Post lockdown – WHO is buying, WHERE and WHAT are people buying?
Lockdown has not been easy for anyone but for some it has led to big life changing decisions regarding current lifestyle. The change of pace during lockdown has meant more time to think about what’s important to families and how and where they wish to live. Here at Chiltern Relocation we have been experiencing an increase in demand from families wishing to move out of London as they look for more internal and external space, greater access to the countryside and good schooling. The compromise of a longer commute time is now being considered to achieve these goals.
Pre-lockdown one of the uppermost requirements for clients moving out of London was to be located within close proximity of a quick and easy commute – and thereby paying the premium that was usually demanded for those homes.
Post-lockdown and we are hearing a different story, houses closest to the train station are popular but not as sought after as they had been. The work/life balance has shifted for the foreseeable future and as a result working patterns – and the potential that working from home during the week will become part of working life – are reflecting this change.
| Typical pre-lockdown priorities: | Post Lockdown priorities |
| 1. Schooling | 1. Schooling |
| 2. Distance to train station | 2. House |
| 3. House | 3. Garden / Feeling of space |
| 4. Garden / feeling of space | 4. Distance to train station |
| 5. Being able to park outside their own home! | 5. Being able to park outside their own home |
| 6. Facilities in the locality | 6. Facilities in the locality |
WHO is buying?
Prior to lockdown our typical client profile would be families or couples with young children or children in mind. We are now seeing an influx in enquiries from clients in their late 20’s who have purchased flats in London but are now finding that outside space – both at home and locally – has become a priority and they are now looking to upgrade but are priced out of the London market.
WHERE are people buying?
With schooling a top priority, proximity to excellent schools is still a key factor. We are finding that families are keen to move to areas a little further from the train station – maybe necessitating a short drive rather than a walk to the station – wishing to be within catchment of good state primaries and the excellent Bucks grammar schools. The area also has a number of equally sought after excellent private schools meaning that the area is perfect for all educational needs.
Beaconsfield has an excellent commute time of 25 mins to London Marylebone and clients working long hours have historically been keen to live in one of the premium roads in order to walk to Beaconsfield station. However, we are now finding that clients are looking at the villages of Penn, Winchmore Hill, Coleshill and the Chalfonts which provide greater value for money and only a short drive to Beaconsfield, Amersham or Gerrards Cross stations.
So what MORE can you get for your money by moving a bit further from the station?
Whilst properties close to commuter hotspots will always command a premium price, there are excellent options available a short drive away without compromising the desire to be close to good schools.
For example – if you wish to live a stone’s throw from Beaconsfield train station £995,000 will buy you this 3 bedroom 1 bathroom Edwardian Semi-detached gem this house in central Beaconsfield.
However in Holtspur (considered part of greater Beaconsfield), just 1.2 miles from Beaconsfield station you can purchase this house which offers 5 bedroom 3 reception room house with 100’ garden for £995,000 .
In nearby Winchmore Hill, with a couple of fantastic pubs with lovely beer gardens and just 3 miles from Beaconsfield and 4 miles from Amersham, you can purchase this wonderful recently modernised 3 bedroom house for £1.1 million
With a bigger budget, in the nearby village of Penn Street, with its great cricket green and surrounded by woods and fields, there is this attractive family house with a 0.4 acre garden for £1.625 million.
If you are looking at a grander budget then £2 million walking distance of Beaconsfield station will buy you this house which is a 5 bedroom detached 3300sq ft house with garden.
But if you are after more space and grounds then £2 million in Chalfont St Peter will buy you this impressive barn conversion with 2 acres of garden.
With priorities now shifting and working rhythms changing we are finding that our clients are keen to explore a wider range of areas and options. If you are moving out of London and need help deciding which location would work best for you please give us a call.
For more information please call Chiltern Relocation on 01494 672086 or email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com
