House hunters have five key priorities for their dream home post pandemic, according to trusted local estate agent Belvoir.
Many people have re-evaluated their lifestyle and found that key considerations now include having a bigger garden, being closer to family, having a shorter commute, being in a more rural location and having an office space at home.
Bobby Singh Braich, managing director of Belvoir branches in Kettering and Corby, said:
“The pandemic has forced many families to re-evaluate their lifestyle. There is a new hunger for more space and flexible working patterns.
“Many of us have changed our priorities and outlooks on what is important in life and that has become apparent when it comes to buyers and tenants searching for their dream home.
“Many former office goers are welcoming hybrid working and now require that perfect space for working from home, others are desperate to be closer to family after so much forced time apart and some families simply want a bigger garden for children to play.
“We have buyers and tenants crying out for that perfect abode that will make their lives more fulfilled, whether that be because they are closer to loved ones or because their commute is slashed in half.”
Official figures support the trends, with Zoopla’s latest house price index showing that houses are selling faster than flats as priorities change.
Four and five-bedroom houses nationwide are selling 33% faster than last year for the same reason.
As restrictions lifted over the summer and commuters went back to office working, searches for homes near commuter stations saw a dramatic uptick, according to national property search engine Rightmove, as workers looked for shorter commutes to meet their need for more time with the family.
The biggest increase in buyer searches is within an hour train commute of a major city. Corby and Kettering are no different, with both towns being less than an hour by train from London. And a utility and office space trump even a swimming pool in the key features stakes.
Bobby added:
“There’s lots to consider when you’re looking for your dream home, even more so now in this modern world. Demand is high and stock is low but, despite this, we have a vast local knowledge, which can really help you to find your perfect property.”
For more information, call Belvoir on 01536 261666
