This isn’t a time to make a rushed decision in the property market, or indeed, any aspect of your life. The past year has been highly challenging, and it is fair to say the start of 2021 hasn’t been easy.
However, life moves forward, and the housing market remains open. This has been the case throughout the 2021 lockdown, and it will be the case as we move forward.
The impact of the stamp duty holiday means many people have moved in the past year. This might dampen down property moves for the rest of the year. Also, it won’t be a surprise if many people take a cautious approach to property moves.
There are always reasons to move home
However, there will always be reasons to move home. A recent study suggests changes in relationship status will be a driving factor in property moves this year.
Yes Homebuyers conducted a survey which outlines the reasons why people are moving home:
· Divorce or end of a relationship cited by 23% of respondents
· Relocating for personal reasons said by 21% of respondents
· A desire to have more space was said by 19% of respondents
· 11% of respondents said they were relocating for work reasons
The same study also suggests searches for divorce guidance have increased by 25% due to COVID-19, and enquiries with divorce specialists have risen by 122%.
Other findings include:
· 57% of people say leaving their home was more upsetting than ending a relationship
· Only 25% of movers have been forced to leave a property they would have preferred to stay in
Matthew Cooper, Founder & Managing Director of Yes Homebuyers, commented: “There are a number of key life events that cause us to move home and unfortunately, divorce is one of them. We’ve seen a number of reports around a spike in divorce proceedings and breakups due to the additional stress placed on relationships during lockdown. So it’s no surprise that it ranks as the driving factor for home moves at present with Covid causing restrictions in other areas of life such as marriage and relocating for work. For some, a breakup will mean a double whammy of leaving their partner and a home they love, but luckily the number of us forced to leave a property we would prefer to stay in remains rather low. However, it says a lot about us as a nation of bricks and mortar lovers when having to leave a home is more upsetting than leaving the person we shared it with.”
We believe Finchley is an ideal setting in these challenging times. The area is well-known for having a soothing and calm environment. The stunning streets are leafy and picturesque.
Finchley is well-placed
We also believe Finchley is extremely well-placed. You are close to vast woodlands if you feel London life is getting too much for you. However, you will also find transport options in, out and around the capital are straightforward from a Finchley base.
The makeup of Finchley residents covers many people and backgrounds. There is an artistic community, there are young families, professionals, and even downsizing people and couples. Finchley is a great place for many people, and if you are making a change, we believe it is one of the leading locations in London.
We are widely recognised as one of Finchley's leading and most successful independent Estate Agents and have been established since 1989. We can provide you with a property valuation or whatever property or lettings market support you need, and if you are looking for property in the local area, sign up for our property alert service.
If you have any questions about the housing market, or you need assistance, please contact David Harris & Co today. Call us on 0208 346 9122.