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 its 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.

The Oxfordshire housebuilder’s 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 for Pye Homes as they continue to offer a range of significant new communities. They are currently creating their Church Farm development with homes for sale now, as well as a final spacious and family friendly home at Temple Gate in Marcham. Both locations offer a lifestyle centred around commitment to quality, heritage, community, and sustainable living that defines Pye Homes. Coming soon, Pye Homes are also part of an exciting new venture in Hampshire, as one of the home builders creating Welborne Garden Village, close to Fareham. 

Church Farm 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. The house builder has paired traditional materials with contemporary design, alongside innovative features, to ensure the homes are adaptable for everyone. 

The home builder has a long-standing history with the village of Marcham, in which they’ve already built over 50 homes in the last 10 years, and their Temple Gate development has just one home left for sale; The Gowans is a generous home offering room for the whole family, boasting four bedrooms and three bathrooms. 

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