Gardens Are Top Of The Wish List For Post Lockdown Home Hunters
28 Aug 2020

Gardens now top the list of priority for home hunters who are looking to move following months of lockdown.

According to latest research, around one in three (33 per cent) of potential buyers said the garden and size of the outdoor space was a major factor when it came to moving – with the overall size of the property (28 per cent) and parking (24 per cent) ranking second and third in importance.

Gardening has been well documented as being good for both our physical health and mental well-being, and months of lockdown have forced those with an outdoor space to seek sanctuary and solace in their green retreat.

Developer Vistry Yorkshire (formerly Linden Homes Yorkshire) is now gearing up for greater demand on new homes that offer a garden.

Sales director Steve Woomble said: “We have long been used to customers’ demands for a large kitchen or energy efficient features of a brand-new home, but the pandemic may have re-focussed what is important to some home hunters.

“For those who have spent weeks and weeks sharing living space with the rest of the family, those fortunate enough to have a garden will no doubt be thankful for that outdoor space – and along with people with no outdoor space, may crave something newer and/ or bigger.”

“One of the many benefits of new homes is that the majority come with a garden; often a blank canvas for buyers to put their own stamp on, but sometimes with a turf package offer as an incentive.

“Those buyers who snap up the show home on a development, have the added value of the professionally landscaped garden which accompanies it.”

Steve added: “Simply sitting in a garden or outdoor space can evoke a feeling of tranquillity or happiness, whether it be tending to plants, enjoying downtime with the family, appreciating nature or relaxing with a book.

“For many, the largely good weather throughout lockdown has made these unprecedented times a little more bearable for those who have been isolated and a welcomed distraction for those with children.”

A survey by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) at the height of lockdown revealed that appreciation of gardens had doubled during the pandemic; with seven out of 10 respondents saying their outside space has helped their mental health.

It also found:

  • Nearly six in 10 people (57%) said they now value their gardens more than pre-lockdown.
  • Over half (51%) said they will value their garden more after lockdown.
  • Nearly three quarters (71%) of those who have outside space, said their garden, courtyard or balcony had helped their mental health during lockdown.
  • Some 60% of respondents felt that having some outdoor space had helped their physical health during the coronavirus crisis.
  • Even the smallest gardens have been helping with people’s mental health, with 59% of people with 10 sq meters or less of outdoor space saying it helped their mental health.

-ENDS-

Contact: Cetti Long, Media Matters, 01733 371363; cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk

Source: research from personal finance comparison website finder.com

References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.

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