How new build developments may offer the space solution in a post pandemic world

The changing dynamic has prompted many to look for houses further from city centres, in a bid to find more indoor and outdoor space.

In a recent Redrow survey about post-COVID living preferences, 80 per cent of people said they would find having somewhere for a dedicated working space useful.

Additionally, 65 per cent of those who responded in Yorkshire revealed having an area to exercise in or create a home gym would be beneficial.

It comes after property website Zoopla found that more than half (51 per cent) of home owners are stuck in a property that does not meet their needs.

These people are typically staying in their home for four and-a-half years after they have realised it is no longer suitable.

On average, they estimate they would require a further £125,000 on top of the value of their current home to get a suitable property, according to Zoopla.

The need for more space was one of the main reasons people said their home was not suitable, the property website’s survey of more than 2,400 home owners in May found.

Some were living in an area where they did not want to live and some needed space to work from home.

Redrow, the developers behind Thorp Park and Aspen Park in east Leeds, said that its new homes are the "perfect solution" to these problems.

The housebuilders said that the three-storey properties in Aspen Park, in Garforth, are ideal for people looking to 'upsize' as it offers flexibility for homeowners to adapt and use each floor and living space as they choose.

Steve Jackson, sales director for Redrow Yorkshire, says: “People have become increasingly conscious of creating the ideal work-life balance and finding a quality home in a good location is often the first step towards that.

“This has been magnified in the last year due to the pandemic.

"People have realised how important it is to look after their physical and mental health – hence desiring homes in rural and semi-rural areas, close to green spaces or with good access to them – and they want to create a home that works for them in every part of their lives.

“With more people continuing to work from home or shifting to a combination of home and office working, having a specific area for work is hugely important so they can come away from it at the end of the working day.

"Another important factor is being able to exercise and stay healthy, and that can be where a home gym is useful too. Three-storey homes make all of that possible.”

The housebuilder has a variety of this house style available at Aspen Park.

Among the most popular is the Montpellier, four-bedroom semi-detached townhouse, with prices from £349,950.

With a large kitchen and dining area on the ground floor, as well as a spacious lounge and cloakroom, the Montpellier has room for growing families.

On the first floor are two double bedrooms, the main with en-suite, and a family bathroom and, on the second floor, are two further bedrooms and a second bathroom.

It is these two floors, Redrow says, that especially offer the versatility to use rooms on either floor as a home gym or office.

Mr Jackson said: “The space is there to be used however the homeowner wishes. There are numerous possibilities. Families with older children sometimes prefer to give them the top floor, allowing them a little more privacy.”

And there are other benefits for buyers at Aspen Park. Garforth is a small town in the east suburbs of Leeds with all the desired retail and leisure amenities, a great sense of community and ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ schools within a short walk.

There is a collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes currently available from £241,950.

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