Four ways the needs of homebuyers in Buckinghamshire are changing post lockdown

With sales offices and show homes now reopening to the public, leading housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Thames has noticed that prospective buyers in Buckinghamshire have a new set of priorities compared to before lockdown.

By introducing appointment-only viewings, Barratt and David Wilson Homes has had the opportunity to gain an in depth understanding of the changing homebuying wish list adopted during quarantine.

This is mirrored by new research published recently by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in their 2020 UK Residential Market Survey.[1]

Karly Williams, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Thames, commented: “We’ve been spending even more time understanding the changing requirements of our buyers.

“More time than usual at home has forced people to think about whether or not it is suitable for the long term. The future is still uncertain, so buyers want to make sure their home is the ideal environment should we face another lockdown in future.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes has highlighted four of the most common needs of today’s homebuyer.

Gardens and balcony space

 When lockdown began in March, no-one could have anticipated that it was going to continue into the summer.

As the weather improved, people were itching to get outside and see the sunshine, reflected by an overwhelming 81% of survey respondents who felt there would be an increasing demand for more garden and balcony space.

Karly continued, “We’ve noticed that the need for an outdoor space has become a top priority for buyers.

“Growing families are requiring more space for their children to burn off extra energy, and those opting for apartment-living are desperate for balcony space to get some fresh air whilst staying at home.”

Private over communal

Buyers are continuing to adapt to social distancing, and whilst they are keen to have more outdoor space, 68% of respondents felt that homes with more private space would be increasingly popular over those with communal gardens.

Karly said: “It’s become clear that private space is in higher demand due to the need to social distance.”

Greenery is important

Buyers have made it very clear that outdoor space beyond the home is also essential. Once restrictions began to ease, the public flocked to local parks and nature reserves to take in sights outside of their home.

74% of respondents felt there would be an increase in demand for local green spaces for future buyers.

“Buyers are becoming increasingly focused on the local area, and what leisure amenities are available in the immediate vicinity,” Karly continued.

A dedicated workspace

With a large percentage of the country working from home, buyers have had to adapt their homes to accommodate the need for a proper workspace. Prospective buyers are on the hunt for homes with more space, particularly extra bedrooms to allow for flexible living.

Karly said: “Buyers have expressed the need for extra rooms due to working and schooling from home.

“The layouts of our homes have been carefully considered to ensure that buyers can adapt the space, with many already benefiting from a home office. It’s been really important for us to properly gauge our buyers’ circumstances to match them with a property that will suit their long-term needs, and can be adapted when these circumstances change.”

Barratt and David Wilson Homes is currently building at Kingsbrook and St Rumbold’s Fields in Buckinghamshire.

For more information about Barratt and David Wilson Homes or to book an appointment visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uuk or contact the sales team on 0333 355 8500 or 0333 355 8501.

[1] https://www.rics.org/globalassets/rics-website/media/knowledge/research/market-surveys/uk-residential-market-survey-may-2020.pdf