Post-lockdown living: Commuter homes with gardens and home offices

With less frequent trips to the city, and demand rising for gardens and home offices, buyers will be spoilt for choice with the new commuter homes available near London.

A new survey by Redrow Homes has revealed that the pandemic has altered what almost 40 per cent of Londoners are looking for in their next home, with 26 per cent now more likely to purchase a new build property.

The nationwide survey of over 2,000 UK adults revealed that 77 per cent of those living in London will now be working from home more regularly, meaning less commuting and more time for leisure activities. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that a recent study by Zoopla also revealed that 44 per cent of people in the UK are now looking to move closer to the countryside, parks or the coast.

Located just three miles from Luton and Dunstable, and with London just 36 miles south, our Caddington Woods development is perfectly placed for those looking to live in a more rural location, with the convenience of easy travel to the capital. The development, situated in the delightful hamlet of Chaul End, overlooks vast areas of open countryside, and is perfect for those wanting to make the most of the outdoor space right on their doorstep.

45 per cent of Londoners also revealed that a home office was high on their list of priorities, and for those looking for flexible space, the Cambridge, available from £532,950, could be the perfect home. The first-floor features two generous double bedrooms, including an ensuite master bedroom, as well as two further rooms that can be used as bedrooms, a gym, lounge area or even a home study.

The Ludlow, starting from £389,950, offers a more traditional style, with three spacious bedrooms that are perfectly sized for first-time buyers. A stylish ensuite to the master bedroom ensures there is plenty of space during busy morning periods, and the open plan design downstairs allows light to flow freely through the heart of the home, as well as providing the perfect space to spend time as a family.

Unsurprisingly, 58 per cent of those living in the capital are also looking for more private outside space, and our Blaise Park development, near Abingdon, offers the ideal balance of rural living with great connections to surrounding towns and cities. Nestled between The Chiltern Hills and The North Wessex Downs, you can reach London Paddington in less than an hour and the centre of Oxford is just 11 miles away.

The Stratford Lifestyle, available from £450,995, is perfect for a first-time buyer looking for more space for their money, compared to central London. Although this home boasts a traditional exterior, the inside space couldn’t be more different. Upstairs, each of its generously sized three bedrooms are complete with an ensuite, and the full width family kitchen downstairs is illuminated by an entire wall of windows that overlooks a spacious garden.

For buyers for something a little larger, the five-bedroom Marlborough, available from £664,995 is beautifully crafted and features a spacious design. Upstairs, there are two ensuite bedrooms, a family bathroom, two further double bedrooms and an additional space that would be suitable for a nursery, study or child’s bedroom. In addition to a lounge at the front of the house, there is a separate multi-functional snug facing the garden, ideal as a second family room, gym or study.

Also near Oxford, our development The Lawns in Kennington has a variety of homes on offer, including the four-bedroom Stratford. Available from £515,995, this enchanting property is beautifully crafted and features a spacious design. Upstairs, the master bedroom is complete with an ensuite, and the three additional bedrooms can be utilised to suit a variety of lifestyles.

For further details on Caddington Woods, or to book an appointment, call 01582 788103 or visit redrow.co.uk/developments/caddington-woods

For more information on Blaise Park, or to book an appointment, call 01235 313448 or visit redrow.co.uk/developments/blaise-park

For more information on the Lawns, or to book an appointment, call 01865 565635, or visit redrow.co.uk/developments/the-lawns