With the pandemic changing working habits, and creating the flexibility to work from home, it comes as no surprise that many employees are continuing to choose to work remotely for a portion of the week.
In a survey conducted in May 2022 by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), 24% of employees are continuing to work remotely due to the benefits it brings, like the savings on commuting for example. As such, many housebuilders of new homes are building coworking areas into their developments, offering residents greater choices of location and amenities.
Access to open spaces and excellent commuter transport links are of particular importance. In addition to security and energy efficiency, they desire car charging stations.
Developers are responding to these changes by constructing housing designs with more open-plan interiors, allowing a spare room to serve as a study place. The placement of houses and flats inside beautiful common gardens, often with shared allotments, encourages homeowner interaction, but houses also have their own grounds.
There is a strong focus on increasing the number of green spaces available to residents, which has seen the addition of more landscaped gardens being included on developments. These green spaces are to enhance well-being and provide a space for residents to relax or unwind while taking in their surroundings. Other amenities include fitness facilities, including gyms, swimming pools or spa treatment rooms, as well as on-site shops and coffee houses.
Working from home can be advantageous for a variety of reasons, but it can also lead to loneliness when people move to a new place, out of their comfort zone, and miss their families and co-workers. As a result, housing must be modified to foster cooperation among neighbours. This means permitting well-mannered pets!
Some developers are choosing to include concierge services as part of the amenity offer. This offer varies from a daily service to a 24-hour service and provides a layer of extra security.
Phil Scott
Director
About the author
Phil has worked in the financial services industry since 1992, having started with a large insurance company. He went self employed in 1996 as an Independent Financial Adviser before setting up his first company, Needham Market Home Financial in 1999.
After four years, he decided to concentrate solely on mortgages and related insurances, and The Mortgage Centres was born. Since then, Phil has been influential in the opening of several new offices as the business continues to grow.
Qualifications
Financial Planning Certificate: 1,2 & 3
Year Attained: 1992
Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CEMAP)
Year Attained: 2001
- Blog
