Families shun cities for bigger properties

ONE of Britain’s top builders is scaling back its activities in London as demand booms for larger homes with outdoor space.

Redrow said the lockdown, which has forced families to stay indoors for months, has changed the priorities of househunters.

They now want bigger homes with gardens and nearby parks after the pandemic, a trend that could weaken the attraction of big cities.

‘In particular, there is a desire for more inside and outside space, wanting to live closer to green spaces and having better home workspace,’ Redrow added.

It is scaling back operations in London to focus on just one major development in the capital.

It will look for future growth in the regions instead.

Redrow’s move comes after rival Taylor Wimpey also said that it would ramp up building in areas outside the normal commuter belts as people increasingly work from home.

The number of white collar employees using their home as an office has rocketed because of official advice to work remotely where possible.

But that has also meant it is no longer as important for some people to live within easy commuting distance of their employer’s building.

Britain’s lockdown was introduced in March but it is being lifted gradually.

However, the pandemic forced companies to rethink office life.

Some firms have said they are willing to let their employees work from home even after the crisis, making access to central business areas less vital.

Experts have suggested that could significantly alter where people look for housing in future, because being in easy commuting distance may become less important.

In one of the highest-profile examples, Facebook and Twitter have said they will permanently embrace remote work even after lockdowns ease.