By Carole Dennett
Sponsored article by Biscoes Solicitors
In early 2020 most of us had been using our home spaces in a consistent way, without giving it much thought. Our homes just did what we needed them to do. However, that was somewhat tested with the advent of the Coronavirus pandemic and the need to isolate and be confined to our homes more than many of us had experienced before. As a result, the way we use our homes has changed.
Multigenerational living
At least 12 per cent of the UK population were adults who moved back in with parents as a result of the pandemic, with more than two-thirds still having no move-out date in sight.
Working from home
Companies including Google, Twitter and Microsoft all announced plans to allow for total or partial post-pandemic work-from-home policies and many companies say these are likely to be permanent or long-term. At the same time, the popularity of home-schooling has risen sharply. As a result, our homes have needed to adapt.
There are two solutions for the newly space-pressed home: expand or divide. Loft conversion specialists record a 54 per cent increase in new enquiries, whilst other solutions for subdividing space will remain more makeshift. For example, Google searches for “room divider” hit record highs during the pandemic!
The city exodus
The need for space, combined with the flexibility offered by homeworking, is driving people out of cities. Estate agents saw a huge leap in sales of rural properties with many commenting it was the strongest market they had seen since 2006/2007.
Self-reliant living
When the first lockdowns occurred, Google searches for “how to grow vegetables” hit record highs. The grow-your-own mentality has stuck, with many studies reporting there is still a noticeable boost in people getting into growing food at home. Community gardens or allotments are growing in popularity also.
If you would like to speak to a member of the Biscoes Residential Property team, please contact them on 01983 533938.
