Many of us have enjoyed- or not enjoyed- working from home for most of 2020- but does it mean we are keener to change up our living situation because of this? I think the answer for most people is YES! I’m sure that everyone (myself included!) who was living without a garden over lockdown wished for some outdoor space at one point or another.
Or perhaps you’ve dreamt of more space, a home office, or scenic views from your bedroom window? Since we have spent so much time within the four walls of our own homes this year, there is no doubt that we are looking to make our homes more comfortable, useful, and easy on the eye than ever before.
What features of a home are now more important than ever?
Let’s take a moment to consider the home features that many will now be drawn towards when looking for a new home.
More space- without a doubt, many people will now be overlooking studio flats without access to green space or a balcony. If we’ve learned anything over lockdown, it’s that when spending time at home, more space is key. Months of listening to your partner on Zoom calls from the opposite side of the room is enough to make anyone want more space in their home!
Home office- similarly, with remote working becoming the norm, many will be looking for at least one home office in their home going forward. Having the luxury of a home office means that you can close the door on your working life for the day, and shift your mindset from ‘work’ to ‘home.’ No more grabbing your laptop off the sofa at 9pm to check your emails.
Garden- let’s be honest, a garden is usually rather sought after, especially in London. However we can expect the demand for gardens to rise even further, with people having been desperately seeking outdoor green space during lockdown. Being able to curate a garden, grow your own food, or even just sit in the sunshine was certainly considered a luxury over lockdown.
Are remote workers looking to move out of London?
It’s no secret that many businesses are closing their offices in favour of full time remote working. But does this mean that remote workers will be looking to move out of London in favour of more affordable homes and a slower pace of life?
The main draw of moving out of London is of course the cheaper cost of living- why pay over the odds for a one bedroom flat in London when you could get a four bedroom house elsewhere for the same price? Many will be looking to buy their first home thanks to the flexibility of remote working. Just use a Mortgage Calculator to find out just how much you might be able to afford!
Other perks of moving out of London is the green countryside views that we were denied throughout lockdown. After spending many months in the city, lots of Londoners have decided to up sticks to live a life that’s a little more in touch with nature.
And perhaps the best part of moving out of London as a remote worker? No commute! Gone are the eye-watering costs of commuting, gone is being pressed against sweaty strangers on the tube, gone are the endless delays and signal failures. Instead, remote workers are welcoming the extra time each day that is no longer spent commuting.
In conclusion, it certainly seems as though working from home is changing what people are looking for in real estate- especially those who plan to work from home permanently.
