What homeowners want in 2021– independent shops, more green space, somewhere to play out ’til tea!
New research has been released today, showing what people want from their neighbourhoods in 2021, with access to local shops, independent cafes, open green space and good local healthcare at the top of their wish lists.
Commissioned by the modern housebuilder House by Urban Splash, a survey of 2,000 people from across the UK showed that 44% look for good local shops and cafés when choosing a new neighbourhood. Overall it is the UK’s top priority, with a quarter of people saying that a lack of these facilities would encourage them to look around for a new home. It’s also a tale of two halves, with 53% of people over the age of 55 already enjoying access to these amenities on their doorstep, more than twice as many as those aged 25-34.
A desire for open green space is also a must among 43% of those surveyed – but sadly just over a third of respondents (36%) currently have access to gardens and parks. The same goes for safe spaces for children to play; whilst 30% desire this, only 19% have access to it within their current community.
More than a quarter of people also want their homes to be green, however 38% feel that eco- conscious choices are limited by cost, with the high cost of expensive home upgrades such as replacement insulation and replacing older gas boilers acting as a deterrent to adoption.
25% of people would like access to more sustainable lifestyle choices in their neighbourhood, such as safe cycle paths and walking routes.
Tom Bloxham MBE is Chairman and co-founder of House by Urban Splash and said: “UK housing and neighbourhoods have been poorly designed for far too long now; they’re uninspiring and don’t serve the needs of modern consumers.
“Buyers today are quite clearly design and eco conscious, with this year compounding their need for versatile homes and communities that serve them in many ways. By contrast, the ubiquitous neighbourhoods we’ve become accustomed to do not deliver that. It’s time for a change.
“We must focus on design beyond the home itself, creating neighbourhoods with generous shared gardens, playgrounds, water and green space. It’s abundantly clear that’s what people want.”
