What do tenants really want during the pandemic?
The latest data from Zoopla has revealed the most common search terms from tenants between July and September 2020, with the findings showing a shift in attitudes as more people look for places they consider to be ‘pandemic proof’.
Last year saw large disruption to our daily lives following the introduction of new tier systems and multiple lockdowns, forcing people to spend more time indoors and re-evaluate their list of property non-negotiables.
Garden
Zoopla found that being able to have a garden was on the top of the list as the most desirable feature to have in a rental home.
Not only has this been popular across the lettings market, but a recent study also revealed that the price of homes with gardens has hit a four-year high.
Parking and a garage
In close second was enough garage space, with the main purposes being for parking over extended lockdown periods and for an additional room to convert into a home office or gym zone.
Balcony
Balconies were another feature that ranked highly for tenants, specifically in London, where gardens are not always an option.
Pet-friendly
Rental properties that are pet-friendly ranked in fifth, as the word ‘pet’ was one of the most used keywords.
Whilst as few as 7% of landlords advertise their homes as being suitable for household pets, this could change in the near future, as a new agreement has been introduced that prohibits landlords from automatically banning pets.
Last year saw a 20% increase in demand compared to the year before, with a variety of factors contributing to this growth.
If you want further information on how to make your rental property more attractive to tenants, or you’d like help finding your next rental, then please contact our team.
This article was originally published by BriefYourMarket and is reproduced here with their permission.
For more company news and insights from Pygott & Crone, click here
Latest news
EPC C deadline approaches
New date for EPC Rating on Rented Properties
Seven key tenant protections under the new Renters' Rights Act
The Renters' Rights Act 2026
Summer moving guide: What tenants should know about mid-year moves
More tenants move during June, July, and August than at any other point in the year.
Tenant retention in 2026: Why keeping good tenants beats re-letting
```htmlThe numbers that define the current lettings market tell a clear story about supply and demand.
