The coronavirus pandemic has caused us to change not only our lifestyle, but also the way we work. After being forced into lockdown, businesses needed to quickly transition to remote working.
With more people working from home now than ever before, it’s having a surprising impact on the housing market. Here, we’ll look at the shift in the market caused by WFH.
The need for more space
Working from home brings a lot of benefits, but it does require additional space. Therefore, one of the biggest shifts in the housing market has been a demand for more spacious properties.
Most obviously, buyers are looking for houses with extra office space. However, they are also looking for spacious features like walk-in-closets to enhance their lifestyle.
So, homes which feature plenty of space are going to be preferential in the years to come.
Buyers looking for more outdoor space
As well as extra indoor space, buyers are also looking for adequate outdoor space. This includes looking at properties with large gardens, as well as properties near green spaces.
With homeowners spending more time at home, they are looking at features which make a property nicer to live in. Outdoor space has always been important, but working from home has made it even more essential.
In a recent survey, 81% of buyers believed there will be an increase in demand for houses with gardens and balconies.
Good broadband connections are essential
Another feature that’s in high demand right now is a good broadband connection. Working from home, people need a good broadband connection to work effectively. So, a priority is going to be placed on moving to a property with a fast, reliable broadband connection.
Most areas of the UK now have super-fast broadband. However, in areas where it is currently lacking, improvements are going to have to be made if homeowners want to sell their properties.
Countryside homes become more popular
Another interesting development in the market is that countryside homes are becoming more popular. People working from home in cities such as London are no longer confined to living in the city itself. As they don’t have to commute, they can instead move out of the city and work remotely.
Switching to countryside living isn’t just drastically cheaper; it’s also quieter and cleaner. Fewer neighbors also attract those who would prefer to maintain social distancing after the pandemic has passed.
These are just some of the changes occurring in the housing market. The work from home culture is driving a lot of changes worldwide. If sellers want to attract a buyer, it is imperative they consider the needs of those who work from home.
