Rise in househunters looking to escape to countryside
Housebuilder Miller Homes has seen an increase in interest in its rural developments across the West Midlands in recent months as buyers begin to reassess their priorities in light of the pandemic.
It follows newly-released figures that show the desire to live in a countryside location with access to green spaces has increased during lockdown.
Almost a third of buyers surveyed by property website Rightmove said the experience of the last few months has made them want to live in a more rural location, with that figure including one in five first time buyers.
Miller Homes has a number of developments in rural locations across the West Midlands, including Kings Meadow in Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire; Regency Fields in Tidbury Green, Solihull and soon to launch Montgomery Grange in Hampton Magna, Warwickshire.
During May, visits to the Kings Meadow page on the Miller Homes website increased by 14 per cent compared to the month before lockdown began with page visits to the Regency Fields page up 50 per cent.
June also saw an increase of more than 370 per cent for registrations for the Hampton Magna development compared to April.
Environment
As well as aspiring to countryside living, separate research from estate agent Savills has shown how lockdown has changed what potential buyers are looking for in a new home with 44 per cent of people surveyed saying that a separate space to be able to work from home has become more important, while 49 per cent said the size of a garden or outdoor space had become one of their top priorities.
Alastair Parsons, area sales director at Miller Homes in the West Midlands, said: “We have seen increasing interest in our developments which are in more rural locations as more people see the advantages of having the green spaces of the countryside on their doorstep.
"All of our developments are in locations specifically chosen for their access to local amenities, schools, transport links and employment hubs and it’s evident that the last few months have not only emphasised the importance of being at home but also made many reconsider how they use their space and what they want from their home.
“With the exception of apartments, all of our homes come with their own outdoor space and with properties ranging in size from two to five bedrooms, there are plenty of options for those looking to create the perfect home working environment.”
Miller Homes show homes and sales centres are now open for visits by appointment, however buyers can also reserve a property online.
