Several factors combined in 2021 to drive demand for family homes. The pandemic 'search for space', the stamp duty holiday and changing working patterns for office-based workers all contributed to a strong focus on family homes, especially in the wider commuter zones and in rural areas.
As Zoopla forecast in early December, buyer demand bounced back strongly at the start of this year, up to 50% compared to usual levels for this time of year.
Demand for flats has also risen sharply.
The flats market outside London has been driven by the re-opening of offices, as well as more buyers considering the value of flats, with average flat prices up just 1.9% over the last year across the UK's 20 major cities. In contrast, the average value of a detached family home in these cities is up 8%. Agents have also reported increased interest from investors and homebuyers from overseas signalling some pent-up demand coming back.
Zoopla