The pandemic has done little to negatively impact the housing market. In fact, it’s been quite the opposite with a ‘crazy’ year of house sales instead. And interestingly, location still matters for new home buyers, which we explore more about here.
Why the market has been so busy
It comes as no surprise to many, to learn that this last year has seen the housing market grow to become the busiest it has been in a long time. Despite original forecasts of a flat, even stagnant market following the economic toll of the lockdowns and the imminence of Brexit, the housing market spiralled in the other direction.
The stamp duty cuts played a big part in this, as well as low interest rates. But also, buyer wants, and needs changed with bigger homes sought in more desirable locations. With fewer holidays and luxuries on the agenda, a lot of people found themselves with surplus income which they could put towards buying a first home or selling and buying a new home.
Do buyers still consider location as important?
Yes, they do. In the last year there has been an increase in people looking to buy bigger homes with more space. Even at the first-time buyer level, the average size of a home being bought is bigger to allow for extra living space. We wrote about the desired home trends for 2021 recently, looking at what’s popular and what people want in their homes, which you can read here.
However, location is still very important and leads the way when it comes to deciding on where to buy. The pandemic has shone a light on the importance of our mental health and people are taking this into account when choosing where to buy a home. For a lot of people, spending time in the fresh air and being able to exercise are important, and so they have looked to buy in a location close to open green spaces with quick access to the countryside or the seaside. It’s the same for those with pets or who have gained a pet since the pandemic. At the same time, people still want and need to be close to amenities such as schools.
Village or small town locations have been popular too, especially for those for whom socialising is important. Locations with easy access to independent shops, cafes, and bars, see properties nearby selling well.
New-build home locations
Here at New Homes Place, we help both smaller, local housebuilders through to larger, national housebuilders with advertising their new homes for sale. All you need to do is search by town, region, or postcode to find the new homes available in the area you like.
While it’s quick and easy to search for new-build homes with us, we’ve brought you a selection of homes on developments which tick all the boxes when it comes to being in a great location.
Albany Park, Hampshire form Martin Grant Homes
This new development of two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes is coming soon to Church Crookham in Hampshire from Martin Grant Homes.
Why it’s so special from a location point of view, is that it is set in 82 acres of woodland and perfect for explorers, adventurers, and those looking to appreciate the great outdoors. The Zebon Copse Nature Reserve and the Basingstoke Canal run alongside the development. And there is a vast Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with natural landscapes and conservation areas. The open spaces will appeal to fresh air seekers as much those who appreciate wildlife and nesting birds.
A new sports pavilion with pitches will be provided alongside the new homes in the community, for all the family, as well as pet owners and sports enthusiasts to enjoy.
To find out more about the homes due on Albany Park, contact us for more information here.
Pavilion Gardens in Southport from David Wilson Homes
Selling fast in Southport thanks to its seaside location, are the three and four-bedroom homes on the Pavilion Gardens development. David Wilson Homes have designed the development to include mature gardens and leafy streets, which lead you through to the beautiful Lancashire countryside. Living here you will be close to sandy beaches, which are ideal for dog walks and family time, as much as some healthy sea air. It’s a short walk to Southport’s popular shops and restaurants, too. The location is also ideal for getting to larger towns and cities such as Liverpool, Blackpool, and Preston. See the development here.
Whittlesey Green in Peterborough from Larkfleet Homes
If you’re looking for a new home in a location which offers plenty of social opportunities, without being too far away from countryside, then the Whittlesey Green development will be ideal. You’ll find the development just on the outskirts of the market town of Whittlesey where you will find independent shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, as well as a weekly market. The town also boasts an annual summer festival!
What’s great about the development’s location is that it is still easy enough to get to Peterborough, which is only a few miles away. You can also get to Ely and Cambridge by train thanks to Whittlesey having its own train station with direct links to the cities. There are a handful of schools in the town, plus you are never far away from all the waterways, woodlands, and wildlife which the Fens have to offer. For a location with a bit of something for everyone, this could be it.
Find out more about Whittlesey Green here.
Are you looking for your perfect new-build home in a location that’s important to you? Whether it’s close to the countryside, by the sea, or near shops and restaurants, start your new home search with us here.
