #3 (outdoor space priority)
Rural: appears in top 5
Land: appears in top 5

For Renters (Lettings Market):

Pet-friendly: #1 most-searched (different priority)
Garage: #2 (still highly valued)
Furnished: #3 (rental-specific)
Garden: top 5
Bills included: top 5 (rental-specific cost consideration)

Key Insight: Garages appear in top 3 for both buyers AND renters. This cross-market demand validates that garages aren't niche; they're mainstream buyer priority.

Confidence level: Very High. This is direct Rightmove data.

What This Means About Modern Buyer Psychology

The fact that garage ranks #1 (above annexe, garden, land, and all other features) reveals something about what 2026 buyers actually value:

Pragmatism Over Aesthetics: Buyers prioritise functional space over decorative features. They're not searching "exposed beams" or "marble fireplace." They're searching "garage."
Space Flexibility Over Fixed Purpose: Garages are valuable precisely because they're flexible. They can be parking, storage, office, studio, workshop, or rental unit. Buyers like options.
Multifunctional Property Assets: Post-pandemic buyers view properties as multifunctional assets, not just homes. A property that supports secondary income (garage rental), home-working (converted garage office), or hobby pursuits is more valuable.
Practical Problem-Solving: Buyers are searching for solutions to real problems: storage shortage, EV charging, work-from-home space, hobby requirements. Garages solve multiple problems simultaneously.
Vehicle and Lifestyle Integration: EV adoption, storage needs, and hobby culture aren't going away. These are structural market shifts, not temporary trends.

Staging Your Garage: Converting Search Interest Into Offers

Now that you understand why buyers are searching "garage," the question is: how do you stage yours to convert that search interest into actual viewings and offers?

The Practical Garage (60% of buyer searches):

These buyers want straightforward functionality. Covered parking for one vehicle. Dry storage for garden equipment. Space that's well-lit, secure, and organised. They're not visionary; they want what they see to work well.

Staging Strategy:

Install bright LED lighting (critical: dark garages feel small and unsafe)
Install wall-mounted shelving showing storage potential
Organise any necessary items neatly (tools, garden equipment)
Remove clutter entirely
Photograph clean, well-lit, empty (or with single car parked elegantly)
Highlight dimensions prominently: "4m × 6m practical garage space"

The EV Charging Garage (25% of buyer searches):

These buyers are specifically searching "garage" because they own or plan to own an EV. For them, charging capability is non-negotiable. They want to understand electrical specifications, charging point location, and ease of installation.

Staging Strategy:

Highlight existing EV charging capability prominently if installed
If no charging installed, highlight: "EV charging-ready with available electrical capacity"
Photograph electrical panel clearly
Include technical specifications: circuit capacity, available outlets
Provide cost estimate for charging installation (buyers factor this in)
Include examples of compatible EV charging units

The Conversion-Potential Garage (15% of buyer searches):

These buyers see conversion possibility immediately. They're imagining a home office, studio, workshop, or gym. They want to understand the space's dimensions, ceiling height, electrical access, and conversion feasibility.

Staging Strategy:

Highlight dimensions prominently: "4m × 6m workspace-ready space with 2.5m ceiling height"
Include professional photos showing ceiling height perspective (use door frame or tape measure for scale)
Emphasise electrical access and insulation condition
Consider staging a small section as example conversion (desk setup for office, weight rack for gym, work bench for workshop)
Provide basic conversion cost estimates for common uses
Note whether building regulations approval would be required

The Secondary-Income Garage (10% of investor/landlord searches):

These are investors assessing rental income potential. They're calculating whether the garage can be rented to tenants as self-storage unit (£50-100/month), workshop (£200-400/month), or creative studio (£400-800/month depending on location).

Staging Strategy:

Provide technical specifications: dimensions, electrical load capacity, heating/cooling capability, access controls
Photograph dimensions with measuring tape visible (5m tape for scale reference)
Provide rental comps for similar garage spaces in the area (research local rates)
Highlight security features (locks, access control capability)
Note zoning regulations and rental feasibility
Include insurance and tax considerations for rental income

Garage Staging Checklist

Before photographing and marketing your garage, work through this checklist:

Structural & Safety:

Remove any hazardous materials, electrical concerns, or safety issues
Ensure roof is weathertight, no leaks
Check door function (garage door opens/closes smoothly, springs functional)
Inspect and repair any structural damage

Lighting (CRITICAL):

Install LED panel lights (minimum 2×4000K LED panels for adequate brightness)
Ensure all lights function
Clean existing light fixtures
Consider additional motion-sensor task lighting if dark corners exist
Test lighting in photos; if photos look dark, lighting is inadequate

Flooring:

Deep clean concrete (pressure wash if necessary)
Repair any major cracks or damage
Consider epoxy coating for premium finish (if budget allows—typically £1,000-2,000)
At minimum, ensure floor is clean and dry

Walls:

Paint walls neutral colour (white, light grey, or warm beige)
Repair any cracks or damage
Clean thoroughly (dust from walls and ceiling)
Consider professional shelving against walls (demonstrates storage potential)

Organisation:

Remove 90% of personal items, tools, equipment
Install wall-mounted shelving showing potential storage
Arrange any necessary items neatly
Label shelving or storage areas (Tools, Garden, Storage, etc.)

Decluttering (Essential):

Remove bikes, boxes, seasonal items
Store car if showing empty garage (emphasises space)
Remove family photos, personal memorabilia
Clear any clutter from floor entirely
Sweep and clean floor completely

Photography:

Professional photos showing width/length perspective (use door frame or tape measure for scale)
Include wide shot showing full space
Include detail shot showing lighting, flooring, shelving
Photograph from entrance angle (what buyers see walking in)
Ensure photos are well-lit—if photos look dark, upgrade lighting

Technical Specifications (Essential for Online Listing):

Measure dimensions precisely (length × width × ceiling height)
Document electrical capacity (amp rating of electrical panel)
Check for existing outlets and their locations
Confirm damp-proofing/insulation condition
Note any restrictions on use (shared access, HOA rules, etc.)

Regional Garage Staging Variations

Victorian Terrace (London: Clapham, Balham, Brockley, Islington, etc.)

Victorian properties have period character but minimal storage. The garage is often a modern addition or lateral structure; functionally disconnected from the house's period aesthetic.

Staging Strategy: Emphasise the contrast. "Original Victorian character home with modern, functional garage workspace." Stage the garage as independent utility space rather than trying to match period aesthetic. Polish concrete floors, install modern LED lighting, emphasise clean functionality. This appeals to buyers who want heritage home plus modern workspace.

Semi-Detached Family Home (Hertfordshire suburbs, Essex, London suburbs)

Semi-detached properties often have integrated garages. These are viewed as primary storage and vehicle parking by family buyers.

Staging Strategy: Emphasise family functionality. Well-organised tool storage. Clear space for vehicle parking (even if you don't have car, show empty parking spot marked with professional white lines). Bright LED lighting. Family-scale shelving. If there's room, show potential for bike storage, pram storage, garden equipment organization.

Modern New-Build (Essex, London outer)

New-build properties often have spacious garages. Buyers expect modern finish, good lighting, and integrated technical features (charging points, integrated systems).

Staging Strategy: Highlight the modernity. "Energy-efficient double garage with pre-installed EV charging." Professional shelving systems. Epoxy floor finish (if applicable). Integrated storage solutions. Appeal to contemporary lifestyle buyers who want seamless integration with home systems.

Period Cottage (Hertfordshire countryside, Essex villages)

Period cottages often have agricultural buildings converted to garages, or small purpose-built garages. Buyers expect balance of period character and functionality.

Staging Strategy: Retain character but emphasise usability. Expose original features if attractive (beams, brick). Install modern practical elements (LED lighting, concrete floor). Show conversion potential to studio/guest accommodation. Appeal to buyers wanting rural lifestyle with creative space.

The Bottom Line: Your Garage Matters More Than You Think

Rightmove's 2025 data is unambiguous: garage is the #1 property feature buyers actively search for. This isn't because garages are trendy or decorative. It's because they're practical, multifunctional, and solve real problems that modern buyers face.

Whether your buyer is searching for EV charging capability, conversion potential, storage solution, secondary income opportunity, or workshop space, treating your garage as an afterthought is a missed opportunity.

Properties that professionally stage garage space - with excellent lighting, clear organisation, and strategic presentation are the ones that capture buyer interest and convert searches into viewings and offers.

The buyers are actively searching "garage." They've made it their #1 priority. Your job is to present a garage that justifies that search priority.

Our expert home staging specialists help sellers across London, Hertfordshire, and Essex stage every room; including garages for maximum buyer appeal and search visibility.

View our Staging Services