House-hunters have different priorities in the pandemic era
The pandemic has changed what we want from our homes.
That’s the view of new research looking into the demands of house hunters post-COVID. The poll of 2,000 UK house buyers by broadband provider Zen Internet found that 72 per cent of people said that COVID is a factor in why they have or are moving home. More than a third of people named homeworking needs within their reasons to move.
More outdoor space (29 per cent) and having a bigger garden (19 per cent) are among the top ten reasons. But the survey also revealed a fundamental shift in how people are choosing a property.
The following factors are now more important than before the pandemic: low crime rate, good schools and local amenities, close to family and an area with better Internet services. Conversely, less important factors are now proximity to travel hubs, commute to work and local hospitality venues.
Among the top five most important factors when moving to a new home is now good Internet and broadband connectivity (up from 22 per cent to 26 per cent).
And 75 per cent of househunters would not buy a home if they knew Internet connectivity was poor. The same amount would be more inclined to buy a house that was full fibre enabled and would also pay on average £1,514 more to have it.
Georgina Lord, managing director from Zen.co.uk, said: “It is clear the pandemic has prompted a real shift in what people want from their homes. The research uncovered a strong sense of people craving community, open space and being near loved ones, while the changes to many people’s work set up was clear to see too.
“For many the past 12 months has seen a huge step change in the way we work and with employers now fully adapted to this remote way of working, it is likely long term home working will be a way of life for years to come. Our desire for smarter, more connected spaces is also growing.
“Reliance on remoteworking and Internet connectivity in the home at an-all time high, most respondents (91 per cent) stated the consistency and reliability of broadband connection is now more important than ever in the home-buying process. The fact people will pay more for a home with better broadband shows how key an amenity it has become.”