Working from home encourages more moves

Working from home is encouraging more homeowners to moving house, according to research by Barratt Homes and GoodMore Global Ltd.

The research explored attitudes to working from home and the impact homeworking has on the property market.

According to the research, a third of those expecting to work from home for three or more days a week said they were more likely to move house than before the pandemic. It also suggested that those who think they will be able to work from home for 3-5 days a week are now prepared to move up to an hour away from their workplace.

The research suggests that more than a third of people expect to be working from home regularly in the future, with 40% expecting to be working from home at least 3 days a week.

Karly Williams, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt North Thames, commented: “Lockdown has clearly been a massive change for most companies with the decanting of offices in towns and cities as people increasingly work remotely. This is changing people’s views on how and where they want to live by not being tied to their office.

“With a further announcement calling for people to work from home where possible, we will likely see this continue with the knock-on repercussions in the housing market. Those who’ve been on the fence about leaving a big town or city may take this second announcement as the push they need to make their move.

“The survey results show there is a desire to move and combined with current stamp duty savings available, it’s helping to keep the housing market buoyant even in the midst of a second lockdown.”