The legacy created by lockdown

There is no doubt that the past few months have had a significant effect on the UK and people’s lives. The pandemic and subsequent lockdown has initiated unprecedented challenges which have affected us all. Some changes have been positive, while others we would rather forget. Either way, it will be interesting to see which changes will shape future consumer behaviour.
The importance of outdoor space

Looking at consumer research from Dataloft, it is clear that the pandemic has impacted buying patterns and behaviour with the term location, location, location taking on a different meaning. COVID-19 has prompted many people to re-evaluate their ideal home. Now, more than ever, buyers are looking for homes with easy access to outdoor space, and it is highly likely that we will see the importance of such space increase. Currently, only 66% of flats have access to private outside space, compared to 97% of houses. Data reveals that there is already a £2,500 price premium for homes within 100 metres of green space when compared with homes 500 metres away. As the value and demand for homes with access to green space increases, we could see a shift in building design moving forward.
How we commute

Another trend is how consumers commute. While we may have seen homes closer to public transport being sought-after pre-COVID, those who aren’t working from home are now avoiding public transport where possible, and are opting for alternative ways of getting to work. Since lockdown, there has been a 70% increase in people commuting by bicycle, with the government encouraging schemes such as pop-up cycle lanes, wider pavements and school streets. A positive result is that many local authorities have started to make changes based on the trend with the government investing £250 million to secure a lasting legacy of greener, safer transport.
Working from home

Speaking about people working from home, around 51% of people surveyed by Dataloft claimed to value time saved on their commute most. If people can work from home and have the option to avoid commuting, they will. The lockdown has proven to many sceptics that working from home is viable, and even convenient. Before COVID-19, only 5% of people mainly worked from home, and less than 30% had ever worked from home. It is unlikely that we will see the end of offices, as many people will miss them, along with the interaction and social benefits. However, working from home could become more common and with it, the relative importance of commute times, broadband speeds and space for a home office.
If you are looking for a new home that meets your current criteria, contact a Guild Member in your area.

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Jodie Skinner

From the beginning, our experience with Michael and Rhys has been brilliant. Whenever we had a question to ask or needed some additional information, they were both just a phone call away and were always happy to provide us with an answer. As first time buyers, they made us feel ...

Sue Smith

We can’t fault Aston and co in Syston, for their handling of the sale of our property. We were kept up to date weekly and nothing was too much trouble. Both Micheal and Rhys were approachable and very professional. I would definitely recommend using them for an efficient and hassle ...

Andy

Having had issues with other agents, we came to Astons who gave us an honest appraisal of our house – not overpricing it like others to gain business. Michael and Rhys are a great partnership and Rhys being local was able to provide viewers with information that other agents hadn’t. ...

Andy Freer

Recently sold our house with Aston & Co. We honestly could not have asked for more. From the moment Michael came to value the house, to the day to day communication from Rhys we have not had to chase them once. Michael and Rhys are a great partnership and a ...

V Pears

We chose Aston & Co in Syston to handle the sale of our property. We were kept up to date regularly and Michael and Rhys dealt with all matters efficiently and quickly.We would definitely recommend using them for an efficient and hassle-free move.

Gareth Mueller

We bought a house from a vendor who used Astons & Co as their agent. Rhys was helpful and professional from start to finish and regularly kept us in the loop with how things were progressing. Communication was efficient and swift all the way through.

Julie Pearson

From the first visit to value our property to the final phone call informing us of completion Rhys and Michael at the Syston office have been brilliant, down to earth, realistic with valuation very easy to get in touch with.Making everything less stressful.Regular updates were very reassuring . I would ...

Charlotte Hings

The team at Astons are great. They’re really down to earth, take time to listen and help resolve anything they can for you.Their communication is excellent as they always keep you in the loop with what is happening with your sale. They keep both seller and purchaser happy.Fees are reasonable ...

Julie Perkins

We have recently used Aston & Co to sell our property. At all times we received regular reports from them on interest and following viewings . When our property sold Astons managed the chain keeping all parties fully informed and I believe that without their input our sale would have ...

Tina Poole

Michael and Rhys handled both our sale and purchases. They had good local knowledge, their valuation turned out to be on point. Our sale viewings were nearly all on the same day and we accepted an offer very quickly. We were kept up to date regularly with that and our ...

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