Moving house for a good school has been a feature of the property ladder for decades, but for some buyers there are other priorities. A survey suggests that buyers would also consider moving house for a good pub.
As the number of classic local pubs declines, more homeowners consider them a local amenity worth considering when looking for a property. The survey, by the estate agent Jackson- Stops, found that 75 per cent of respondents rated a good pub as the most important “lifestyle” amenity when looking for a new home, ahead of a sports centre, health club and other bar.
Additionally, 26 per cent of buyers said that living near a National Trust property or stately home was a priority. Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson- Stops, said: “It is heartwarming to see the nation’s support for local businesses, a yearning for the high streets of old.
Villages that still embody these characteristics undoubtedly command a sizeable house price premium as a result. “In particular, in the face of depleting local pubs, the popularity of villages and homes near well-regarded watering holes will continue to grab homebuyers’ attention. “Just like our homes, our local pubs can represent more than just a place to eat or drink, acting as a local focal point to make new acquaintances and connect to the community.
They say a dog makes a house a home; then perhaps for British homeowners a pub makes the perfect community.” The survey classified amenities into three categories: lifestyle, local services and shops. Pubs came out top on the lifestyle category, while among local services buyers prioritised GP services, broadband and public transport.
For shops, Britons are also drawn to the traditional high street: post offices, farm shops and butchers all made the top five. Leeming said: “In an economy where many small businesses such as pubs and farms are struggling to survive, those villages and towns with genuinely thriving high streets and well-regarded eateries will be harder to find, and as a result those left will become the focus for prime homebuyers.”
The decline of the local pub has long been linked to a loss of community feeling and belonging. One study by King’s College London even found that the loss of a local pub impacts political behaviour.
Researchers examined the characteristics of pubs across the country and identified those which they labelled community pubs: long-standing local watering holes, often independently owned, which had become the last remaining community space in predominantly working class areas.
Source: The Times
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