BUYAlthough much reported, a mass exodus out of London hasn’t really materialized, with Aspire still registering plenty of new tenants in search of a property in the capital. Our anecdotal observations have now been backed up by fresh analysis from Zoopla. The portal has registered increasing demand for one- and two-bedroom flats in the city, with Hammersmith and Fulham having seen the biggest rise in demand for flats in inner London.
There are two overriding rental trends as we head into summer – movement within London, rather than an exit, and the search for more outside space. In fact, boroughs including Battersea, Fulham and Wandsworth have been flagged up by property experts for their leafy nature and open spaces.
Although renters are moving to be closer to parks and outside attractions, Aspire’s lettings department is noting that today’s tenant must-have is private outside space – fuelled by our new appreciation for the outdoors and hastened by the arrival of sunnier, warmer weather. Coveted outside space can take the form of a balcony, courtyard, garden or even a roof terrace – renters just want a place to catch some rays, grow their own or host a garden gathering.
“As soon as we listed an apartment to rent in Waterside Point, SW11, the enquiries came flooding in. The fact that it enjoys three private balconies is a massive plus point,” says Aspire’s Alastair Hutchinson. “And we’ve just taken on a family house to rent in Fulham’s Narborough Street, which won’t stick around for long. It has bifold doors opening on to a 25ft garden with outside seating, and a balcony off bedroom two.”
Get in touch if you’re a tenant looking for a new rental with outdoor space, or if you’re a homeowner thinking of letting out a property that offers a spot to sit outside.
