2021 Housing Trends: What Are People Looking for in a New Home?

Covid has undoubtedly changed what people find important when searching for a new home. In fact, the pandemic has encouraged many to sell up who did not plan to do so before the country ground to a halt in 2020.

So much has changed for people over the past year. Working from home has become the ‘new normal’, more people than ever are pet owners, many are tired of living in cities. Below, we highlight the key 2021 property trends that have come to light as a result of the pandemic.

Escape to the country

Working from home has become the new normal for many workers throughout the UK, as well as globally. With many companies recognising the benefits of a remote workforce, this has opened up an opportunity for staff to relocate. There is now no need to commute and those living in cities have jumped at the chance to sell up and purchase a cheaper and larger property in more rural locations. Cornwall, for example, has overtaken London as the most searched for location on Rightmove. Devon and Dorset follow suit as popular destinations for homeowners. Many workers who have already moved have stated that their happiness and work life balance have improved as a result of relocating.

Property type

Unsurprisingly, homeowners previously living in flats and apartments have been encourage by the pandemic to sell. Interest in these types of properties fell flat in 2020 and this trend has continued into 2021. Semi-detached and detached homes take the crown for the homes potential buyers are most interested in, likely linked to the fact that they tend to have larger gardens and spare rooms to use as home offices. Bungalows have also become popular, with most spending a very short time on the open market.

Home offices

As we have mentioned, working from home or flexi office hours are commonplace now. With many people working from dining tables or in the nook under the stairs a new property trend has emerged. Estate agents have noticed a huge increase in the number of buyers wanting homes with office space – or a surplus bedroom – to facilitate home working.

Larger gardens and increased outdoor space

The pandemic saw us confined to our homes for weeks and months at a time. Whilst people took up walking and jogging as ways to escape the confines of the home, these periods increase homeowner’s desires for larger outdoor spaces – particularly those who live in flats and apartments.

With travel abroad still limited and campsites and holiday cottages fully booked, many are realising that a larger garden is something they want. With a percentage of the population worried about further restrictions and lockdowns despite seemingly having ‘come out the other side’ this yearning for private green space is further exacerbated.

Those who have gardens spent much of lockdown completing renovations, with patios and pools keeping tradesmen busy. Homeowners inspired to sell as a result of the pandemic have certainly put estate agents to work with their list of must-haves in a new home.

Pet friendly properties

It was puppies and kittens galore in 2020 with homeowners making the most of being at home by introducing a new member of the family. With workers furloughed or working from home as the norm, people had time on their hands to integrate a pet without the worry of them being left at home for extended periods of time.

As the months passed many homeowners realised that their once tiny puppy required some extra space, or that the cats could do with a larger garden to roam. As a result, properties away from main roads, bungalows, and homes with land became sought after.

Are you moving house in 2021?

Have you been inspired to relocate? Did the pandemic encourage you to reassess what you require in a home? If you’re selling up and moving house get in touch with Britannia International Movers today. With over 40 local removals offices across the country you can rest assured that our packing and moving experts are ready to take the stress out of the removals process for you. Check out our moving house checklist and don’t forget you can get a no obligation moving quote online today. Alternatively, give our friendly team a call on 0845 600 6661 to discuss your moving needs.