The noticeable rise in the number of second home owners ultimately comes down to the change in lifestyle caused by the events of the pandemic. Buyer’s prerequisites have changed, while they once wanted to live within easy access to the city and a short distance from a station, they are now looking in more remote pockets of the countryside. It is clear that for many they have no desire to divest themselves of their principle residence, but they are now keen to ensure they have access to a house in the country too, giving them the best of both worlds.
With the ability to now work independently from the city and with the hospitality sector at a standstill, access to a station has become redundant. Instead, people are looking for larger homes with green spaces and recreational facilities as they are now spending more time at home than ever before. The benefits of acquiring a home both in the city and in the country means that as restrictions ease and the city opens up again they are able to jump right back into the urban and commuter lifestyle, whilst still having access to that life in the country that they have become accustomed to.
For some, this feels like a permanent change to their living arrangements and being able to switch between city and country will become long term. Whereas for others, they see this set up as a temporary way to handle lockdown and have chosen to rent a property in the country on a short term basis.