SANTA CLARA, CA— With life returning to normal as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, prospective homebuyers have developed a specific set of concerns when it pertains to the items and design features they desire in their next home.
That is the crucial conclusion of a new national study conducted by Realtor.com. The recent online survey involved more than 1,200 adults over the age of 18 who prepare to acquire a home within the next 12 months, according to Realtor.com, which is operated by publicly traded News Corp under a license from the National Association of Realtors.
“ The COVID pandemic ushered in a new way of considering what couch with chaise‘home‘ implies, which is affecting much of what today‘s home shoppers are searching for,“ said George Ratiu, senior financial expert for Realtor.com, which reported that the desire for extra area was the top factor driving home consumers‘ choices to purchase a new home in the coming year. Study responses likewise suggest purchasers are searching for more flexibility in their home space and cost in exchange for a much shorter commute, the brand-new truths of a post-COVID world, Ratiu said.
“ Garages, large backyards and space for pets constantly rank high on purchasers‘ wish lists, but those functions have grown in value,“ he said. “The pandemic has elevated our relationship with family, along with the need for our house to serve multiple functions, specifically the capability to work remotely. As a result, we‘re placing a premium on the need to accommodate extended family, and features like a office and broadband web.“
When asked which house features have actually become a concern as a result of the pandemic, a peaceful location (28%), an upgraded kitchen area (25%) and garage and large backyard (24% each) topped the list. Outside living location (20%), area for pets (18%), updated bathrooms (19%), office and broadband web capabilities (17% each) and open floor plan (16%) rounded out the leading 10 pandemic-induced most wanted home features (see graph, left).
Sixty-five percent of respondents suggested that they are thinking about extended sectional with chaisefamily when they look for a home, with almost a quarter stating that they are preparing to purchase near relative, Realtor.com reported. One-fifth of those surveyed stated they will have extended family dealing with them full time, while 30% stated their brand-new house would require to accommodate extended family sticking with them part-time or going to.
Reducing in importance from previous studies was the need for a brief home office furniturecommute time and a house with smaller square video. For example, just 9% of those surveyed indicated a brief commute time was a top priority, and only 4% said they are searching for smaller sized square video. This was down from 11% and 8%, respectively, prior to the pandemic.