The end of the pandemic has seen radical alteration in home requirements

The lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 have forced nearly half of UK homeowners’ to repurpose at least one bedroom and greatly altered people’s requirements for a home.

The shift towards remote working meant 8.86 million bedrooms in the UK vanished during the pandemic, with nearly half converted into offices (46%), shows Zoopla data.

More than half of people surveyed by Zoopla (58%) plan on making these changes permanent. But as a result of this, many homeowners have given up much-needed space and are considering moving to a bigger property in the future.

Nearly a third (32%) of homeowners who said they repurposed their property have considered moving homes after they made the changes. This could result in a surge in repurposed properties coming onto the market soon with a flood of homeowners seeking a move to a bigger home to fit their needs.  

The last 18 months have also changed the requirements of many homeowners for what they want from a home. Some movers during lockdown sought for more outside space, while others sought more space for an office.

Following the end of Covid-19 restrictions in the UK there has been a resurgence in the London property market as people seek a move closer to the office. TFL data in late January showed passenger numbers on the tube rose by 10% in just a week following news that Plan B restrictions would end.

In the current environment, the majority of those seeking a move are opting for two-bedroomed homes. Ludlowthompson data shows 1,340 applicants sought a two-bed home in January and February this year, almost double the number of applicants seeking a one-bed home (745 applicants). Out of all buyer applicants, 46% were first-time buyers or BTL investors.

Stephen Ludlow, Chairman at ludlowthompson says: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on the qualities people look for in a property.”

“Given the recent end of Covid-19 restrictions and the return to the office, we would expect to see activity levels within the property market remain high. Properties with good transport links are increasingly in demand. With many continuing to work from home at least part of the time, home office space is also a must.”

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