Spring at The Modern House: London revival, the rise of suburbia and the importance of a sustainable home
Grass is Greener
So far this year, we’ve noted the love affair with all things bucolic growing stronger as countryside homes continue to fly. There are plenty of sold spaces that exemplify this, including this four-bedroom house in the peaceful village of Lower Chapel near Brecon and this exceptional house in a secluded hamlet in West Sussex. Speaking of out-of-town homes, we recently sold this wonderful contemporary house on the shores of Glenelg in the Scottish Highlands, which received an astonishing amount of interest. In fact, it’s been one of our most-loved homes of 2022 to date.
London Calling
When this rare Type 8A apartment on the Barbican Estate came on the market, we were delighted and surprised by the positive response we had. Of course, we’re all big fans of Chamberlin, Powell & Bon’s remarkable brutalist architecture – and we can bet many of you are, too – but the interest marks a shift, we think, in the appeal of urban centres that’s been in flux since the pandemic started. The capital’s heart is beating again, thanks in part to the revival of its thriving art, culture and culinary scene post-pandemic – and it seems many buyers want a bite. The much-talked-about exodus from London is now the return.
Suburban Rise
So much so, in fact, there’s high demand for homes that are within easy reach of the capital, too – those situated within the suburbs. Not only do they offer that close connection to the city, but they’re also playing host to flourishing new businesses and young families that flocked to these areas during lockdown, both of which are contributing positively to the local communities. “A lot of great modernist developments were built in these kinds of places,” explains Head of Appraisals, India Alexander, in an article for The Sunday Times. “We have seen buyers really drawn to suburbia, where they can be within easy reach of a town but have a green view from their window.” A leading example of this is this mid-century house on a peaceful tree-lined cul-de-sac on the Dulwich Estate, which went under offer within just seven days of coming to the market, as did this 1960s home on The Ryde in Hatfield.
Clean Investment
It’s likely that many of you are thinking about ways to be more sustainable, and thankfully, when it comes to our homes, it’s becoming easier and more accessible than ever before. As oil prices soar, renewable energy sources are the cheaper alternative for the very first time. Why not invest in solar panels and air source heat pumps? The current VAT relief makes these options to consider. And with the cost of living on the rise, there’s never been a better time to future-proof your home by making it as energy-efficient as can be. There are plenty of new builds on the market that are doing this already, such as this contemporary home with a natural swimming pond in Somerset, which is currently under offer. Another standout example in this field is this brilliant home that lies within the eco-housing community of Forgebank, which sold through us in January.
DIY Homes
More and more of you are interested in getting hands-on with your homes, too. We’ve had plenty of plots of land come on the market over the last six months, and recently sold this site over two acres in Hampshire. We have also seen a great deal of interest in homes that have planning permission to build on to, such as this mid-century home in Sheffield, which recently sold with full planning for a modernisation scheme, including a refurbishment and extension. Other fine examples of homes attracting the beady eye of buyers in pursuit of a project include architect John Kay’s former home near Clapham Common, which is under offer.
Closing the Door to Open Plan
One of the most surprising interiors trends is that doors are having a renaissance. Yes, that’s right, there’s been a decline in the desire for open-plan living of sorts. Hear us out: having spent increased amounts of time at home, people have come to realise the importance of rooms that provide retreats within a home. For those that share their dwellings, the multiple lockdowns meant an unexpected stretch was spent with fellow residents. Having separate spaces to escape to has become something of a luxury; solitude, at times, can be a form of self-care. As a result, homes with garden studios, offices and peaceful nooks are hot tickets: this recently sold home in Dulwich, for instance, comes with its very own recording studio, which can be transformed to suit its new owners.
Prime Time
While our prime buyers have always tended to be relatively agnostic about location, traditionally prioritising space above all else, the recent market has seen enormous demand for a shortlist of particular areas. In London, these have included Primrose Hill, Notting Hill, Hampstead, Highgate and Kensington. The thread that ties these all together? Close proximity to green open spaces. While the desire for countryside homes remains too, a heightened appreciation for London’s culture, convenience and excitement is defining the mood of spring. It is also of note that buyers have wide eyes for beautifully finished houses – an asset within an uncertain world economy; an investment that can be enjoyed physically and emotionally.
We understand that buying a home is one of the most important and emotional decisions many people might make, and the lack of stock that’s defined the market has been making it even more difficult to find the perfect one. But we’re particularly excited about the latest crop of houses to just come to market – from this contemporary home inspired by the local vernacular of the Isle of Skye in Scotland to this beautifully renovated 17th-century house with a thoroughly modern annexe, currently used by its architect owner Annabelle Tugby as a studio. And there’s plenty more to come – watch this space.
