Country trends:
Gideon Sumption of Stacks Property Search, Says: “One way or another, 2020 will bring some political and economic resolution. Whatever that result is, we will see a rush of buyers and sellers as the bottle neck of pent-up demand is released. Expect a busy year.”
Clare Coode of Stacks Property Search, had this to say: “Buyers are increasingly aware of eco-houses that cost pennies to run. A growing sector of property buyers will seek out property that doesn’t leak heat, and that is set up for helping the pocket and the planet. Efficiency has started to trump period beauty – especially for the young, and the older generation who have lost their appetite for high maintenance and draughty homes.”
Gideon adds: “Say goodbye to bi-fold doors, and a big hello to Crittall-style metal doors and windows. All the door specialists are busy rearranging their showrooms as we speak.”
Clare says: “Pale grey is on the way out, the new pale grey is dark blue, dark aubergine, dark anything, especially jewel colours. When it comes to paint, be bold, be brave, and get your lighting on point.”
Craig Fuller of Stacks Property Search, comments: “Swimming pools with their harsh chemicals will be converted to natural eco pools; vegetables will no longer be confined to far flung and disguised vegetable patches, they will appear nearer the house and in borders. Formal beds will become informal, using many grasses whose seed-heads look attractive in autumn and early winter as well as spring and summer.
Amanda Ake of Stacks Property Search, adds: “Verandas and outdoor cooking areas will become increasingly important and sophisticated, alongside the obligatory al fresco entertaining space. Where budget and space permits, expect to see full outdoor kitchens wired up for lighting and music.”
Clare suggests: “The UK holiday market is valuing quality over quantity. Demand will grow for holiday properties with two large and luxurious en suite bedrooms than similar sized properties that are more basic and that have squeezed in four bedrooms. As they’re not reliant on the family market, they maximise year-round potential. For maximum return, be best at what you are.”
Gideon concludes: “Bee keeping is the new chicken keeping. And expect to see more tiny vineyards. Expect to pay between 40% - 45% of the price of the finished article for single plots of development land. Plots of land that have previously been considered unviable for development will meet required criteria due to new and sophisticated building techniques.”
London trends:
Sara Ransom, Stacks Property Search, said: “Buyers requirements are changing. Important to a younger generation of buyers are EPC ratings, storage for bikes, and being close to parks and green spaces. Buyers will be happy to buy a bit further from the tube in 2020 – there used to be a clear ‘ten minute walk’ limit, that’s now become 15 minutes, and I expect it to increase. The extra distance to the tube means more property to the pound, and necessitates more exercise which for the Fitbit generation is seen as a good thing.
Next year will see a growing demand to live in areas which offer a community and village high street feel. London homeowners like local shops and cafes, and want to know their neighbours. The so-called ‘Waitrose effect’ is also fading as the independent organic and healthier local shops become a clear sign of an area which is up and coming.”
