According to recent research, location, location, location is no longer the top priority for homebuyers, with larger living areas and flexible space now taking the number one spot.
It is little wonder these factors are influencing the decision making process when the day-to-day use of homes is changing so much. This is particularly relevant with the growth of the ‘boomerang generation’ with adult family members returning after university or a spell in the rented sector, and a record number of people now working from home.
With this in mind, it is critical that both homebuilders and suppliers understand these changing trends and homeowner desires. They must design the homes that property purchasers really want, whilst offering a wider choice of options that can improve future living space flexibility.
What property purchasers really want
British Gypsum’s research of current and future homeowners’ needs was commisioned to gain an insight into consumers’ aspirations when looking for and then living in their new home.
According to the poll of over 2,000 UK adults, 66 per cent stated that large living spaces are a ‘clincher’ when it comes to finding and buying the perfect property. When asked about the reason for moving, the need for more bedrooms (again 66 per cent) and a change in lifestyle (63 per cent) were amongst the main contributing factors given.
Homebuyers are now looking for in-built versatility in the home. Whether this is greater flexibility, improved storage space or interactive spaces, there is an increased desire to find products and built in systems that cater for these changing needs.
An increase in home offices
In the first three months of 2014, official ONS statistics showed that 4.2 million UK employees worked from home. The need for functional areas that can act as home offices is really putting pressure on much needed living space. However, new products are entering the market to help satisfy that need to ‘multi-use’ existing space.
One key element of office work is notice board and design areas. Making the most of wall space by creating interactive surfaces can actually provide additional space within a property. White and blackboard paints are great examples of ways to convert plain surfaces into functional boards. This eliminates the need for post-it notes or paper to-do lists taking up space. Designs or drawings on these surfaces can be easily updated or removed throughout the working day.
With flexible living space also a key concern, innovative products that allow rooms to be easily transformed for a different use are also becoming more desirable. The Lifestyle Wall allows fixtures and fittings, like shelves, curtains and TVs, to be simply fixed to the wall with screws, eliminating the need for specialist fixings. This means homeowners can easily move objects around as the use of the room changes. A nursery or small bedroom can be easily converted into a home office and back again when necessary.
The need for innovation
Understanding of the homeowner’s needs and the knowledge of ways to satisfy them will not only influence product creation and innovation over the coming years, but also provide added opportunities for homebuilders when developing new properties and communities.
By understanding home use trends, homebuilders can create interactive and flexible living space at very little extra cost. Developers can also help the process by suggesting creative design ideas and products that help ensure, the sometimes-limited living spaces they create, are as versatile, comfortable and tailored as possible to the purchaser’s needs. This will achieve the ideal design solution and ensure homes can be adapted to meet the homeowners’ changing lifestyle and needs.