... and so experts are warning of an increase in prices of properties with gardens in London.
With lockdown coming to an end, a garden has been voted top of the property wish list, with over three fifths (63%) in London saying the garden is the most important thing to consider when buying a home, according to new research by mortgage broker firstmortgage.co.uk
Outside space has long been a desired commodity at our homes, but since lockdown was imposed it seems it has taken on a new importance for homeowners.
A whopping 88 per cent of Londoners say they want to live somewhere with a garden, and over half (54%) in a poll of 237 people say they value somewhere private so they can avoid other people and stay safe, while almost one third want somewhere they can have a barbecue.
David McGrail, compliance director at firstmortgage.co.uk said: “We could see buyers having to pay a premium to get homes with outside space in the London. A garden can go a long way to helping people feel relaxed in their property, especially during a prolonged period spent at home. The fact almost half say that moving to a property with a garden is important shows a change in what is desired in property post Covid.”
Gardens also came out top in the wish list for future houses with 47% of people in London putting that as the top priority, ahead of the condition of the house (38%), friendly community (37%) and the proximity to transport (41%).
David added: “Coming out of lockdown, I think we will see a shift in where people want to live. It might be that people leave the city for the countryside or surrounding towns where outside space is more available.”