Destination anywhere - how remote working has changed the way that we search for homes
Most of us live relatively close to work, with no more than an hour commute either way. Did you choose your current home because you work close by? Or did you apply for your current employment because it was close to home?
When choosing a home, we take a few key points into consideration. Often, the location is a significant factor in deciding which properties we shortlist to view. We look for a convenient area that suits all members of the household, whether for work or school.
As a result, most of us live relatively close to work, with no more than an hour commute either way. Did you choose your current home because you work close by? Or did you apply for your current employment because it was close to home? Either way, the location is the key.
Until now...
Recent studies have shown that the use of the phrases 'hybrid working' or 'remote working' in new job listings has increased by over 30% since before Covid.
Many of us are seeing office days reduced to one or two per month rather than every day, with most senior job roles requiring a commute for only critical in-person meetings. The rest of our days are spent working from home. We have gained back those hours spent commuting each day. We are also super productive during working hours because there are far fewer distractions from colleagues. Businesses have grown and thrived with remote working policies in place.
And with the massive rise in remote working, many of us could technically choose anywhere in the world to live. With only a few trips into the office per month, we could move out of the rat race and commute without any problem. The train from Newcastle to Kings Cross takes 3 hours - it's a lot if you had to do it every day but not such a big deal if it is once in a while.
Consider this - Do you truly live where you want to, or do you live there because you have to?
If you could choose anywhere, would you settle where you live now? Or would you prefer somewhere completely different? Perhaps a coastal home overlooking the sea or a cottage in the countryside? The world is your oyster; you can live anywhere you like without waiting until retirement to enjoy a more peaceful life.
And if you can now choose anywhere, how do you narrow it down?
It is impractical to search on a major property website with just a price bracket. The result would be so huge you'd likely crash the site. You have to have a way to narrow the search down. But how?
Do you search individually for towns or cities that you like the idea of?
Or do you search for properties in areas where you already have friends or family?
What if you have always wanted to live on the coast? Great Britain is an island, so there are countless coastal towns that you could choose from.
A By Design agent can help.
Simply register your property search requirements, down to the nitty-gritty of what you're looking for, except location. Then let our team of agents from all over the country and the connected database show you the available properties.
You might be pleasantly surprised at what your London property value could buy you outside of London. And if you only need to commute once or twice a month, you could move much further outside of London. Simply select your needs and wants and see what comes back without a specific location.
Perhaps you could live in Newcastle or Manchester? York or Birmingham? All these towns are within 3 hours on a direct train to London. And your budget will likely stretch to some awe-inspiring properties as house prices outside of London are much more favourable.
If you are considering moving further afield now that you can work remotely more often, get in touch today to see what properties are available. You might surprise yourself and be planning a relocation to the country before you know it.
