We have taken to swooning over dreamy interior images on social media and striving for the same envy-inducing shots, with 38% admitting they will not take photos of their home if it is not up to the standards that we set ourselves online.
A new survey released by the Home Builders Federation to mark the launch of New Homes Week Unlocked shows that 1 in 5 Brits (19%) state they have spent time cleaning a room in their house specifically to create a background for ‘the perfect photo’ to upload for social media.
New research reveals that nearly a quarter (23%) of Brits aged between 25-34 look to social media for home inspiration every day, compared to just 1 in 7 (14%) aged between 45-54. Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) people across the UK divulge they will not take photos inside their house if it isn’t photo-ready with over half (51%) of those aged 25-34 revealing the same obsession.
Furthermore, with one in six revealing that they would be more likely to update their social media followers about their move if they were buying a brand-new home, it’s no wonder that the new-build Instagram scene has grown so significantly. Real, everyday people are now documenting their new homes and sharing tips and tricks on Instagram, reflecting the increased role of the social media platform on the home buying journey.
According to the research, the most popular first picture excited brand-new home buyers would take for Instagram would be the outside of the house, with almost 1 in 7 (13%) saying they would do this.
Almost a quarter of people aged 25-34 reveal that whilst being in lockdown their interest in interior design has increased, compared to just one in eight (12%) of those aged 45-54. 3 in 10 (30%) of Brits aged between 25-34 say they would be more likely to update their Instagram followers about their move if they were buying a new build home instead of a property that has been lived in.
Overall, 1 in 6 (16%) Brits would be more likely to update their Instagram followers about their move if they were buying a new build home instead of a property that had been lived in.
Stewart Baseley, executive chairman at the HBF comments: “Homes have become our sanctuary more than ever recently, particularly since we have all spent months in lockdown looking at the same four walls. With a new build home, people are proud to show off the design features, clean finishes and custom details.”
Additionally, the research revealed that new home buyers were planning on being very sensible with the savings they will make due to the stamp duty holiday announced by the chancellor. When asked what they would do with the thousands of pounds they could possibly save, 44% revealed they would put it into savings and 19% would splash out on interiors for their new property.
As well as providing valued guidance to potential buyers following the Covid-19 crisis, New Homes Week Unlocked has been designed to support the industry’s comeback. House building can play a major part in helping the economy recover and Government is working closely with the industry to get build levels back up to pre-crisis levels.
The week will focus on supporting buyers to press ahead with the plans they have been forced to put on hold. As show homes around the country re-open their doors, with social distancing safety procedures in place, the event will provide expert guidance on how to take advantage of the fantastic incentives available to purchasers following the Covid-19 crisis. New Homes Week Unlocked will also showcase the vast range of beautiful new homes available around the UK and the benefits of opting for a brand-new build. Modern layouts and fresh interiors promote easy living and a wonderful opportunity to nail the search for the perfect property.
Sophie Robinson, TV presenter, influencer, podcast host and interiors expert, adds: “Instagram and interiors are the perfect match and whether you’re a professional designer or passionate fixer-upper, we’re all plumping cushions, squirrelling away the mess and playing with lighting and filters to get the shots of our homes looking just right.
"New-build homes are a completely blank canvas which is ideal as you aren’t inheriting someone else’s taste. There’s an exciting opportunity to utilise all the brilliant interior advice and design inspiration out there, without the challenges of taking on costly renovations. You can focus on the pretty stuff!”
