The Southampton division of Barratt and David Wilson Homes has reported a major spike in website traffic since the market reopened last month, particularly in properties that are set away from big cities, as people look for a change of scenery following long periods in lockdown.
The housebuilder reported an increase in website visits of more than two thirds between April and June 2020. This was one third higher than the same time last year and a record high for the company – showing that there is still an appetite for new home purchases despite the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Barratt Homes Southampton saw particular interest in its Isle of Wight sites, including Hawthorn Meadows in Whippingham and St George’s Gate in Shide, as people seek to move away from the hustle and bustle of busy towns and cities, to be nearer to picturesque walks and more outdoor spaces.
It seems Barratt Homes is not alone in reporting a peak in interest during the lockdown period as COVID-19 has not dampened the spirit of buyers across the industry. Their sales partners at Rightmove and Zoopla have also seen record levels of interest as people begin to think about wanting more space or relocating.
Tammy Bishop, Head of Sales at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southampton, said:
“Since the market reopened last month, we’ve been seeing unprecedented levels of interest, with traffic to our website soaring as well as converting into enquiries.
“We suspect that as people have spent more time at home during the lockdown, they’ve realised the importance of space and comfort, as well as the need for appropriate spaces for homeworking and larger garden and outdoor areas. We’d normally see a spike in traffic over the Christmas period and during the New Year as people look for a fresh new start – so perhaps people are planning for a more positive future and now is a great time to buy for those who are in a position to do so.”
New buyers should contact their local sales office for more detail on specific developments and visit the Barratt Homes websites to book an appointment. For more information visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.
More second homes then great. not
Do we really want or need more “mainlanders” over here? If elderly, they’ll eventually become a burden on an already stretched St. Mary’s (and that was before the virus) and if younger, that’s more going after the soon to be nonexistent jobs. ‘Pity more homes weren’t available for local, young, decent folk.
Once they are advertised on the Web- no chance.
Yes please, we want mainlanders, fresh minds and entrepreneurs to enliven and create new work opportunities, for those who actually want to work. Sadly too many do not and would rather live on handouts. ‘Young decent folk’ can buy if they work hard enough, there aren’t many places in the south with such cheap housing.
Or such low wages.
Im all for entrapeneurs and new ideas fir business growth ..ive lived here alk my life and am being priced out of the market if you take the tome to look we are one of the top of the list fir most expensive housing in the south of england..no more second houses and more for people that made the island what it is..but I wont hold my breath…miney talks!!!!
Hello can you tell me we’re it is cheaper housing in the south. Not including south west. As I wish to no. Many thanks.
Let’s build build build, turning the island into a wonderful concrete jungle, we don’t want green and pleasant land, we want concrete.
Let’s overwhelm St Mary’s and the island roads, Let’s have lots more crime and a low standard of life.
We could be like London, Birmingham, Bradford or Manchester, then we can all be very happy…
Ok you lot who do you suggest moves over to the Isle of Wight. 80% of the elderly in care homes pay their own way. And have paid their national insurance. And give folk on the island jobs. Let’s not go down that road the people from the mainland. Are taking all the housing. I see kids here with kids here with kids of there own. When will they work. Never.good bye and good luck to all.
Of the seven new properties next to mine, mainland familes have moved into five of them in the last few weeks (escaping mainland to a lovely island that had low virus numbers) and I am the only genuine born and bred Isle of Wighter living here. Speaks volumes.
“set away from big cities, as people look for a change of scenery following long periods in lockdown.”
NO, the real reason is NOT a change of ‘scenery’ from City life, just ask these people WHAT they are ‘really’ escaping from.
It ‘won’t ‘ be the scenery.
You don’t need to be a weather man, to know which way the wind blows.
Just look at all that roof space for Solar panels, not one! Oh dear, built facing the wrong way.
Social housing tenants will be more concerned of the inner ‘roof space’ for growing tents. They like their produce fresh.
I’m sure it’s not only social housing tenants that like inner roof space for their fresh produce the middle class home owners can grow it too and probably not get caught because their deemed respectable !!!!
Come to my chicken warehouse you will not find any of that going on. And you can take photos to prov,,,
To anyone who thinks the mainland tourists, who are scouting for properties on the Isle of Purity, don’t bimble about as if they own the place; try this one… After nearly three months of next to nobody down my road at ten o’ clock at night I asked a lady with her dog what she was doing in my neighbours’ private car park. ‘I let the dog wander and I follow…’ was the response. I reminded her that it is customary for a dog owner to be in charge of the animal, not the other way round, and that various private gardens her pooch had already strayed into (previous to the car park) could probably do without some poo every evening for the duration of their stay. Bless me! The attitude – and the gobfull… Yes, more like that over here please.