Location is obviously key when buying a new property, but it's interesting to find out what additional factors are driving today’s home buyers into a new neighbourhood.
Living close to shops and restaurants has topped the list of priorities house hunters will be looking for according to research undertaken by housebuilder
Miller Homes.
The firm surveyed over 700 people to identify the key aspects buyers consider when moving into a new neighbourhood. Is it all about house prices?
London is the only area to state access to transport links as the top priority. In many of the UK’s other top cities, access to off-road parking is one of the biggest requirements and nationally, over 60% of potential buyers rated good amenities and off-road parking as the main features they look for.
The study also revealed that clean and attractive surroundings are high on a house hunter’s wish list, as are traditional requirements of living close to schools with a good reputation and being near family and friends. The top 10 factors buyers look for nationwide:
- Good amenities
- Off-road parking
- Clean and attractive surroundings
- Low crime rate
- Access to transport links
- Proximity to work
- Good schools
- Close to friends and family
- Average house prices
- Rural aspect
The research shows that different regions have different needs depending on their infrastructure and proximity to cities and rural locations: 92% of house hunters in the South West put good amenities as the number one requirement; in Yorkshire, the South East, West Midlands and the North West, a place to park the car was a number one priority; and in the North East, 67% of people place prime importance on a clean and attractive area.
