How to find your dream home in lockdown

What to consider if you’re looking for a new home during these unprecedented times

25 February 2021: Over the past year it’s fair to say that our lives have changed dramatically and, after the UK Government announced a third national lockdown recently, it seems as though the route back to normality is still some time away. However, as with most things, we’re learning to adapt to a new normal and continue with everyday life as best we can and that doesn’t stop when it comes to buying a new home.

Figures from local housebuilder, Barratt Developments Yorkshire East, show that 540 people have reserved one of its new homes in the region since the first lockdown was announced in March 2020. So, as we see out another national lockdown, Paul Hogan, Sales Director within the East Yorkshire region has some advice for prospective home buyers looking to purchase a brand new home.

Consider your proximity to green space

Last year, we saw the benefits of spending time in nature, with many bringing the outside into their homes to boost their productivity and general mood. Green space has become a key consideration for prospective home buyers, not just in their own back gardens but for their surrounding areas too.

If having access to green spaces is important to you, research new homes within close proximity to safe outdoor spaces with access to public footpaths, green parkland, or woodland walks. 

Flexibility for remote working

Whilst working from home is the current normal, early signs suggest many businesses will take a much more flexible approach to ways of working post-pandemic in order to ease the pressure on office space and employees’ work-life balance.

Having the option and flexibility to work from home comfortably will be a hugely important factor for many. The potential to use a spare single bedroom as a study or even to use a multifunctional kitchen-diner as a potential work space will ensure days spent working from the sofa or bedroom, thus blurring the lines between work and downtime, can be avoided. 

Organise your appointment-only viewing or take a virtual tour

While many activities may be off limits under the current lockdown restrictions, the government is permitting COVID-safe home viewings. Housebuilders such as Barratt Developments are offering new home viewings across their developments on an appointment-only basis to ensure the safety of potential buyers and sales staff remains paramount. Make sure you plan ahead to ensure the sales team at the development you are interested in is able to accommodate your request within your preferred time frame and take a virtual tour of the homes available while you wait for your appointment to get a head start in your new home hunt.

Consider the added peace of mind of a part exchange

Part Exchange schemes can take the stress out of selling your existing home, with the housebuilder stepping in as a guaranteed buyer - additional benefits being that homeowners can secure their new home straight away with the scheme rather than having to arrange a sale first. The removal of estate agent fees and chains have the potential to make the moving process quicker and easier, ultimately eliminating any unnecessary stress during the pandemic.

First time buyer? Use Help to Buy

There are a range of buying schemes available in the UK to help prospective buyers get on the property ladder. The government-funded Help to Buy scheme allows first-time buyers to benefit from an equity loan of up to 20% of the full purchase price of their new home, enabling them to take their first step on the property ladder with as little as a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage. The scheme is available on new build properties in Yorkshire priced up to £228,100.

Barratt Developments has a range of new homes and buying schemes available to prospective buyers across Yorkshire. To find out more, visit: www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk