Many of us have really gotten to know our homes – and how our families use them – over the last few years. And as we settle into new routines, embrace hybrid working and seek to really maximise the space we live in, the ‘wish list’ elements that prospective homebuyers are looking for in their property search has evolved.

We caught up with Cala’s Group Design and Technical Director, Steve Rule, to get his thoughts on what people are now looking for and prioritising when searching for a new home…

 

A shift in how we live

Steve said: “Customer demand for certain elements in the home is something we are constantly monitoring and adapting our designs to accommodate, and over the last couple of years there has been a real shift in what house hunters are looking for.

“Buyers are considering in much more detail what they really want and need from their home, and on truly optimising their space, especially as many are spending more time there through home or hybrid working. The ‘wish list’ for a new property has therefore become more sophisticated and is also now influenced by environmental considerations as we all strive to live in a more sustainable way.

The ’wish list’ items for our homes

“One of the elements in demand these days is garden rooms. These are normally off the kitchen, extending the ‘hub’ of the home, and provide lots of natural light, creating a really versatile space.

“Open plan family areas remain popular, but we’ve recently seen demand for an additional dedicated space for formal entertaining or working/studying which is something we’ve incorporated in our homes. We also provide a data point and additional power sockets in the smallest bedroom of our properties to better accommodate home working.

“Utility or laundry spaces are a priority too, as families look to safeguard the natural flow of their main living spaces and reduce clutter, and we are providing these in all Cala’s range of Light & Space homes over 1300sq. ft. as standard.

Living more sustainably

“From a sustainability point of view, smart home tech has become very important – one way we’ve addressed that is by offering the Google Nest Smart Learning Thermostat on various developments. Underfloor heating is becoming more popular too, both for environmental reasons and for the improved aesthetic it offers.

“We’re also rolling out various energy saving measures in our homes which have risen up the agenda for our buyers – from air source heat pumps and EV charging points to water saving fittings and PV/solar panels. Each development and home are different so we work hard to identify the best sustainable solutions that will benefit our customers and the environment.”

 

View our homes for sale in Scotland and England.

Cala News & Lifestyle

The design of a home doesn’t stop at the door... We are passionate about sustainable and inclusive communities. Our homes look good together, mature well over time and sit well within their surroundings.
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