Throughout the pandemic, many companies adopt the hybrid working. With more people are working from home, how are the homeowners in the UK adapting to the new normal? How have the homes changed according to the changing needs?
Bedroom transformation
According to Zoopla [1], 41% of British homeowners transformed their spare bedrooms into offices, gyms and more. Close to 9 million bedrooms were turned into home offices (over 4.5 million), home gyms (1.3 million), cinemas and more.
For many, especially those with smaller properties, having to compromise their living spaces, means having the need to find somewhere new to suit their changing needs. Of homeowners who have made changes, nearly a third (32%) say that this has made them consider moving home.
Search for more space
People are moving even further afield from the 'core commuter towns' as a cheaper alternative. More people are looking for bigger space [2].
According to Lucian Cook, Head of Residential Research, Savills, says they're still seeing strong demand in 'core commuter towns' such as Oxford, Cambridge, Winchester and Sevenoaks. But he believes this year's hotspots will be further afield. So, although the Cotswolds will remain popular, he thinks Dorset and Somerset, including around Taunton, will be more sought-after. [3]
Demand for garden home offices, superfast broadband has increased as well as for big gardens and outdoor kitchens.
Source: Savills prime London and prime regional indices, Q1 2021
office sheds ‘Shoffice’ in the gardeN
More companies adopt hybrid working, to save costs as much as pleasing staff. More employees will be expected to work from home for at least two days a week even after the pandemic restrictions are lifted.
This has driven more people to turn their sheds and lofts into offices for a more quiet workspace option. [4]
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