It is fair to say the COVID-19 pandemic has left many people re-evaluating what is important to them. Many people have found themselves relying more on their local community; and a great number of people have significantly enjoyed engaging with people from their local area.

At Austin Property Services, we have always been keen supporters of the local community. We appreciate what Bournemouth and surrounding areas has to offer, and we like the local area. We know the importance of the local community to homeowners, and prospective buyers.

If, as is likely, more buyers place greater importance on the presence of local communities in their next property move, we believe Bournemouth has a lot to offer.

A recent study indicates the importance of local community these days

Redrow, the UK house-builder spoke to more than 2,000 adults in the UK. The study undertaken by the property builder revealed a top ten of features buyers are looking for when they purchase a new home. The top ten is as follows:

• A park or village green with open spaces cited by 35% of respondents

• Access to smaller shops such as grocers, baker and a Post office said by 33%

• Having a Doctor’s Surgery nearby was listed by 32% of respondents

• 31% of respondents requested bus and train routes nearby

• The importance of a large supermarket close-by was cited by 28% of respondents

• 17% of people who answered stated they wanted local cafes and restaurants

• A pharmacy was listed by 15% of respondents

• Good schools was only listed by 14% of respondents

• Pubs and bars were named by 14% of respondents

• Only 11% of respondents cited the importance of a hospital close-by

Lockdown has changed our lives

James Holmear is the Group Sales Director at Redrow, and he said; “Lockdown has changed our lives dramatically. More time spent in the home has made us reconsider how we use the space that we have, and how our homes can adapt to a more permanent change in the future. Even as more offices re-open, many people will opt to work at home, and people are planning to replace public transport with greener modes of community when they do commute.”

James continued by saying; “This change has translated to huge shifts in buyer preferences on the ground. Now, we are experiencing more customers adapt their search to homes with extra space to work, and more people are looking for proximity to green space and local shops, over good schools, and cafes and restaurants.”

There is ample public space in Bournemouth and surrounding areas, and this has long been a selling point for houses in the local community.

We know many people have questions and queries right now, and we are here to help as best we can. Please get in touch with Austin Property Services if there is anything, we can assist you with. You can call us on 01305 858470 or you can email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..