Movebubble reveals that searches for properties with a garden were up 193% compared to the week before lockdown - highlighting renters' newfound appreciation for the need to have access to the outdoors.
The firm analysed internal data of over its 700,000 users comparing week 16 (w/c 16 March), to week 19 (w/c 4 May) and found the appetite for terraces has also leapt by 204% - shining a light on how Britons are now placing newfound importance on access to Vitamin D when searching for a new place to call home.
A surge in searches for properties with bike storage, up 1500% over the same period since mid-March also emerged - further reflecting this greater appreciation of the outdoors with a demand for mobility amid concerns about catching coronavirus on public transport.
Aidan Rushby, CEO of Movebubble, commented: “Weeks of uncertainty and restricted hours outdoors have forced people to reassess what they really want from their home. Whilst traditionally, many would be willing to forgo an outdoor space in favour of a larger kitchen, we are now seeing the opposite trend emerge.
“Since the lockdown came into effect, not only have we seen behaviour rapidly adapting to Home Walkthrough video viewings – but we can also see a pattern of desires coming to light in the search for a new home.
“These include the need for additional space in the form of bike storage - so people can travel safely and minimize the need for public transport.
“The shock of coronavirus sweeping the globe has forced us into a total re-evaluation of our lives. Our research shows us that one in three [34%] British renters now plan to make dramatic changes when things return to something close to normal.
“As we evolve and adapt to new ways of working and living, video viewings will become the new norm - paving the way to solve many of the problems around physical viewings.
“Our Home Walkthroughs function enables people to confidently virtually view as many properties as they’d like - all from the safety and security of their current home - and find the perfect home to fit their post-Covid-19 lifestyle.”
