A survey by property website Zoopla has revealed the extent of homeowners’ changing priorities during the coronavirus pandemic, with almost nine million bedrooms converted to offices, gyms and entertainment rooms.
In to the survey of 2,000 people, conducted this year, 41% said they had changed their home to meet their lockdown needs, with more than half converting at least one bedroom. Looking at the UK’s homeowner population as a whole, this, accordin to Zoopla, means more than 8,850,000 bedrooms have been ‘lost’ during the pandemic.
But the changes haven’t always been welcomed. In the survey, 16% of people who created a new office resented the loss of space. And many people said they had compromised in other areas, with less room for guests, and children having to share bedrooms, in some cases. Two-thirds of respondents believed employers should make some contribution – which had happened in 30% of cases.
Daniel Copley, consumer spokesperson at Zoopla, said: “We were blown away by the figures showing the extent to which our homes have changed as a result of the pandemic.”
The alterations haven’t just been about the need to work from home. More time spend around the house and lockdown restrictions also saw the creation of home gyms, bars, cinemas and music rooms.
Changing priorities have also led to nearly a third of people saying they have considered a home move. According to Daniel Copley: “It’s not surprising that, with so many bedrooms lost, and many home offices set to become a permanent fixture, many homeowners will have realised now is the time for a new home with more space.”
Read more about this story in City AM.
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