Barratt Developments, together with research partner GoodMore Global, has recently investigated the changing buying behaviours in London and the South East following the initial UK-lockdown period. The research has found that in Surrey, 44% of buyers have looked online for a new home since the initial lockdown, with more than one in 10 (13%) physically viewing a property.
What’s more, the research overall has revealed that 18-34 year old’s are twice as likely to want to move than those aged 50+, with almost half reporting that they have visited and viewed a property in the last month.
In a cultural shift, younger people – those under 34 – are now more likely to move further away from their place of work to find the right property, with 47% saying they’ll move more than half an hour away for the perfect home. As the research also reveals that it is this younger age group who are expecting to be able to work from home more in the coming months, the trend is easily explained – as 41% of under 34s expect they will be working from home at least 3 days a week.
Lynnette St-Quintin, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt Southern Counties, comments “As we were all restricted to our own four walls from March as the pandemic took hold, 2020 has given us all a period of reflection, and where we live is just one of these strands of thought. In many typical scenarios, we live near work or near transport that allows us to get into work quicker, therefore living in denser areas to have access to these conveniences. But what lockdown has shown is that for those who can, we are able to work more remotely in part and in the long-term it is likely that this will remain the case.
“This realisation, combined with financial incentives like stamp duty savings, will explain why new homes sales in the counties that surround London have seen a surge of sales in recent months.
“It is therefore unsurprising that those most likely under 40 who are buying their first home, or renting, are moving further out to access more space for their money. It is certainly something we are seeing in our regional sales divisions when we speak to our customers.”
What’s available to buy in Surrey?
Barratt recently launched its Eldebury Place development in Chertsey, Surrey. The first phase will comprise of three and four-bedroom homes set amongst retained trees and green open spaces. Ideal for families, a number of Outstanding primary schools are nearby, whilst the train station is a short 10 minute walk from the development, with direct connections to London in around an hour. Prices start from £494,995. To find out more, call 0333 355 8498 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.
David Wilson Homes, part of Barratt Developments, also has a collection of homes available at its Kilners Grange development in Tongham, Surrey. The development consists of just 50 three, four and five-bedroom homes, and is set in a friendly village community less than a mile from the High Street. Prices start from £434,995. To find out more, call 0333 355 8499 or visit www.dwh.co.uk.