Housebuilder Sees Gardens Topping Buyers’ Wish Lists

Gardens now top the list of priority for house-hunters who are looking to move following months of lockdown, says Vistry Yorkshire.

According to latest research, around one in three (33%) of potential buyers said the garden and size of the outdoor space was a major factor when it came to moving, with the overall size of the property (28%) and parking (24%) ranking second and third in importance.

Gardening has been well documented as being good for both our physical health and mental well-being, and months of lockdown have forced those with an outdoor space to seek sanctuary and solace in their green retreat.

Developer Vistry Yorkshire (formerly Linden Homes Yorkshire) is now gearing up for greater demand on new homes that offer a garden.

Sales director Steve Woomble said: “We have long been used to customers’ demands for a large kitchen or energy efficient features of a brand new home, but the pandemic may have re-focused what is important to some home-hunters.

“For those who have spent weeks and weeks sharing living space with the rest of the family, those fortunate enough to have a garden will no doubt be thankful for that outdoor space – and along with people with no outdoor space, may crave something newer and/or bigger.”

“One of the many benefits of new homes is that the majority come with a garden; often a blank canvas for buyers to put their own stamp on, but sometimes with a turf package offer as an incentive. Those buyers who snap up the show home on a development, have the added value of the professionally landscaped garden which accompanies it.

“Simply sitting in a garden or outdoor space can evoke a feeling of tranquillity or happiness, whether it be tending to plants, enjoying downtime with the family, appreciating nature or relaxing with a book.

“For many, the largely good weather throughout lockdown has made these unprecedented times a little more bearable for those who have been isolated and a welcomed distraction for those with children.”

A survey by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) at the height of lockdown revealed that appreciation of gardens had doubled during the pandemic; with seven out of ten respondents saying their outside space has helped their mental health.

It also found:

• Nearly six in 10 people (57%) said they now value their gardens more than pre-lockdown.
• Over half (51%) said they will value their garden more after lockdown.
• Nearly three quarters (71%) of those who have outside space, said their garden, courtyard or balcony had helped their mental health during lockdown.
• Some 60% of respondents felt that having some outdoor space had helped their physical health during the coronavirus crisis.
• Even the smallest gardens have been helping with people’s mental health, with 59% of people with 10 sqm or less of outdoor space saying it helped their mental health.

Find out more about current developments from Vistry/Linden Homes in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Coming soon from Vistry Yorkshire are brand new homes and community benefits to a development near Lincoln, called Bracebridge Heath. This will comprise 120 new homes, a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties, with the first homes due for completion by December 2020. It will have an onsite play area and provision of affordable housing.

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