The latest research from Warwick Estates has revealed that just one of Britain’s biggest housebuilders has seen an increase in both revenue and homes delivered to the market during a tough year overshadowed by COVID-19. Warwick Estates analysed eight of Britain’s biggest housebuilders based on the latest data available on
FHP Property Consultants have been instructed to sell a residential site of 1.5 acres fronting Melton Road in Edwalton which has an outline planning consent for nine large houses. “Many people will know this site as ‘the Xmas tree site’ on Melton Road, as many have bought their Christmas trees
Keepmoat Homes continues to grow its development portfolio in the North West after acquiring three new land deals that will see the top ten UK housebuilder deliver 723 new homes, with a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of £135m. The sites are located in Leyland, Accrington and Stoke on Trent
The show home at ‘The Yacht Club’ – an exclusive residential development on the banks of the River Trent, is now open to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the luxury waterside lifestyle on offer. The scheme, by Leeds-based developer KMRE Group Ltd, comprises 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments,
Caddick Construction is making strong progress on the delivery of 25 exclusive properties at Windermere Marina Village, with the structure of the buildings now complete. The development will provide 23 luxury apartments over four-storeys and two townhouses, all offering a waterfront view. Built in locally sourced stone and slate, they
Open Letter from Residential Property Industry urges the use of the UPRN across the Sector Leading residential property bodies have today published an open letter to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and copied to Thalia Baldwin, Director of the Geospatial Commission highlighting the
New SCAPE research finds just one in five people believe developers will deliver on their commitments to improving local communities Half of UK residents can’t think of a local construction project that has had a positive impact on their community Insight features in new report on the evolution of social value by the UK’s leading public sector procurement authority The property industry must do more
A new show home has opened to the public at a luxury housing development in Carterton, West Oxfordshire. Linden Gardens, a sought-after residential scheme comprising 32 homes, is due for completion in summer 2021, with first completions in February 2021, and will feature two bed apartments, three and four bed
Prospective buyers looking for luxury living in Nottingham should act now to secure apartments at the new gated ‘Bridgford Place’ complex, located a stone’s throw from West Bridgford’s Central Avenue, where the first buyers have started to move in. Comprising six one-bedroom apartments and 24 two-bedroom apartments, 75% of which were sold
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has reshaped many areas of life as we know it. Necessary measures such as social distancing, quarantine and isolation have altered work and home lives for large swathes of the world population, as part of the measures put in place to try and slow the
The latest research from Warwick Estates has revealed that just one of Britain’s biggest housebuilders has seen an increase in both revenue and homes delivered to the market during a tough year overshadowed by COVID-19. Warwick Estates analysed eight of Britain’s biggest housebuilders based on the latest data available on revenues and how they performed in 2020 when compared to 2019. Homes built Where the number of homes delivered is concerned, just one managed to go above and beyond their pre-Covid performance in 2020. Vistry Group built 6,131 homes in 2020, 59% more than the previous year. However, it was Persimmon that delivered the most homes in total at 13,575 although this was 14% less than the previous year. Barrat also delivered 12,604 homes to the market despite seeing a 29% drop compared to 2019, with Bellway seeing a 9% year on year decline despite building 11,921 homes. Taylor Wimpey endured the biggest decline in the number of homes built during the pandemic. The 9,799 built in 2020 resulted in a 39% year on year drop when compared to their pre-pandemic performance. Revenues Vistry Group’s positive pandemic performance means the housebuilder enjoyed a 79% uplift in revenues in 2020 – the only housebuilder to see positive movement. Unfortunately for Redrow, the housebuilder saw a 37% drop in revenues, the biggest drop of the lot as a result of the pandemic. COO of Warwick Estates, Bethan Griffiths, commented: “Despite the residential property market rebounding at an alarming rate since the launch of the stamp duty holiday, the pandemic has been problematic for the nation’s housebuilders, to say the least. As a result of ongoing and ever-changing restrictions, the vast majority have seen a decline in the number of homes built and the knock-on effect this has had on revenues. However, now that we are working our way back to some form of total normality, we expect these vital cogs of the property market to dust themselves down, roll up their sleeves and bounce back.” Developer Total homes built (2019) Total homes built (2020) Annual change (%) Annual revenue £m (2019) Annual revenue £m (2020) Annual change (%) Sources Vistry Group 3,867 6,131 59% £1,137 £2,040 79% Link Persimmon 15,855 13,575 -14% £3,650 £3,330 -9% Link Barratt 17,856 12,604 -29% £4,763 £3,419 -28% Link Countryside 5,733 4,053 -29% £1,423 £989 -31% Link Bellway 13,113 11,921 -9% £3,213 £2,225 -31% Link Berkeley 3,698 2,723 -26% £2,957 £1,920 -35% Link Taylor Wimpey 16,042 9,799 -39% £4,341 £2,790 -36% Link Redrow 6,443 4,032 -37% £2,112 £1,339 -37% Link
FHP Property Consultants have been instructed to sell a residential site of 1.5 acres fronting Melton Road in Edwalton which has an outline planning consent for nine large houses. “Many people will know this site as ‘the Xmas tree site’ on Melton Road, as many have bought their Christmas trees from the site over the years,” said David Hargreaves joint founder of FHP who is handling the sale. In addition to the 0.9-acre field, there is a four-bed bungalow which sits on a further 0.6-acre site. “The site has outline planning consent for nine executive homes of 2,500 sq. ft, which, with sales prices of up to £450 per sq. ft in the area, should attract prices of £1 million to £1.2 million each. Adjacent to the site, FHP Living have sold four properties for £1 million each,” added Jules Hunt of FHP Living. The residential site sits across the road from the site where Guy Phoenix developed two ultra-luxury homes at prices of £4 million and £7 million. Hargreaves confirmed that offers in the region of £3 million are required for the site, with very strong early interest. Although the planning consent is for nine houses, the site could suit three very large homes, an apartment scheme, or a care home or ‘later living’ development.
Keepmoat Homes continues to grow its development portfolio in the North West after acquiring three new land deals that will see the top ten UK housebuilder deliver 723 new homes, with a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of £135m. The sites are located in Leyland, Accrington and Stoke on Trent and have all obtained planning approval from local authorities. The three schemes are: A 520-plot development Farington Mews, Leyland A 157-plot development at Biddulph, Stoke on Trent A 46-plot development Acorn View, Accrington The developments will offer two, three and four bedroom homes which will be available in multiple house types and various purchasing options from open market sale to shared ownership. Homebuyers will also be able to benefit from the Government-backed mortgage guarantee, allowing first-time and current homeowners to obtain a 95% mortgage from lenders. Gareth Owen, Land & Partnerships Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “Our team has been working hard over the 6 months with local authorties and registered providers and the latest acquisitions are a testament to their efforts. We’re delighted to have aquired these three significant sites, all in ideal locations, which brings our total of active developments in the North West to 15. “As a business, our ethos is to not just build homes, but transform communities and improve the lives of local people. We’re driven to deliver increasingly sustainable and affordable homes and we’re taking action to reduce carbon emissions from our operations, our supply chain and the homes we build and adapt our operations and homes to our changing climate. Our Acorn View development in Accrington will feature car charging points for those with electric vehicles at each of the homes and we take pride in providing green open spaces for both residents and the local community to enjoy. “We can see from our existing developments, across the North West in particular, that demand for new homes is increasing and following these successes, we’re driven to remain active across the region and are seeking new land opportunities for residential led developments.”
The show home at ‘The Yacht Club’ – an exclusive residential development on the banks of the River Trent, is now open to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the luxury waterside lifestyle on offer. The scheme, by Leeds-based developer KMRE Group Ltd, comprises 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including penthouses, with prices starting from £250,000 to £800,000. Situated in a prime waterside location to the south of Trent Lane, The Yacht Club will offer residents panoramic views of the river and The Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay. Following the government’s budget announcement at the beginning of March, the stamp duty holiday has now been extended until the end of June for homes under the value of £500,000, and until the end of September for homes under £250,000 – presenting house hunters with considerable potential saving opportunities for any property purchases in the coming months. Prospective homebuyers can also take advantage of the return of 95% mortgage schemes, which started at the beginning of April – allowing buyers to put down a deposit of just 5% on the home of their choice. FHP Living has been appointed as the selling agent for The Yacht Club development and interested parties can contact Steve Parker on 0115 841 1155 for information and viewings. With all south-facing apartments featuring either a large balcony or terrace overlooking the River Trent, including on the lower floors – the development boasts majestic waterside vistas in tranquil surroundings, with the green landscape from The Hook nature reserve located just over the river, and Colwick Country Park less than half a mile away. Designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2009, The Hook is home to abundant wildlife, an orchard and wildflower meadows, providing The Yacht Club with stunning, uninterrupted views. The location also benefits from no passing traffic, except that of boats, rowers and paddle boarders along the river. The scheme boasts high spec fixtures and fittings throughout including Italian-style kitchens, AEG appliances, underfloor heating, resident parking and picturesque outdoor communal spaces for residents to enjoy, in its prime location. Just a mile away from the vibrant and chic West Bridgford, it is close to a host of independent shops, bars and restaurants, as well as the world-renowned Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Forest FC’s City Ground and Notts County FC’s Meadow Lane stadium. The Yacht Club sits close to a number of waterside developments transforming the banks of the River Trent, becoming known as Riverside – and plans have been put forward for a pedestrian footbridge to be built over the river in the next couple of years, to cater to the burgeoning waterside residential communities. In close proximity to Nottingham train station and the city centre – less than two miles away – the luxury development will provide residents with access to Nottingham’s prime retail and cultural amenities, with the likes of John Lewis, Flannels, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and Ted Baker among the high street stores. As well as two world-class universities and major employers such as Boots, Experian and E.ON being based in the area – the historic Nottingham Castle, Victorian Lace Market district and 19th Century Arboretum park and gardens make up some of the city’s best points of interest and unique and quirky attractions. The show suite is now available for private viewings, enabling professionals, couples, families and downsizers the chance to peek into the exclusive riverside lifestyle that The Yacht Club has to offer. It will also provide the first opportunity for confirmed buyers to personalise and upgrade apartments – with bespoke options to choose from for interior décor, fixtures and fittings. Kam Mogul, managing director at KMRE Group Ltd, said: “We are extremely proud to be delivering this unique flagship residential scheme, providing the finest quality spacious homes, with unrivalled views of the River Trent, in an idyllic waterside location, that really provides a tranquil oasis for residents. “With excellent transport links, local amenities on your doorstep and quality living spaces, The Yacht Club offers residents a luxury lifestyle, with a tranquil setting and picturesque views over the water. This is the first of our landmark ‘Southern Gateway’ developments in Nottingham, which also include the 62-apartment Hindle House residential scheme.” Steve Parker, director at the selling agent, FHP Living, said: “The central, yet serene location of The Yacht Club makes it a truly idyllic place to live alongside the river. “As the area’s residential riverside communities continue to grow, Nottingham is experiencing an influx of people moving to the city from areas including London, as many look for a fresh start following lockdown. The stamp duty holiday extension and the introduction of 95% mortgage schemes have also been welcomed by the housing sector, as they are great incentives for those looking to move to a new home and take advantage of the potential savings in the process. “We have had a great deal of interest in The Yacht Club so far, with 40% of the properties already sold, so we’d urge anyone keen to view the show home to act quickly and register interest.” Construction works at The Yacht Club involve a phased completion, with the first practical completion in June 2021, and a full handover of the site expected in July 2021.
Caddick Construction is making strong progress on the delivery of 25 exclusive properties at Windermere Marina Village, with the structure of the buildings now complete. The development will provide 23 luxury apartments over four-storeys and two townhouses, all offering a waterfront view. Built in locally sourced stone and slate, they surround the modern 400 berth marina with its popular Boathouse Bar and Restaurant. Derek Billows from Caddick Construction said: “We are making great progress on site and will complete this luxury development towards the end of this year. With many of the properties already sold off plan, it will bring a welcome boost to the local economy.” Windermere Marina Village is less than a mile to the south of Bowness on Windermere with easy access to the southern Lake District. A popular holiday destination, the village offers a variety of holiday lettings in apartments, townhouses and boathouses. Jason Dearden, Managing Director of Windermere Marina Ltd, said: “Windermere Marina is a vital part of the local tourism sector. Delivering more homes here will further boost the local economy and create even more vitality at this popular destination. The development is of the highest specification and has proved hugely popular, I suspect we may sell all of the properties before they complete at the end of the year.” The project further strengthens Caddick Constructions Kendal office, which recently completed the Furness Peninsula Blue Light Hub project at Ulverston, Gateway 44 Retail Park in Carlisle and a variety of luxury car dealerships across Cumbria.
Open Letter from Residential Property Industry urges the use of the UPRN across the Sector Leading residential property bodies have today published an open letter to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and copied to Thalia Baldwin, Director of the Geospatial Commission highlighting the potential benefits from a widely adopted Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) and steps that Government needs to take to make this happen. The signatories of the letter, which includes leading bodies from across the residential property sector, believe that the wide market adoption of the UPRN will deliver substantial benefits to UK society, the residential property sector, and to Government. Andrew Bulmer, CEO of IRPM comments: “The UPRN is like attaching a number plate to a car, instead we attach a unique number (up to 12-digits) to all things related to properties (fittings, fixtures, paperwork, surveys etc), so that each property can be uniquely identified with unparalleled accuracy. If all the conditions outlined in the letter were to be met, we could proactively work towards the wholesale adoption of the UPRN. Implemented effectively, this could help position the UK as the world’s leading property market”. Dan Hughes, Founder of Alpha Property Insight and the Real Estate Data Foundation noted that; “The property sector is at the heart of the economy, people’s wellbeing and our impact on the environment. There are huge opportunities for technology to help with improving every aspect of this, but to do so requires the effective use of data. The wide adoption of the UPRN would be a big step towards providing the foundations to enable this.” Theresa Wallace, Founder of The Lettings Industry Council (TLIC), notes that “widespread adoption of UPRN’s could revolutionise the property market, this is a really exciting initiative which has industry support and we now need the Government to add theirs.” The letter details the benefits of widespread market adoption of the UPRN to society, the economy, and the property sector. These include: Improved building, consumer, and market safety More targeted and cost-effective enforcement of legislation Increased protection for tenants and a reduction of rogue landlords The ability to speed up conveyancing and transparency in home buying and selling The opportunity to reduce waste, save time and empower the consumer However, the letter also calls for steps by Government and for certain conditions to be met to really enable these benefits: All public sector data sets relating to properties and buildings should include the UPRN and a clear roadmap is needed to get to this point All future Government tenders and policy relating to residential properties and associated data should mandate the use of the UPRN There must be clear agreement about the ethical use of data in the housing market The UPRN must be in a clear and useable format that allows the UPRN to be widely identified, and freely used and shared This must include the tools, the support materials and the explanation needed by the whole sector for adoption, not just the solution providers Following the profound findings in the RoPA report, that outlines the phenomenal need for compliance within the property agents’ sector, Lord Best states that “the UPRN is an excellent concept and could be a game-changer.” The impact of the universal adoption of the UPRN can be immense, The National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agents Team (NTSELAT) explain that, “the widespread use of a Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) has the potential to deliver many benefits across the residential property market. Importantly, a UPRN can offer tenants a greater level of protection against rogue landlords and help to reduce consumer fraud when buying or renting a home. The NTS Estate and Letting Agency Team supports the work of The Letting Industry Council in driving the adoption of the URPN across the property sector”. A copy of the letter and a full list of signatories is available HERE
New SCAPE research finds just one in five people believe developers will deliver on their commitments to improving local communities Half of UK residents can’t think of a local construction project that has had a positive impact on their community Insight features in new report on the evolution of social value by the UK’s leading public sector procurement authority The property industry must do more to demonstrate the positive impact of construction projects on communities across the UK, according to new research by the UK’s leading public sector procurement authority, SCAPE. In this latest nationwide research, SCAPE found that as few as one in five (20%) people in the UK believe that property developers will deliver against the commitments they make in relation to social value and improving local communities. The research indicates that there is a clear disconnect between the wide-ranging initiatives employed by contractors nationwide to create social value and the general public’s awareness or perception of them. Only half (50%) of the 2,000 UK residents surveyed recognised that a project had contributed positively to their local community. Respondents indicated that delivering long-term community benefit was the most important outcome for any project, ahead of other issues such as a building’s appearance or its green credentials. The research forms part of Social Value: More Than Metrics, a new report by SCAPE thatexplores the evolution of social value in the public sector and the impact that contractors and developers are having on local communities. Despite widespread initiatives across the construction industry in relation to employment, sustainability and social cohesion, many members of the public are still unaware of how projects are being delivered in a way that enriches their community. Only a third (35%) of all respondents had heard of the term ‘social value’ and felt confident that they understand what it means. With the public sector already acting as the cornerstone for the UK’s economic recovery – and set to play an increasingly important role in infrastructure investment as the nation builds back better in 2021 – the report calls for public sector organisations and contractors to aid the public’s understanding of social value. Key recommendations in the report include: Giving social value returns equal if not greater prominence than traditional procurement drivers, such as time, cost and quality Incorporating qualitative feedback procedures, such as interviews with community stakeholders and focus groups, into measurement processes Encouraging ongoing review of the metrics used to measure each project to avoid a ‘cookie cutter’ approach to social value Standardising sustainability measurement to demonstrate benefits with greater ease and consistency Implementing long-term community engagement processes to ensure positive legacies for every project. Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “In the seven years since the Social Value Act was passed, the new duties required in procurement have played a valuable role in guiding public bodies and contractors to consider the wider impact of public investment on society. However, as we await the imminent launch of the government’s Construction Playbook – which will increase the focus on socioeconomic improvement – our research shows that work still needs to be done to improve public perception regarding the benefits being created through construction projects. “Whilst the monetisation of social value is important, in many ways, the more important thing is the short and long-term value that one action can set in motion within a community, and how these actions are perceived and received. By shining a light on the public’s understanding and perception of social value, and demonstrating what best-in-class delivery looks like, it is our aim through this report to get to the heart of these issues and drive positive, sustainable change within communities.”
A new show home has opened to the public at a luxury housing development in Carterton, West Oxfordshire. Linden Gardens, a sought-after residential scheme comprising 32 homes, is due for completion in summer 2021, with first completions in February 2021, and will feature two bed apartments, three and four bed semi-detached homes and three, four and five bed detached homes, all of which will be finished to the finest quality with high spec fixtures and fittings, and landscaped gardens. Prices will range from £250,000 to £800,000 and the opening of the new show home will give prospective buyers a glimpse into the luxury development, with visitors welcome to view the show home by booking an appointment with selling agent Connells. To comply with current COVID-19 restrictions, measures will be in place to ensure the safety of visitors – including a health and safety questionnaire for all guests prior to viewing the show home and a limit on how many people may attend per household. For interested buyers who do not wish to visit the show home in person, a virtual video tour will be available upon request. Located just a mile south of Carterton town centre, Linden Gardens is set in a stunning location adjacent to both Kilkenny Lane Country Park and Kilkenny Lane allotments surrounded by a range of leisure facilities and local amenities. Neighbouring towns include Witney, Cheltenham, Burford and Swindon, with the city of Oxford and the Cotswolds situated less than 20 miles away. The development’s closest train station – Long Hanborough – is also ideally located 10 minutes from Oxford, 40 minutes from Reading and just one hour from London Paddington. Co-founder and chief executive officer of Taggart Homes, Michael Taggart, said: “We are extremely pleased to be opening the new show home to interested buyers, so they can really immerse themselves in this beautiful family development. “As with every property by Taggart Homes, Linden Gardens will be finished to the highest standards, featuring excellent workmanship and materials for the build, interior fixtures and landscaped gardens. The development is located in a prime position for families and commuters, with convenient road and rail links to nearby towns, cities and places of interest, including London and the Cotswolds. The development also benefits from proximity to the country park, with open fields beyond, making it a wonderfully peaceful place to live, nestled in West Oxfordshire. “We have taken great care to ensure that the show home is a COVID-safe environment, whilst still providing visitors with the chance to see all that the property and development has to offer. For anyone who is self-isolating or uncertain about visiting in person, we have ensured that video tours of the property are available.” Kerry Rees, Connells new homes sales advisor, said: “There has already been significant interest and excitement for this development, and we are pleased to be giving prospective homebuyers the opportunity to see inside the show home. One of the scheme’s biggest selling points is its location – tucked away in a peaceful setting, with plenty of amenities, fantastic schools and convenient connections to neighbouring cities nearby. “The development’s variety of properties makes it the ideal location for so many different buyers from first timers to city workers and families.
Prospective buyers looking for luxury living in Nottingham should act now to secure apartments at the new gated ‘Bridgford Place’ complex, located a stone’s throw from West Bridgford’s Central Avenue, where the first buyers have started to move in. Comprising six one-bedroom apartments and 24 two-bedroom apartments, 75% of which were sold by selling agents FHP Living by practical completion of the development, this exclusive 30-home scheme, by Buildwell Developments, offers modern, luxury and eco-friendly living in a location second to none – in the very heart of West Bridgford town centre. Just seven two-bed apartments out of the 30 apartments are left to buy, each with a large open plan living space, en-suite shower room, family bathroom, zoned underfloor heating and allocated parking space, with prices ranging from £222,500 to £265,000. Constructed to a high architectural standard across four floors, works commenced on Bridgford Place back in 2019 and completed in 2020, and each home has been finished to a light, open-plan contemporary design with high spec fixtures and fittings including German kitchens, Bosch cooking appliances, quartz worktops, luxury bathrooms with Roca sanitaryware and Grohe showers, Karndean flooring and 80/20 wool twist carpets. Some of the properties boast balconies with views across West Bridgford and all top floor apartments have private terraces or balconies to enjoy all the benefits of al fresco living. Complete with beautifully landscaped communal gardens for residents to enjoy, lift access and gated parking, the complex incorporates environmentally-friendly features including thermally efficient materials, and infrastructure for future electrical charging points for residents’ cars. With Central Avenue on its doorstep, Bridgford Place benefits from an array of amenities easily accessible on foot, including parks, bars, restaurants and cafes such as Costa Coffee, Copper, Yumacha, The Botanist, Portello Lounge and Escabeche, and convenient supermarkets for essentials such as M & S and the Co-op. Just two miles from Nottingham city centre, regular bus services including the 5 Green Line run frequently from Rectory Road, through West Bridgford, Trent Bridge, The Meadows, Nottingham City Centre and the Lace Market. For avid sports fans, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground is a ten-minute walk away, and Nottingham Forest FC’s City Ground and Notts County Football Club on Meadow Lane are both a short stroll away. Steve Parker, director of FHP Living, said: “You just can’t beat this location and buyers will benefit from the stamp duty holiday that will run for the next four months. It’s not surprising we have seen homes selling so quickly at Bridgford Place. It is a prime development offering the finest quality central living and works for owner occupiers and investors alike. “Catering to a wide demographic of buyers, from first timers, to downsizers and those adding to their portfolios – the properties really offer a standard of living which is a cut above, from the modern spacious design and quality finishings, to the unrivalled views and close proximity to surrounding amenities in Central Avenue and the city. “Just a short walk away you have parks, shops, and plenty of eating and drinking venues – all without the hassle of having to take a car or public transport, it’s all on your doorstep.”
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has reshaped many areas of life as we know it. Necessary measures such as social distancing, quarantine and isolation have altered work and home lives for large swathes of the world population, as part of the measures put in place to try and slow the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable members of society. One area which has seen an unprecedented boost is in the use of virtual viewings for those looking at making changes in the property market. With so many restrictions in place in terms of travel and entering other people’s homes, those looking to buy or rent a new property are now turning to virtual tours to view those properties rather than a physical viewing. Zuneth Sattar of Xavier Investments Limited has a long-standing interest in the UK rental property market for investment and is continually adding new residences to his property portfolio. Sattar is one of many thousands of people now resorting to virtual tours to get an idea of what a property is like before committing to making a purchase. Virtual Viability Prior to the pandemic, it is likely that most people would prefer to physically visit and view a property before deciding to buy or rent it. However, things have changed. A recent survey conducted by Purplebricks found that a full third of 2,000 UK adults surveyed would be happy to judge a potential new property based on an online viewing, provided they were able to see the entire inside and outside of the property. One in six would go so far as to put an offer in to purchase a property if the virtual viewing showed them everything they needed. Changing Priorities The pandemic has also changed customer demand in terms of what people are now prioritising when looking to move home. Gardens are now seen not as a luxury, but as an essential, multi-functional space that can allow people to socialise even during times where stricter measures for social distancing have been put in place. Functionality in general is becoming more important, as ongoing temporary closures of businesses and restrictions mean that the home, and especially the garden, can often be the only place where people can safely meet family and friends. Increased Buyer Demand Zoopla statistics show that buyer demand in Wales increased by 41% just 24 hours after the housing market re-opened following lockdown. Across the UK, buyer demand has increased by as much as 46% compared to levels before lockdown, which given the wider economic landscape is a significant jump. Demand has also risen in the rental sector, with tenancy activity higher now than it has been at this point for the past two years. However, supply is down by around 15% across the sale and rental markets combined, which creates a sellers’ market and could see house prices and leases increase if nothing changes. Technology At present, virtual house viewings are only available to a limited section of the market as customers are required to own their own VR headsets to access the service. However, estate agents are already embracing the phenomenon, and some have started to offer loans of headsets to people looking at new build properties. Where complexes are under development with multiple identical homes becoming available, some realtors will allow customers to use headsets they have supplied to virtually view one or more of the properties, as this encourages people further down the buying pathway than a two-dimensional plan ever could.