What do London buyers want? Agency says it has the answers

A London agency says it's discovered the five key priorities that buyers want, following a survey of its own database.

“Lockdown and the continued challenges presented by the global pandemic have undoubtedly changed the way homebuyers think and act. We are noticing some quite significant shifts in mindset when it comes to the priorities and the wish-list of buyers seeking to move house or buy a new home in London” according to Clynton Nel, residential director at JOHNS&CO.

Based on enquiries across the agency’s seven offices in the capital it says buyers’ aspirations are:

- Views: Nel says these have previously played second fiddle to the interior of a property, with buyers seeing them as a ‘nice to have’ but not essential. “Now though, with homeowners having spent months staring out of their windows, often to brick walls, neighbours’ balconies or unsightly graffiti, the importance of a good view has increased significantly.”

- Outside Space: The agency’s Nine Elm’s office reported a 200 per cent increase in the proportion of buyers requesting private outside space.

- Room to Work: “Unsurprisingly, space to work effectively from home has also become a new must- have amongst buyers in London. With so many people forced to work in bedrooms or living rooms surrounded by other family members, having a dedicated workspace has become key. The look of that space is equally important given the prevalence of video conference calls so the rise of the ‘Zoom Room’ is a key trend to watch.”

- Peace and Quiet: An increasing number of buyers questioning the noise levels in the rest of the home, in particularly the living space given this is being used more frequently during daytime hours. The agency says one buyer was close to exchanging on an apartment in a new development, but after lockdown changed his mind and chose a different property on the other side of the building away from the street.

- Amenities: In the new build market JOHNS&CO notes an increasing demand for developments that offer a variety of on-site amenities. Concerns around local lockdowns have encouraged buyers to consider what is on offer within and around their buildings. The most asked-for amenity is currently shared workspace, so developments that offer a place outside of the apartment for residents to come and work are proving popular. Gyms, swimming pools and residents’ lounges are also increasingly requested features.