A Message from Howard
In the wake of Covid 19 the UK experienced an exodus. This was the evacuation of urban dwellers to the land of milk and honey – the countryside.
The flight from city lockdown to a pastoral idyll was and is a compelling idea, especially when working practices have changed so much in the light of the pandemic.
But will this movement last? In a post-vaccination world there may be a gradual drifting back to the pleasures and convenience of big town or city life. But for many the change in lifestyle is now locked in. Roots have been put down in earth rather than concrete.
Many exodus purchases have been a straight swap – town for country. But a good proportion of transactions have been for holiday homes with a view to longer-term permanent living through career change, altered lifestyle or retirement. This is clever thinking as any potential rises in capital gains tax could favour greater investment in principal residences, rather than second homes.
Here on the ground, Lockdown 3 has brought even more buyers and renters to the Bristol market and house price rises have reflected this. And despite the looming end to the stamp duty holiday deadline on March 31st there appears to be little or no let-up in demand. There’s speculation of an extension to the stamp duty holiday but we’ll have to wait for the Chancellor’s Budget on March 3 to see if stamp duty relief is extended beyond March 31.
It has become clear that this unwelcome, horrifying, and shattering disease has also proved to be a time for profound reflection - a catalyst for change for many buyers and sellers. Covid19 has affected the property market in ways that we never expected, and we imagine it will continue to do so for quite a while.
So, whether moving to the land of milk and honey, the city suburbs or elsewhere, the Howard team continue to work hard to meet the demand, while taking all the precautions recommended to keep everyone safe. We are here to support sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants by answering key questions, resolving issues and helping people move safely and responsibly, wherever the exodus takes us.
