In the past week, people searching for properties in the London area have increased by 101% compared to the first week of lockdown, says property business Rightmove.
For Londoners, the lockdown has affected life dramatically, as many residents do not have gardens or nearby open spaces to enjoy. When Prime Minister Boris Johnson first announced the lockdown on 23 March, Rightmove said that searches for rental properties on their site decreased by 35%.
However, over the past few weeks, this has increased and although it is still down 20% pre-lockdown, searches for rental homes with gardens is now at the highest level so far this year.
Miles Shipside, a founding Rightmove director and housing market analyst, said: “Londoners who want a garden but aren’t keen to make a move too far out know it will come at a premium price because they’re such a rarity. But they may have some luck finding blocks of apartments that have communal gardens, or may end up living closer to some of the capital’s beautiful parks instead.”
Shipside also highlights: “Maisonettes become more common when you start looking from Zone 3 outwards, which can offer good value as they’re often cheaper to rent than houses but are likely to have the added bonus of a private garden at the back.”
Moving out of the city
With popular locations seeing a surge in views in London, people are also looking outside of the capital, possibly amid concerns over the future of the lockdown rules. The website reported seeing increased searches for Southsea on the South East coast. Plus, other locations such as Cambridge, Marlow and Bognor Regis are on the list.
Lockdown not stopping viewings
Surprisingly, viewing numbers are also up year on year, as rental agents take to virtual viewings to help people look for a new home. The Vice-president of 3D virtual viewing tech company Matterport, which is used by many London property agents said that requests for the service have increased since the start of the lockdown.
Estate agent Savills is also said to be live streaming viewings and offering a walk around the property while an agent talks potential buyers through the rooms and features.
“What people are looking for at the moment is sound advice about what is likely to be their most significant investment, and we are here to help and to consider every buyer’s needs and situation on a case by case basis says Jennifer Goldie of Savills.
Guy Gittins, managing director of London agents Chesterton’s, also said “with most people being responsible and practising social distancing, we have seen a surge in the number of virtual viewings that we are conducting.
Hotting up
The weather has been a significant factor over the past few weeks. As a result, more people are looking to rent or buy properties where they can enjoy outside space. The rental market is also looking more attractive at the moment due to the recent freeze on the property market.
