The new analysis of over 2,000 UK adults reveals that COVID-19 has forced many to reassess what they want from their next home, and what community features and facilities they want to be surrounded by.
With millions more working from home this year, increased internet usage has led to more than one third of people, the equivalent of 10 million homes, reporting slower connectivity. As a result, Britons have named it their biggest challenge faced during lockdown. The additional costs of being at home for greater periods of time, such as elevated household bills for utilities, was revealed to be the second biggest challenge (47% of respondents agreed meeting these proved difficult) while keeping an optimum temperature in the home (45%) came in at third place.
Keeping a home cool or cosy – as seasonally appropriate – is more difficult without features like ventilation systems, high quality insulation and double glazing.
Table 1: Broadband speed was most widely indicated as being a lockdown challenge, with 50% of respondents agreeing that it’s proved problematic
Our research also revealed regional and demographic differences. Those who live in London (56%) and those aged between 18-34 (62%) found sharing limited space with family or house/flatmates the most challenging during lockdown. These cohorts were also the most likely to find being able to hear neighbours’ activities during the day challenging (64% and 62% respectively).
What do home buyers want now?
When asked how important access to ultrafast broadband provision will be when it comes to selecting their next home, the vast majority (86%) agreed it was an important factor, while 2 in 5 (41%) agree that it is very important or essential.
When asked to rank their priorities in their next home search, almost half (44%) agreed that outside space will be the biggest priority, followed by being within walking distance of a local shops selling goods and other essentials (41%) and availability of private car parking (38%). Other priorities include the amount of floor space (32%) and being within walking distance of public transport (30%) which was most important for 2 in 5 (41%) for those living in London.
Sustainable features in the home
When asked about the internal sustainable features that would be most important to have in the next home they potentially move to, more than a quarter (26%) agreed that double glazing would be the most important, followed by an energy efficient boiler and well-sealed doors and windows.
1 in 5 (20%) agreed that having a dedicated vegetable patch would be more important while almost 1 in 6 (15%) agreed that having a dedicated ‘wild’ area in their garden to attract insect and pollinators would be a desired feature in their next home.
James Holmear, our Group Sales Director, comments: “Fast broadband is vital for our day-to-day lives. Not only do many of us now need it for working at home, our entertainment and social engagements are heavily reliant on having a strong connection too, so poor access can be frustrating, impact quality of life and can even lead to isolation and loneliness. Now, broadband connectivity is one of the first things potential buyers want to discuss with us when they come to visit one of our new developments.
“Redrow homes are built with fibre to the premises (FTTP) (2), which means that fibre optic broadband cables run directly into the home itself, unlike most second-hand homes on the market (3). Doing this limits the amount that can go wrong with residents’ connectivity and ensures that the internet speed supplied at the property will be one of the best in the local area.”
Methodology:
(1) Research of 2,000 UK adults was conducted on behalf of Redrow by Opinium, November 2020. All figures are based on this research unless otherwise stated.
(2) https://www.redrow.co.uk/promo/new-build-broadband
(3) https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/multi-sector-research/cmr/cmr-2020/interactive
