Property and the pandemic
How COVID-19 has changed our property preferences
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the way we live our lives – and the property market has been no exception.
Trends such as home cinemas, so-called “man sheds” and a sudden new love of pantries were already prevalent before February this year, Since then, demand has increased for homes with their own offices or open space.
And that hasn’t been confined to the UK either. We have apartments and villas for sale in Portugal and Turkey and we’re seeing much the same there too.
Not everyone has been able to step away from the office entirely during the pandemic. Many of us have had to find new ways of working, If you have a quiet and comfortable place to set up a laptop, phone and printer, it’s probably been a boon over the last few months.
It therefore goes without saying that a home office has moved up the wish list of many buyers. If you’re selling property and you’re lucky enough to have one – complete with a lightning-fast internet connection – it needs to be mentioned early in any marketing blurb.
Much the same goes for any open space around the home – whether it’s a private and enclosed garden or even just a balcony.
All is rosy in the garden
The coronavirus has been challenge for each and every one of us but, if you’ve been on lockdown or restricted by a curfew, not being able to go outside for any fresh air at all has probably been particularly wearing.
Even a few months ago, a garden may not have been quite so much of a priority; some may even have veered away from the prospect of having to do all that weeding or cutting the grass.
Now, tending plants, perhaps growing a few veg and having somewhere the pets/children can escape has probably helped to keep some of us sane. Again, if you’re selling a property with a garden, a patio or any outdoor space at all, make sure it gets a proper billing in your marketing.
Looking abroad
But if you’re buying property, perhaps now would also be a good time for us to have a word in your ear – particularly if you’re not averse to the concept of a fresh start overseas.
Contrary to what you would expect, not only have the property markets in Portugal and Turkey proved resilient, we’re finding demand is currently outstripping supply – and not just because of the warmer weather.
Perhaps it’s the abundance of space which is often part of a home abroad. It may be that homes tend to be larger and therefore more versatile and include extensive grounds and even private swimming pools.
It may be that Golden Visas currently remain available in Portugal, or that a purchase of a property worth over $250,000 in Turkey opens doors to an application for citizenship.
Open for business
But, whatever the reasons, we’ve had a busy couple of months and, for those considering a Big Move abroad, we’d underline the fact we’re very much open for business. Indeed, if you’re a potential buyer with a plan and funds in place, now is actually a good time to get the ball rolling, particularly in Turkey where there are some very generous mortgage rates on offer.
If you’d like more information or just a chat about your options, why not give us a call or drop us a line? We’d be happy to help if we can.
Alternatively, feel free to browse our blog for previous posts you may find useful or, if you’d like to check out our portfolio, you can find details of properties currently on our books right here.
