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UK homebuyers favour short commutes and recreational facilities

Britain is increasingly becoming a ‘recreation nation’, according to new research from Santander Mortgages. The figures reveal that cutting the daily commute and having nearby access to leisure facilities such as green spaces, sports facilities, bars and restaurants is becoming more important for those looking to buy a home, while features of the property itself are becoming less important.

Cutting the daily commute is the most important factor for homebuyers, with 33% of Brits looking to buy a home citing closeness to work as essential and 28% naming proximity to public transport as a key factor, more than any other categories.

House hunters are increasingly looking to maximise their free time by buying properties near leisure facilities, with increases in the number of those naming proximity to bars and restaurants since the research was last conducted in 2011 (8% up from 6% in 2011) and proximity to sports facilities (5% up from 2%). Nearby access to green space also remains key, cited by 17% of respondents.

In contrast, features inside the home are becoming less important to prospective homebuyers, with decreases in those valuing more space (27%, down from 29%); having a garage or parking (15%, down from 18%); a south-facing garden (12%, down from 18%); and a private outdoor area (11%, down from 14%).

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