Many things have changed as a result of Coronavirus and how we look at our homes is part of that change. According to Rightmove and other property market commentators, Coronavirus and, in particular, the recent lockdown, has changed the priorities of many in terms of their homes. It is no great surprise that after spending more time than ever in their homes, many people are now looking to make some changes to where they live, perhaps in an effort to better cope with another period of lockdown should that ever be necessary.
One of the changes affects those people living in cities. Rightmove’s data shows a year-on-year increase in the number of house hunters looking at homes outside their current city of residence. London has seen the biggest increase, with 52% of people now looking outside of the capital - an increase from 42% in the same period last year. Overall, Edinburgh has the highest proportion of current residents – who are looking to move elsewhere – this number is now 60%
In the past, features like a kitchen island and exterior ‘kerb appeal’ were high on the list of priorities for house buyers. Buyers in London are not stating their non-negotiables as an extra room for home working, outside space in some form and, failing that, proximity to parks and cycle routes.
Gardens and outdoor space have also risen up the list of priorities for many, especially younger buyers with 71% of under 40’s saying that outdoor space had become more important to them.
Of course, not everyone is in a position to move house – another result of the current Covid-19 crisis and the financial upheaval associated with it may mean mortgages are more difficult to secure for those without a good deposit. This may mean looking at options to improve their current house instead.
Many people now want the useable living space in their home to be maximised for living so cost effective ways of creating space in existing properties, like garage and loft conversions, are rising up the list of desirable home improvements. The downside to that is what to do with the stuff which you store in those spaces previously dedicated to utility rather than living.
Self-storage could be the answer…
Off site storage is still cheaper per square foot than the cost of housing and for this reason, utilising self-storage may be the answer to creating space for those who are unable to move for whatever reason.
Whether you need storage in the short term whilst work is being done or in the longer term to house more permanently displaced items – the steps you should take are the same.
For more information on self storage in general - have a look at the website articles mentioned above - for more information on storage insurance, or to get a quote, visit our website