Sustainability and community are top must-haves for homebuyers

A sense of community and energy efficient features are essential items on new-build house hunters’ shopping lists, a survey from housebuilder Pye Homes has found.

A poll of our customers and prospective buyers revealed that 98% of respondents said it was important* they felt part of a community, while over a third (34%) rated energy-efficient features as important* in a new home - more important than a garden (24%) or parking (17%).

Only location (96%), affordability (57%) and the number of rooms (56%) were deemed more important than sustainability in a new home.

Our survey also found an open-plan kitchen/dining room (67%) was seen as the most important house feature when looking at new homes - and, perhaps surprisingly for a nation of car owners, a garage (19%) was seen as the least important feature. This suggests that there may be a shift towards homeowners using more active modes of transport like cycling or walking, or utilising public transport methods.

When asked about the biggest challenge of buying a new home, finding the right location and price (both 33%) were the joint highest problems.

When it came to the biggest mistakes made when house hunting, the two biggest issues were seen as ‘not defining your priorities/must-haves’ (23%) and ‘rushing your decision’ (17%).

Graham Flint, Pye Homes MD, said: “This survey makes for fascinating reading, and shows the importance of continuing to build homes which not only care for the environment, but which have communities at their heart. It’s satisfying to hear this feedback, as both are fundamental to Pye Homes’ philosophy.”

It’s an exciting time as we continue to offer a range of significant new communities. Our Church Farm community in Radley was created with sustainability in mind; when complete, it will comprise of 240 homes with natural green spaces and community areas including a playground, community orchard and natural green spaces, for public gatherings or casual meet ups. We have paired traditional materials with contemporary design, alongside innovative features, to ensure the homes are adaptable for everyone.

We are also part of an exciting new venture in Hampshire, as one of the home builders creating Welborne Garden Village, close to Fareham.