How covid has changed property searches/requirements...

[ChocoTrio]

Just read this interesting BBC article about how searches for property to rent/buy have been influenced by coronavirus. As expected - people want more space and having a garden is the top priority.

"The demand for outdoor space has been seen before, but could fizzle out as sellers with gardens raise their asking prices accordingly."

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52922313

That’s really funny, we’re in London and are looking at moving and have a garden.
Apparently we could get 100k more than we bought it for in 2014 and one reason is the garden (which we’ve also done up!)
The agent was very clear if could go for higher if we’re willing to go onto the market ASAP.
Problem is we’re undecided if we want to sell!

a few near me, small terraces in london with gardens are not shifting yet & prices are level with previous yrs. We are considering moving much further out if DH can wfh more.

Prices in more rural areas have risen as more people move out of cities and towns. Shrewsbury is experiencing a boom apparently.

@cabbageking

That's interesting. Shrewsbury was nice from what I remember when visiting the castle (only saw the touristy bit, in fairness). Nice but I got the impression it is maybe a bit too quiet? Seems to have decent transport links though, so could get to other places with more going on a bit quicker.

Let’s move to Shrewsbury, Shropshire: ‘These days, it’s a bit left behind’

It is good for rural communities if they get a boom - more local investment etc. With property, I expect a lot of places that are both pleasant and have good transport links to major cities will do well after covid 19. Best of both worlds.

Our EA has had a real flurry of people looking to move out of London into the country. We have had requests for viewings from people wanting to come out of the capital (we are 50 miles out, fast trains etc).

We rejected a viewing last week because they are not yet on the market and we are only accepting viewings from people who are clear to proceed. The viewer is desperate to come and have a look but it's a no from us unless someone is actually in a position to buy,

I think "luxury" blocks of flats with only gardens will suffer the most.

I wonder if some small flats will actually pick up. Will people look to sell city homes, move out to the country beyond normal commutable range, but maintain a small city flat as a base for weekday working? Either way I agree that “luxury” apartment developments will take a hit. Then again they’ve been struggling for a while.