How the Coronavirus Pandemic has Changed the Priorities of Scottish Home Buyers

05 May 2021

Peter Ryder looks at how home buyers priorities have changed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

When the market reopened in July of 2020, all agents reported a record level of activity. This can be put down to the pent up demand throughout lockdown. 

However, the Coronavirus Pandemic has also resulted in a lot of people re-evaluating their personal lifestyles and priorities moving forward. These re-evaluations have resulted in us seeing buyers wanting to move home for many different reasons.

Working from Home

It is clear for both employers and employees that working from home is becoming the new normal, and will likely continue when the pandemic is over. Due to these circumstances, many clients are actively searching for extra space when house hunting, this extra space can be turned into a working environment. 

The Commute

Home buyers are now enjoying the fact they do not have to commute to their office or place of work every day. They are now able to consider options of looking at more rural properties, which, in turn can offer better value for money with larger living spaces than that of city living.

Rural properties can include annexes and garages which can be converted into office space, perfect for working from home.

Garden Space

Lockdown has made people aware of the importance of having their own outdoor space. This has resulted in a large market increase in the number of clients searching for properties that include garden space, especially those with young families.

Living Closer to Family

The Coronavirus Pandemic has made us realise the importance of being near our family. During periods of lockdown we were not allowed to see parents, grandparents and other family members. This has resulted in many clients moving house to be closer to family and friends, therefore looking for properties nearby.