Property Matters: There’s no place like home

Over the past few months, day-to-day life has changed radically and at times it’s been difficult to imagine things ever getting back to normal.

Our homes have become, for some, a welcome reminder of the things to enjoy and why they chose to live there. For others, it may be the opposite as they have suddenly found themselves working full time from home with no easy workspace, a house full of home-schooling children and no garden or green spaces nearby in which to enjoy the fortuitous weather that blessed us through the spring.

Several months of displacement from the daily routines has presented unplanned opportunities to re-evaluate the things that matter most. Many people are now making changes in their lives that they previously may not have considered: a new career, a better work-life balance, a new business idea and of course, a new home.

A recent Rightmove report provides new insights into the changing behaviour of property buyers during and after the lockdown period. The data and patterns shown in this report bodes well for sellers across West Lothian and closely reflect the patterns our agency has also witnessed in recent months.

50% of buyers said the lockdown had impacted what they will look for in their next property. The study showed the new property ‘must haves’ (% more important): • Internet connection 70% • Spare Room 62% • Size of garden 58%

Also, 39% of buyers said their priorities had changed and are now looking for (in order of preference): 1. A bigger garden 2. A bigger home 3.Access to parking/garage 4. A better home workspace 5. Green spaces nearby.

Rural West Lothian not only has some spectacular scenery but also some spectacular homes. It’s surprising how many properties around the county are hidden away on the edge of a town or village or nestled into a countryside lane that no one would ever know existed. Some of these houses, may well have been discovered and admired recently as we ourselves re-discovered the beauty and benefits of walking around the West Lothian countryside.

Several months of lockdown undoubtedly made us value what we have and appreciate some things we may have previously taken for granted. It may even have made us re-evaluate where and how we want to live and now, more than ever before, there really is ‘no place like home’!

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.