It is fair to say the opening months of 2021 have been challenging for many reasons. The latest lockdown period, at a time when the weather is miserable, has caused a lot of people to struggle to make the most of this time.
Perhaps it is because this is the third lockdown in the past year, or that earlier lockdowns occurred in times when the climate and conditions were brighter.
However, as we move into spring, it is natural people will feel more optimistic. We can but hope that the path to exiting lockdown will run as planned. If that occurs, there are reasons to be optimistic.
The 2021 housing market will be familiar in many ways
Also, the housing market looks set to continue in an active and positive manner as we make our way into 2021. A lot of industry experts suggested this wouldn’t be the case, but there are growing signs that people still want to move.
March has traditionally been a busy month in the property market. As we move out of winter, people feel more optimistic, and they want to make the most of better weather.
It is likely that buyers will be looking for a property that offer them a chance to get outside on a regular basis.
A recent study, from sources including Zoopla, Place Alliance, ONS and Dataloft, suggests 12% of households across Great Britain didn’t have access to a private or shared garden during lockdown.
Private garden space matters to buyers
With a private outdoor space recognised as the strongest design-based predictor of comfort in the lockdown, people want access to these facilities. Also, private outdoor space was the most valued quality of a property during the pandemic.
We know that garden was the most popular search term for buyers in 2020, and there is no reason to suggest this will be any different in 2021.
While talk of the London exodus has been overstated in some cases, there is no denying people are re-evaluating what matters to them. There are many households looking at life, and deciding it is best for them to be away from the heart of London.
However, it is not as though Forest Hill is in the heart of the capital. This is an area with many homes with gardens, and it is regarded as a suitable location for bringing up children.
If you are looking to leave Forest Hill, we are on hand to assist you, and we will be delighted to help you make your next move in the housing market.
Conversely, if you are looking for a London home that offers private garden space, and a lot of parks nearby, we can help you too.
At Hunters Forest Hill, we know selling property is challenging, but we are here to assist you in the process. If you aim to buy, sell, let your home or rent property, we are active in New Cross, Peckham, Dulwich and Brockley, in addition to Forest Hill, so get in touch with one of the top three agents in London, and we will be happy to assist you.
