Home buyers’ expectations in post Covid era

Corona virus pandemic has affected every aspect of our life. We are forced to spend more time indoors than outdoors. A lot of people have to manage their offices from home while children attend their online classes from the next room. This has created unique situations and new requirements. Homes becoming the center of all activities have resulted in being seen as alternative locations for doing many more things which were not considered earlier. Homeowners are now looking at shifting to a new and bigger home or buying another small home in the same project/ floor depending on how have they been affected during this time.

Home buyers’ expectations in post Covid era

The pandemic forced people to make changes to their lifestyle and to their home designs as much as possible. However, everyone has realised that buying a home with an extra room is a better decision than to cut a size. This has also been aided by historically low interest rates and low housing prices. Homeowners looking out to buy houses are looking more for 3 BHK or spacious 2BHK houses than the smaller 2BHK ones which were the best selling earlier. It can be expected that buyers will look for buying homes with spacious designs and larger room sizes. Independent floors, villas and penthouses are expected to be back in vogue. A number of home-owners may also look for buying a second home within the same project, which can be used as a makeshift office under similar situations.

Buyers are also expected to look to buy homes which make living in them more relaxing. Larger balconies and outwardly facing home designs rather than apartments looking into each other will be more in demand even, if these will be a bit costlier. As everyone settles down and adjust to these new realities where even leisure activities will be inside one’s home, buyers will be willing to pay extra for well designed units with good circulation plans.
The preference for amenities is also expected to change fast. If a buyer has to choose between a Jacuzzi and an air-conditioned gym vs. open air sports and gym facilities, buyers are expected to prefer latter over former. Buyers are also likely to select a project basis the kind of amenities available. A simple and functional format where there are shops meeting daily requirements will be preferred over provision of a café or restaurants. A large green with multiple sitting and exercise options will top the list of a prospective home buyer.

Location of the project will also be scrutinised more than ever. A project location that avoids areas which are congested will be preferred even if it is a bit away from city center. The areas with good health care facilities and sanitation infrastructure will command a premium. As customers will be more concerned about their well being, they will prefer housing societies with good housekeeping facilities, even if it means paying a higher maintenance charge.

As all of us get more aware of our health, home buyers will be keen to ensure they understand each related aspect with respect to shortlisted projects before they buy a home. It may mean some extra cost, which will not be a constraint. Functionality of amenities rather than style will be in demand.