They say that it's not how big the house is, it's how happy the home is. However, I suspect that during the Covid-19 restrictions, there may have been a direct relationship between the two. Over the last 4 months we have all spent more time at home, together, than ever before. And happiness levels are as likely to have been influenced by the design and layout of your house as family dynamics.
You may be working from home, but has your home been working for you? Multi-functional open spaces are fine until all those functions are taking place concurrently. Living, learning, working and playing in the same place has been challenging for all of us. So post-pandemic, house buyers’ priorities are undoubtedly going to change.
If buying property is all about location, location, location, dispensing with the daily commute to work will enable people to look further afield for their next home. A Rightmove Study revealed that 60% of Edinburgh residents are looking to move out of the city; the highest percentage in the country. And a recent report by Savills revealed that buyers of new build homes are willing to move 56% further than those buying second hand.
As retro-fitting existing properties to meet emerging requirements is likely to be difficult, we can expect to see an increase in demand for new build properties. But what are we likely to see behind closed doors?
Just as public places have sanitisation stations on entry, a washroom close to the front door will allow people to wash their hands before entering. Touchless taps and sensor soap dispensers will be part of an increased focus on hygiene. If space allows, this could be part of a transitional area between outside and a controlled indoor environment, including a secure location for contactless delivery of packages and food.
More traditional, room-based layouts will help separate work or schooling from living, with increased emphasis on having appropriate acoustics, lighting and ventilation. Zoom rooms, perhaps?
Energy efficiency will also be important if you don’t want to have to wear woollens all winter.
Guest rooms may become more like hotel rooms, with ensuite bathrooms and mini-fridges so they can be used for self-isolation, should the need arise. If it has a balcony as well, so much the better, as having access to private outdoor space will be high on people’s list of priorities.
Outside, it would appear that hot tubs are moving up the must-have list, with sales in the UK increasing by 1000% in the last few months. The more traditional among us will be content with a vegetable patch.
Whatever the size of your new home, inclusion of at least some of these changes could ensure happiness by design.
Contributor
Partner
