With the relaxation of lockdown signalling the reopening of many shops and schools, we’re all taking tentative steps towards a return to normality. It’s certainly not business as usual, but some aspects of life are becoming more active – including property market. The government announced in May that estate agents and housebuilders can reopen their doors and offer viewings.
Having received the green light from the government, are people ready to resume their search in earnest? The early signs suggest that homebuyers have burst out of the blocks: Rightmove revealed that on 13th May, the day restrictions were lifted for the UK’s housing market, traffic to its website immediately returned to normal levels. In the week that followed, sellers looking to place their properties on the market increased by 111 per cent compared to the final week of the property market freeze. Rightmove then released figures in June which revealed that 40,000 new sales have already been agreed since the market resumed. In the same month, estate agent Knight Frank reported its best-ever week outside London, with a record number of offers accepted outside the capital.
Orion Homes’ own experience of the past two months certainly tallies with that evidence. Based on the number of recent enquiries we’ve received from prospective purchasers, it’s clear that homebuying aspirations have reawakened after two months of slumber.
Moving motivation
It’s possible that the experience of lockdown has increased many people’s motivation to move. For them, being stuck at home has magnified its shortcomings, as suggested by Miles Shipside, Rightmove Director and Housing Market Analyst:
“We’re now seeing clear signs of returning momentum, with the existing desire to move now being supplemented by some people’s unhappiness with their lockdown home and surroundings. Those who are ready to take the plunge have jumped immediately into action.”
As we detailed in a recent blog, being confined to home has had the reverse effect on our homeowners: they have grown their appreciation of the space, specification and locations that Orion Homes offer at our developments. With the benefit of luxury living designed and built by Orion, lockdown has been a joy for many of our residents and they are more than happy to stay put!
Safely reopening
Orion Homes are delighted to say that, following their temporary closure in line with government guidelines, our developments have fully reopened. We are pleased to be welcoming visitors again, but we are also conscious that everyone still has a vital responsibility to maintain safety and prevent the spread of coronavirus. The health and wellbeing of our customers, our staff, our contractors and our communities is Orion Homes’ number one priority. With that in mind, visiting and viewing arrangements have adjusted in the immediate term, so please bear in mind the following guidelines when planning your visit:
- Visits are by appointment only – arranged in advance via telephone or our website.
- Our staff are observing 2-metre social distancing on site and we ask that you respect this safety measure too.
- Only one family is allowed in our Sales Offices or Showhomes at any one time.
- We will provide hand sanitiser for your use on arrival and departure.
- No toilets or facilities will be available for customer use.
- Please do not visit if you are in a high risk group. You can find details of these groups at www.nhs.uk.
Our Sales Offices and Showhomes are cleaned and sanitised daily to further increase protection against the spread of the virus. With our social distancing measures in place, you can enjoy your own personal viewing at any of our current developments in Holmfirth, Brayton and Gilberdyke. All three offer plenty of tempting reasons to broaden your post-lockdown horizons with a visit…
Vicarage Meadows, Holmfirth
If you’re looking for luxury, tranquillity and seclusion overlooking expanses of Holme Valley countryside, then Vicarage Meadows is a must-see. This stunning development of detached homes has been selling well and only a few five bedroom homes are currently for sale. Life in lockdown was more enjoyable with the benefit of some warm weather and, with large-south facing gardens and fabulous rural views, some of the remaining plots are perfect for sun worshippers. Our five bedroom Windsor on plot 9 has a south-facing plot and includes the following features:
- Substantial open-plan kitchen/dining/family room with Bosh appliances including American-style fridge/freezer
- Floor tiling to kitchen/dining/family area, bathroom and en-suites
- Ground floor study
- En-suite to two bedrooms, including a bath en-suite to the master
You can view plot 9 here.
The Poplars, Brayton
Like Vicarage Meadows, this sought-after development near Selby was enjoying high demand prior to the hiatus in the property market. Enquiries have continued where they left off before lockdown – and it’s easy to see why, with fantastic features like these:
- Spacious four and five bedroom family living
- Bosch brushed steel oven, hob & hood
- Bosch integrated dishwasher and fridge/freezer
- Tiled flooring and quartz worktops (selected plots)
- En-suite to at least one bedroom
- Utility and downstairs cloakroom
You can view availability at The Poplars here
Jubilee Gardens, Gilberdyke
Enjoying an attractive setting on the quiet fringes of this popular village, Jubilee Gardens is our newest development and it features our newest showhome, which opened its doors a few weeks before the lockdown was introduced. The beautiful three bedroom Wharfedale is ready to view again and you’re sure to be impressed by these features:
- Spacious and versatile layout over three storeys
- Large open-plan dining kitchen
- En-suite to two bedrooms
- Fitted wardrobes to all bedrooms
- Utility room
- Downstairs cloakroom
You can book an appointment to view our Wharfedale showhome and check current availability here
If you’re keen to resume the search for your dream home, why not get in touch today and book a visit to one of our developments? You’re guaranteed a warm welcome (from a two-metre distance, of course) and we’ll give you all the assistance you need to set up a move to a luxury home from Orion.
To arrange your visit, please call 01924 831030 or book via the ‘Arrange a viewing’ buttons our website.
