Which essential house features come to mind when searching for a new home to purchase? If we asked before the pandemic, the answer could likely have been an inner-city apartment with modern characteristics—a once popular housing market trend. Well, not anymore.
Lockdowns and WFH sweeping the country, our perspectives on how our home environments should benefit us (materially and emotionally) have changed.
Are these trends and house features on your list of home buying must-haves?
More at home leg-room
Since travelling is more challenging now, access to more space at home where we are the most is skyrocketing. Open-plan and flexible home living spaces — like an extensive kitchen that doubles as an office — can increase practicality to help tame thoughts about being ‘stuck at home’.
All hail the great outdoors
And outdoor space is just as important! The sun’s vitamin D and exercising or walking outdoors with friends helps to prevent feelings of loneliness, promote better physical health, and encourage well-being.
The need for regular fresh air and relaxing and exercising in larger gardens and also local parks is thus at an all time high. As well as a preference for roof terraces, patios for all-important summer BBQs and outdoor working areas for professional headspace.
Going ‘green’
Choosing an energy efficient house is a great way to get more value for money. It’s a trend that’s escalating due to pockets being tighter and people’s growing desire to do their part to help the future of our planet.
First-time buyers prefer energy-efficient, Passivhaus designs and updated properties with features such as solar electric panels, thicker insulation, triple glazing, and at least B-rated energy efficient appliances — to save on utilities long term and lower their carbon footprint.
Saving money
Let’s touch base on current incentives for saving money on a purchase. There’s a new 95% mortgage scheme for first time buyers and the stamp duty holiday.
Additionally, The Chancellor’s ‘levelling up fund’ is set to pump £20 billion into the government’s Affordable Homes Programme this year to boost budget-friendly housing development.
When considering the UK and London, property prices show no signs of slowing following a peak in February. You can buy for less now or in the near future.
Properties for sale in our estate agent’s hometown of Ilford are gaining interest due to their outer-city appeal, affordability and spaciousness compared to inner-city properties. Ilford is a large townhome to some of London’s best parks, such as the beautiful, historic 52-acre Valentine’s Park!
The number of popular local shops, schools, and businesses create a fantastic community for easier accessibility during and post-pandemic.
If you would like professional assistance with a property purchase in North London, why not contact our Oakland Estate Agents in Ilford on 020 8597 2626?
We can walk you through your options and ongoing schemes, helping you find your ideal new home and neighbourhood.
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