City types yearn
for the country in town
Green spaces and celebrity neighbours beat Starbucks.
A rustic, green environment that does its best to re-create the countryside
in an urban setting is today’s must-have for home-buyers, according
to a new survey.
Buyers are less interested than previously thought in trendy bars, restaurants
and coffee chains like Starbucks but just love the trappings of a country
village. Their three favourite green features are:
Parks
Tree-lined streets
Back gardens – small is OK as long as they exist
The survey – by ‘offset’ mortgage provider The One account
- also found that almost a third of estate agents had renamed a suburb a
“village” to excite buyers’ interest.
"People want a relaxed, laid back atmosphere,” comments ‘Location,
Location, Location’ property guru Phil Spencer. “As cities become
more crowded we cherish our private space. A garden or outdoor space is a
valuable get-away from the stresses of modern living. In fact a well maintained
outdoor space can add up to 10% on the value of a property. This figure has
definitely increased in the last few years as people search for tranquility
and calm in the middle of the city."
Who’s your neighbour?
Many feel that celebrity neighbours will add value to their homes, with 14%
of homeowners thinking that a neighbour who is a TV or music star could add
up to £50,000 to their home.
Other highlights from the report include:
More than half (53%) said a 'village' tag would make them think more highly
of an area.
More than a third (36%) would be swayed by living on a 'riverside' development
and 33% want to buy in a conservation area.
A third of homebuyers (34%) judged an area by the type of people walking
around or by the make of cars parked in the street (33%). The key things
most likely to turn off a prospective buyer were high crime rates, traffic
congestion and graffiti.
Some homeowners admit to faking it - 6% said they had alluded to living in
a more prosperous, neighbouring area to make their property sound upmarket.
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