Author: colin_williams

Moving Home Quickly And Safely

Posted on by colin_williams

The stamp duty holiday has encouraged many people to enter the housing market. There is significant demand for homes. Also, with the stamp duty holiday in place, many people are looking to move sooner rather than later.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are here to assist you. We want to ensure you make an informed decision, and that you receive the best standard of support you need from start to end of the sales process. If we can be of any help, please get in touch.

There is growing buyer demand for property

GetAgent, which monitors homebuyer demand across the UK on a quarterly basis based on market data from the major property portals, indicated there was an 8.5% rise in buyer demand in the third quarter of this year compared with the second-quarter.

Colby Short, founder of CEO of GetAgent, said: “The meteoric uplift in UK homebuyer demand in the third quarter of this year demonstrates a market that has well and truly bounced back from pandemic paralysis. More affordable areas were the strongest performing in terms of buyer demand in Q3, with plenty of room for further growth in some parts of the country.”

Colby continued: “It’s fair to say that the current stamp duty holiday in its various forms across England, Wales and Scotland has played a huge part in this revival and should continue to do so over the final quarter of 2020 at the very least. This is great news for home sellers who may have seen the value of their property plateau or even fall during the prolonged period of Brexit uncertainty that plagued the market over the last few years. With buyer demand now seeing a healthy increase, sold prices are likely to follow suit.”

Follow these tips to move home safely

The specialists at Space Station, who offer self-storage solutions and who are highly experienced in the removal sector, have shared leading tips that will help you move:

  1. Get help from the experts
  2. Plan your move well in advance
  3. Clean your items before the moving process
  4. Stay alert and continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines
  5. Use materials from around the home to lower costs and speed up the process
  6. Ensure all removal boxes are secure before you move
  7. Try to avoid using plastic bags and bin liners as best you can
  8. If you can, use vacuum storage bags
  9. If you are moving precious items, a wheeled suitcase is a great solution
  10. Protect the corners of your important items

Vlatka Lake is a Marketing Manager at Space Station, and she said; “Preparation and planning are the most important things movers can do when packing up their belongings ready for a move and this has become even more prominent with the tightening restrictions around the country, which can be a great source of stress and anxiety.”

Vlatka also said; “By planning ahead, you can make sure that this process remains exciting, as well as maintaining the safety of yourself and everyone involved. These simple tips can help you transition from one house to another with minimal stress and costs, whilst also making sure you are adhering to the protocols in place due to the pandemic.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

 

Connect With Buyers And Sell Your Home

Posted on by colin_williams

At Williams of Petersfield, we know the clock is ticking with respect to the stamp duty holiday. If you are looking for guidance and assistance in making the right move, get in touch, and we will be more than happy to help you.

There is increased buyer demand for homes, and if you are thinking about selling your home, now is the ideal time to make your move.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of Property Data, said: “Increased competition for second-stepper homes has pushed prices to a record this month for those looking to take the next step up the ladder. Needing more space has always been the most popular reason for moving house, but now there’s a new urgency for extra space to be able to work from home, which means that there are different sets of buyers competing for the same type of property.”

Tim continued by saying; “At the start of the year a fourth bedroom was very much a luxury for buyers trading up, but it’s now emerging as a must-have for those who are able to take that step. With overall asking prices just a few hundred pounds shy of July’s record, and buyer demand at an all-time high, those currently looking for their next home are likely to find that only offers close to the asking price will be considered, especially for larger homes.”

Do you know what buyers are looking for?

If you want to connect with willing buyers, you need to give them what they are looking for. If you aren’t sure what buyers look at during the viewing process, help is at hand.

An innovative study carried out by comparethemarket.com offers insight into what prospective buyers look at, and test, when viewing a prospective property. These might not be the factors which make or break a buyer’s resolve to make an offer, but if problems arise, a buyer might not be inclined to follow up their initial interest in the property.

Some of the most commonly considered points include:

  • The quality and condition of radiators
  • Access to a garden space
  • The level of water pressure
  • Cupboard doors
  • The comfort of beds
  • How well the oven works
  • How light switches work
  • The accessories which add a touch of personality to the property

Mark Gordon, head of mortgages at comparethemarket.com, said: “UK house prices are currently on the up and with the stamp duty holiday prompting more buyers to get on the property market, it’s a competitive time for homeowners looking to sell their home. We conducted this experiment to determine the areas of the home buyers look at most to help sellers maximise their chances of a sale. Some sellers may not have considered these factors when preparing their homes for viewings, so we hope our insight will help them focus on the areas they should check and freshen up.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

 

RICS Confirm Larger Homes In Demand

Posted on by colin_williams

At Williams of Petersfield, we are more than happy to keep you up to date with what is happening in the local housing market.

We have helped many buyers and vendors in Petersfield, and if we can be of assistance to you, we will. However, we know many people are looking to remain informed as to what is happening in the housing market across the country.

This is an area where we can also assist you.

Stay in touch with what is happening in the housing market

It is always worthwhile to consider findings from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors review of the market.

63% of respondents said there has been an increase in buyer interest in the most recent month.

Agreed sales increased for the third month in a row, and there was a net balance of 61% of contributors experiencing an increase in activity.

Sales expectations remain positive, although in the longer-term, 12-month sales projections are more modest.

The RICS findings confirms the shift in buyer demand when it comes to desirable characteristics. Over 80% of respondents expect the demand for properties with a garden to continue rising in the next two years.

A similar rise for properties which are located near to open spaces is also expected.

House prices are expected to rise

The RICS survey also indicates there is an expectation house prices will rise. Expanding on this matter, the RICS website news release states; “The August survey feedback points to a sharp acceleration in house price inflation. At the national level, a net balance of +44% of respondents reported an increase in prices, the strongest reading since 2016. This is up from a net balance of +13% in July and marks a dramatic turnaround compared to the reading of -33% registered back in May. What’s more, virtually all parts of the UK are now seeing prices increase.”

Key takeaways from the August RICS report are as follows:

  • National house price growth indicator hits a four-year high
  • Enquiries, sales and new instructions all continue to rise
  • 83% of respondents foresee demand increasing for homes with gardens / outside space over the next two years while 79% predict rising demand for those properties near green space

Simon Rubinsohn is RICS chief economist, and he said; “The latest RICS survey provides firm evidence of a strong uplift in activity in the housing market which should help support the wider economy gain traction over the coming months. More of a concern is the pick-up in prices which could intensify issues around affordability in some parts of the country. Disaggregated data shows demand generally to run ahead of supply.”

Simon continued by saying; “Meanwhile the results provide a further pointer to more substantive changes taking place in household behaviour in the wake of the pandemic. Increased demand for properties with garden and near green spaces has if anything increased since we tested the water in May.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

 

Prepare Yourself For Cost Of Moving House

Posted on by colin_williams

The stamp duty holiday has encouraged many people to enter the housing market. If you are looking to make a move, we are here to assist you.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are more than happy to provide you with a property valuation. This allows you to enter the market with confidence. It also provides you with more confidence in making your next housing move.

Moving home is an expensive exercise. Agency fees, legal fees and stamp duty all play their part in ramping up the cost of relocating.

We help you prepare for your next move

Research carried out by MoneySuperMarket suggests the average household spends close to £700 in hidden fees when they move home. With the same source finding 19% of British people move a minimum of nine times in their life; the potential lifetime expenditure on hidden fees is over £6,000.

The same study also found 63% of people were unaware that moving home regularly can have a negative impact on their credit score. -impact-

According to the study, the most expensive city for hidden costs when moving was Coventry, with fees of £841. The most affordable city for hidden fees when moving home was Gloucester, with unexpected fees of £360.

What matters to you when moving?

The top six most common additional fees for British home movers are:

  • Bedding and kitchen utensils, cited by 53% of respondents
  • New furniture, also cited by 53% of respondents
  • The cost of having mail re-directed, listed by 39% of respondents
  • The cost of having Wi-Fi installed, said by 36% of respondents
  • Having to change bill providers, named by 34% of respondents
  • 24% of respondents listed the cost of removal services

The study also uncovered the three most common reasons for moving:

  1. 31% of respondents saying they want to own their own place
  2. 29% cited moving in with a partner
  3. 28% saying moving to a larger home

Kate Devine is the Home Insurance spokesperson at MoneySuperMarket, and she said; “With the housing market boosted by the Chancellor’s stamp duty holiday, many of us are considering moving home. Whether you’re buying or renting, make sure you’ve factored in all the potential costs you expect to incur.”

Kate continued by saying; “If you’re buying a home, our research shows that it’s not just stamp duty, legal and estate agency fees that should be on your checklist, but also things like cleaning, new household products, temporary storage space and professional movers to make sure your treasured possessions get from A to B safely.”

Kate Devine concluded by saying; “To protect you in case things go wrong when you move, we would recommend you have contents insurance before transporting your items to their new home – most policies will provide cover for your belongings against damage or loss while they’re in transit from one property to the next. But make sure you use a professional removals firm – many of which have their own insurance – to guarantee you benefit from this protection.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Manage Stress When Selling Your Home

Posted on by colin_williams

The stamp duty holiday has encouraged many buyers and vendors to be active in the market. The chance to save a considerable sum of money is enticing for many people, but it should be noted that moving home is a stressful and costly activity.

At Williams of Petersfield, we do everything we can to minimise the stress associated with moving house. We are pleased to say we have helped many local vendors in Petersfield make their next move.

Many buyers and vendors find moving stressful

A survey undertaken by Zoopla, which was answered by more than 2,600 buyers, suggests many buyers find the property purchase an emotional and stressful activity.

62% of respondents said they found previous property moves more stressful than they had expected.

One of the biggest challenges in moving home is the property chain. 18% of respondents said they lost or came close to losing their property purchase because of issues with the chain. Only 11% of respondents said the buying process, when involved with a chain, ran smoothly.

34% of respondents aimed to develop a personal connection with the buyers. This step was taken to enhance the chances of the move running smoothly.

Financial issues are problematic in property deals

Close to 40% of respondents said their most recent property move cost more than they had originally budgeted for. 29% of respondents cited additional costs which caused them difficulties during the move. Some of the additional costs listed were conveyancers and surveyors.

44% of respondents said unexpected costs added more than £500 to the cost of their house move. 30% of respondents said they paid more than an extra £1,000 when moving and 15% of house movers said they had to shell out over £1,500.

Staging your home is important

When it comes to vendors regret, 53% of homeowners said they believed they’d have sold their home for a higher price if they staged their home. However, 31% of respondents said they didn’t have the budget to afford to improve their home at this time.

The importance of staging property was reiterated by 84% of respondents who said this activity is worthwhile.

Decluttering your home is also vital, with 52% of respondents wishing they did more in preparation for their move. 28% of respondents said they were too nostalgic when getting ready to sell their home. 20% of respondents said the process took far too long, which is an indicator many vendors underestimate the level of work associated with moving home.

Tom Parker is the Consumer Spokesperson at Zoopla and he said; “Moving home is one of the biggest investments we will ever make so it’s only natural the process inspires a wide range of emotions. Finding that balance between head and heart can often be the most difficult, and this is where agents have a crucial role to play in supporting home movers in their property journey. Agents will have experienced this process hundreds of times so can help not only with finding the right property but also making the purchasing or selling experience as seamless as possible.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

What Is Driving Property Demand?

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If you are looking at the property market and wondering why there is so much activity and demand for homes, we are here to help you. While the UK is in a recession, there is a significant level of demand from buyers, and there is a greater number of vendors entering the marketplace.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we can help you understand the housing market. We have a considerable level of knowledge and expertise in the local area, and we work closely to ensure all our clients understand, and benefit, from what is happening in the national property market.

The housing market is currently buoyant

There has been considerable activity in the housing market since it re-opened. Some experts believe this is a temporary measure, but it has lasted until September, and there is no sign of slowdown.

The stamp duty holiday has changed the market

The stamp duty holiday, in place until 31st March 2021, provides buyers with the chance to save up to £15,000. This is a significant saving for many buyers.

Rightmove’s property expert Miles Shipside said: “This move will help to keep the nation and wider economy moving because keeping the current momentum going will help prevent destabilising falls in property prices as unemployment grows, and enable a quicker economic recovery. Lockdown prevented 175,000 would be sellers from coming to market so we hope this Stamp Duty holiday will provide the spur for those missing movers to come to market.”

We know that many people have questions about the market, and how they should progress next. If you are looking to sell your home, we can arrange a property valuation for you. We believe a property valuation is the ideal starting point for anyone looking to sell their home, and we are here to assist you connect with buyers, and make an informed decision.

Miles Shipside also said; “Home-movers will be grateful that the changes come into effect straight away so they don’t have to delay their plans, and what we could see now is people rushing to get a price agreed before some sellers put their prices up in the hope people will be able to pay more because of the tax savings.”

Some people wish to move before a second wave of the pandemic

There are fears about another wave and associated lockdown. If this was to happen, many people would prefer to be settled in their new home by this point. Therefore, a lot of people are looking to move home soon.

Jacqui Harley is the Head of Conveyancing at JMP Solicitors, and he said; “Whether you’re looking to get on the property ladder, move home, buy another property or add to your portfolio, now is a good time to get moving in the current climate as the housing market is particularly buoyant. We have compiled a list of top reasons to move now, to outline what is available in the current climate for those who act swiftly to make the most of this window of opportunity.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Solar Panels Can Boost The Value Of Your Home

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With a heightened level of demand thanks to the stamp duty holiday, many vendors are engaging the local market. If you are looking to sell your home, but would rather take steps to improve the value of your home first, we can help.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we have assisted many home owners make changes which boost the value of their home. We believe solar panels are an effective way of adding value to your home, and will help you connect with willing buyers.

If you plan on selling your home, and would like a valuation of your property, please get in touch. We believe a property valuation is the ideal starting point for the sales process.

Going green helps you sell your home

A study by EffectiveHome, a company which specialises in solar panels, found that sales prices for homes with solar panels have risen by 14%.

The study suggests the average increase in value associated with installing solar panels is £32,459. Some areas which have benefited more than the average include:

  • Homeowners in London can expect to see their property value increase by £90,000
  • In Bristol, solar panels have been found to add £45,142 to the value of property
  • Edinburgh homeowners can add over £40,000 to the value of their home with solar panels

Going solar is tipped to help homeowners save more than £27,000 on their electricity bills over the lifetime of their mortgage. We know this is an issue homeowners in Petersfield need assistance with, and it is important you consider effective methods of reducing your monthly bills.

Benefits of solar energy include:

• Solar power is a renewable source of energy, which is of interest to many people

• You can lower your energy bills with solar panels

• There isn’t a great deal of maintenance associated with these panels

• It indicates the home, and its owners, is forward-thinking

Some potential drawbacks of solar energy include:

• There is an initial cost in installing the solar panels

• Your overall benefit is impacted by the level of sunlight you enjoy at home

• Some solar panels take up a considerable amount of space

Dan Graby is a Director at EffectiveHome, and he said; “With house prices currently experiencing a mini boom, it’s interesting to see what impact solar energy and benefits such as reduced energy bills and lowering carbon emissions is having. We hope our findings are a welcome surprise to property sellers across the UK who may be unaware that making energy efficient changes to their home, can make such a significant contribution to its valuation. There is a clear appetite amongst homebuyers to move to a property which is sensitive to spiralling energy prices, global warming and the environment we live.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Demand Is Sustained In Property Market

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The introduction of the stamp duty holiday has been welcomed by many people in the housing sector. There is no denying many people are considering making a move, because of the substantial saving on offer. With vendors encouraged by the number of buyers in the market, there is a great deal of activity in all aspects of the housing market.

This is something we have seen in and around Petersfield, and it is something we have noted nationally. If you are looking to sell your home in Petersfield, please get in touch. At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we have assisted many local homeowners connect with buyers.

A property valuation helps sell your home

One of the most important tasks in selling your home is arranging for a property valuation. As local agents, we are perfectly placed to ensure you connect with buyers and sell your home. If you need any guidance or assistance in selling your home, please get in touch with us today.

Information provided by the property group Andrews for July 2020 suggests:

  • Viewings rose by 29% compared to the previous months’ viewing figures
  • Physical viewings increased by 45% in comparison with the previous month
  • In July 2020, there was close to 6,000 viewings, which equates to around 200 viewings per day
  • In April 2020, the average was 20 viewings per day
  • There was a rise of 12% with respect to offers made and accepted by vendors in July 2020

David Westgate, is the Group Chief Executive at Andrews Property Group. David said; “What a difference four months makes. In April viewings and instructions across the industry fell off a cliff as the country was gripped by coronavirus and the Government asked us to stay at home. But the rebound has been swift as lockdown eased and the Chancellor’s stamp duty announcement at the start of July gave the market a timely boost.”

We can help local buyers and vendors

We know most of the focus has fallen on buyers, but the stamp duty holiday should be viewed as a positive factor for vendors too. If you need assistance in selling your Petersfield property, we are here to assist you.

David also said; “Buyers and sellers alike have shown renewed vigour in the past six weeks. With a lengthy window of opportunity to purchase before the stamp holiday comes to an end, we expect buyer activity to remain buoyant over the coming months. And we saw an immediate uplift in valuations and instructions since stamp duty was frozen, with sellers keen to take advantage of motivated buyers and more confidence to list thanks to stable house prices.”

While there will be many challenges to come in the housing market, we are here to help.

David Westgate also said; “It won’t be all plain sailing from here, but the Government has shown how important it sees a healthy and stable property market for the general wellbeing of the overall economy. And house prices have proven to be extremely resilient in the past when faced by strong economic headwinds, which suggests the market is well placed to cope with some potentially heavy bumps in the road ahead.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Petersfield Delivers What Buyers Are Looking For In A Home

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At Williams of Petersfield, we care about the local area, and we believe Petersfield is an excellent destination to set up home. Our experience in the area means we know what is on offer, and we know how welcoming the local community is.

At times like these, community is essential, and we think buyers will love Petersfield life. If you are looking for a home in the area, get in touch and we will be happy to talk you through the benefits of Petersfield life.

If you are looking to sell your Petersfield home, what better agent can you choose than one that is passionate about the local area? We will help you connect with buyers, and this sells your home. If you would like to arrange a valuation, get in touch and we will ensure you enter the marketplace with the greatest confidence.

However, we know some people might think we are biased. This is why we are glad to know what other people think of Petersfield. The OneDome site is a good source to get an overview of a local area, and we are pleased to say they think a lot about Petersfield. With an overall score of 7.6 out of 10, it is fair to say the OneDome site recommends Petersfield, and we agree.

Education scores 10 out of 10

Education is one of the most important features for buyers to consider when looking at property. School places and the standard of schooling impacts demand and local prices. Therefore, a perfect score in this field is impressive, and it is easy to see why there is considerable support for Petersfield’s schools.

Petersfield Infant School, Herne Junior School, Churcher’s College and The Petersfield School are all cited as good schools within walking distance from the heart of Petersfield. If you would like to know more about how the standard of schools impacts demand for homes in Petersfield, please get in touch.

There is a lot to like in Petersfield

Other highlights from the Petersfield report card includes:

  • Grocery shopping receiving a score of nine out of ten
  • Lifestyle receiving a score of seven out of ten
  • People who like a quiet life will appreciate the mark of seven out of ten
  • Petersfield is recognised as a safe area and has received a score of seven out of ten in this area
  • Transport has been classed as a seven out of ten feature in Petersfield
  • Green space has been marked as six out of ten

With so many positive reviews, we think you’ll love what Petersfield has to offer. To find out more, please get in touch.

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Petersfield – Stamp Duty Impact

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If you want to know the likely impact of the stamp duty cut for buyers, vendors and the Petersfield housing market in general, we are here to assist you. At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to provide a specialist service to local buyers and vendors.

We know these have been challenging times for the housing sector, but many people believe the stamp duty cut will spark life into the market. Even though there was an initial flurry of activity when the market re-opened, there have been concerns as to whether this demand can be sustained. The introduction of the stamp duty cut will hopefully keep momentum going in the market.

Stamp duty cut and its impact on Petersfield property demand

On Wednesday 8th July, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has announced an increase in the stamp duty threshold in the Summer Update. The key points of the stamp duty changes are:

  • Stamp duty threshold is now £500,000
  • This increase in stamp duty threshold is set to run until 31st March 2021
  • The increase in stamp duty threshold takes place immediately

While the deadline of March next year seems a lengthy one, be wary not to dwell too long on your decision. Sometimes property deals can become protracted, and no buyer wants to miss out on savings when it wasn’t their fault. We are more than happy to talk you through the process if it helps you form an opinion on what you should do next.

Impact on the Petersfield housing market

According to Zoopla, as of July 2020, the average price paid for property in Petersfield was £487,817. This is below the stamp duty holiday threshold, which means all property purchases at the average price in this area will not incur a stamp duty charge for buyers.

The following table details the average price paid for property in Petersfield, as per property type:

  • Average price paid for flats in Petersfield: £244,378
  • Average price paid for terraced properties in Petersfield: £342,527
  • Average price paid for semi-detached properties in Petersfield: £440,118
  • Average price paid for detached properties in Petersfield: £721,388

The average price paid for flats, terraced properties and semi-detached properties in Petersfield falls beneath the stamp duty holiday threshold. This means all of these property purchases will incur no stamp duty charge.

With respect to the average price paid for detached property in Petersfield, there is stamp duty to be paid. However, the charge of £11,069 is a lot more appealing than the previous stamp duty charge, which would have been 26,069.40. Anyone buying property at this price in Petersfield will enjoy a saving of £15,000 on stamp duty.

It is good to see buyers saving money when it comes to snapping up property, but it should be noted this will be of benefit to vendors too. When there are more people looking for houses, vendors can feel more confident when it comes to placing their home on the market.

Some industry sources believe as many as 100,000 additional properties will be sold in connection with the stamp duty cut.

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Buyers Need A Community To Feel At Home

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There are many reasons to enjoy life in Petersfield, but we feel the sense of community is one of the most important features for people looking at property in the local area. We know many people have always understood the importance of community, but in recent times, it is fair to say it has become even more important.

As we come to terms with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and look to make our way forward, buyers will re-evaluate what is important to them. At Williams of Petersfield, we believe community features and facilities will be vital for buyers.

We know there have been studies highlighting demand from buyers for gardens and larger homes. Given the impact of the pandemic, it makes sense buyers want these things, but buyers have long wanted these features at their home. The changing issues buyers are looking for comes with the impact of remote working, and what is around people’s homes.

What is important to you at home?

We have considered the findings of a recent study by Redrow, the UK house builder. They spoke to more than 2,000 adults in the UK, and they have compiled a Top Ten of features buyers want. The Top Ten is as follows:

  • A park or village green with open spaces cited by 35% of respondents
  • Access to smaller shops such as grocers, baker and a Post office said by 33%
  • Having a Doctor’s Surgery nearby was listed by 32% of respondents
  • 31% of respondents requested bus and train routes nearby
  • The importance of a large supermarket close-by was cited by 28% of respondents
  • 17% of people who answered stated they wanted local cafes and restaurants
  • A pharmacy was listed by 15% of respondents
  • Good schools was only listed by 14% of respondents
  • Pubs and bars were named by 14% of respondents
  • Only 11% of respondents cited the importance of a hospital close-by

James Holmear is the Group Sales Director at Redrow, and he said; “Lockdown has changed our lives dramatically. More time spent in the home has made us reconsider how we use the space that we have, and how our homes can adapt to a more permanent change in the future. Even as more offices re-open, many people will opt to work at home, and people are planning to replace public transport with greener modes of community when they do commute.”

Buyer demand has shifted

James continued by saying; “This change has translated to huge shifts in buyer preferences on the ground. Now, we are experiencing more customers adapt their search to homes with extra space to work, and more people are looking for proximity to green space and local shops, over good schools, and cafes and restaurants.”

We believe Petersfield has a lot to offer with these aspects, and if you would like to learn more about the local community features, please get in touch.

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.