Second home sales are soaring says the Knight Frank Global Buyer Survey. But where – and what – are buyers looking for? Olivia Palamountain reports
The Covid-19 pandemic has made people rethink every aspect of their lives, including whether or not to invest in a second home, according to the Knight Frank Global Buyer Survey.
The report aims to understand what impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on residential markets and on buyer attitudes. It represents the views of over 700 Knight Frank clients across 44 countries, all of whom have registered an interest in buying property with the estate agent.
Findings show that over a quarter of respondents are more likely to buy a holiday home as a result of the pandemic, presumably to enhance their lifestyle and to use as a retreat in the event of future outbreaks.
Knight Frank data supports this view, with a surge in enquiries witnessed immediately after lockdown in prime holiday home hotspots across France and Italy. Platforms such as eXp Realty are advertising homes for sale in places such as Kamloops BC (British Colombia), with affordable properties in close proximity to nature.
Undertaken between June 5 and June 23, 2020, the findings mirror primary residences, with buyers of second homes prioritising outdoor space, a home study and greater privacy post-lockdown. Almost one in three respondents (32 per cent) is more likely to want a holiday home that they can extend, and 29 per cent are more likely to seek a property offering secondary accommodation.
Almost two-thirds of buyers say when looking for a holiday home abroad they would be influenced by the government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis.
Countries such as Germany, Austria, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and New Zealand, may, as a result, rate highly amongst second home buyers in the coming months. (If they can gain access – some countries will be completely closed until some time in 2021.)
It’s not just second home sales that are rising. One in four survey respondents said they were more likely to move from their primary residence in the next 12 months as a result of the pandemic.
Most respondents who said they were more likely to move in the next 12 months are seeking a different property in the same location (40 per cent). Some 26 per cent are seeking a different property elsewhere in the same country and 34 per cent of those considering a move are considering a purchase abroad (9 per cent of all respondents). But where?
The UK, Spain and France top the list of preferred destinations, followed by Australia, Canada, Switzerland and the US.
Such countries offer a good quality of life, political stability, a secure currency, excellent education systems and in normal times are easily accessible. New Zealand, Portugal, Malta and Norway also ranked highly.
When it comes to motives, upgrading the family’s primary residence ranked highest as the main reason for purchasing
Interestingly, improved access to quality healthcare ranked second – no coincidence, perhaps, as good healthcare is another common denominator of the countries listed as preferred destinations.
KEY FINDINGS
- Future Plans
The UK, Spain and France, are the top three locations for those considering a move abroad post-Covid-19.
- Lifestyle
Access to high quality healthcare is now the second most important reason for a property move.
- Prices
Property values globally are expected to fall although for most buyers their budget remains unaffected by the crisis.
- Second Homes
Over a quarter of respondents are more likely to buy a second home as a result of the pandemic.
- Travel
Over half of respondents have either travelled abroad already or plan to do so within three months of borders reopening.
What’s coming next? Trend reports available to download HERE
