In 2022 we celebrate freedom and embrace the outdoors, and today’s property statistics illustrate prospective buyer’s need for living near woodland areas to implement a touch of nature into their lifestyle. The UK’s renowned ‘new normal’ sees remote workers and stay at home parents willing to pay a premium for a home that offers a wider scope for outdoor enjoyment.
Intrigue for woodland
Research indicates a considerable increase in appetite for houses with nearby woodland areas. woodlands visits rose from 170m in 2016-17 to 296m in 2020-21, and the annual number of visits to forests managed by Forestry England rose by 74% between 2016 and 2021. Perfect for dog walkers, bird watchers and nature photographers alike, the draw of tranquil woodland areas only becomes more apparent as the weather heats up and people search for a calm retreat from their stuffy rooms.
Change in value
The impact of property values across all local authority areas in England in Wales is that homeowners are increasingly more prepared to pay more for a home close to woodlands, and research suggests that demand has risen over the last two years for homes located within 50 metres of woodland attracting a 6% price premium, which is an increase of 2.4% since the start of the pandemic. This figure rises as high as 15% in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, County Durham and North East Lincolnshire. Figures support the common belief that a preference for green spaces has become a big selling point in the UK. It is outlined by other research, such as that conducted by MFS which indicated that during lockdowns, gardens were seen as more important than inside living space. Compared to 2019, where the square footage of a home was reported to be the top priority for most buyers.
Working from home
Working from home can be pinpointed as the driving force behind many current market trends and changes, and it’s certainly a factor for high demand in woodland areas. Remote work is a national lifestyle changeover for thousands of people across the UK, which means homelife and the way we now place value in our homes has been completely flipped on its head. Buyers who are becoming used to spending their 9 to 5 in their home offices are searching for properties where they can take calming lunchtime walks and morning runs, and woodlands have the added benefit of shade from hot weather.
Return to the workplace
On the other side of the coin, those returning to work may be looking for scenic and natural surroundings for their family to enjoy while they aren’t around, especially for those who have previously been living in the city. Studies suggest that proximity and access to outdoor space is important for children’s wellbeing, and woodland areas offer plenty of space for playing and learning. Those returning to work may also seek calm surroundings to come home to as the UK’s lockdown has changed our attitudes and values on our places of rest and comfort.
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