First-time buyers 'favour community spirit'

18-Mar-2008

New research has indicated that a significant number of people looking to get onto the property ladder for the first time consider community spirit to be an important influence on their decision to buy.

A survey conducted by Yorkshire Bank revealed that 54 per cent of first-time buyers would spend more on a property in an area that had a "strong sense of community".

Meanwhile, 74 per cent of all the homebuyers surveyed by the firm said that neighbourhood watch schemes are "positive and reassuring".

Commenting on the findings, Gary Lumby, head of retail at the bank, said: "Having a sense of community is still a very important factor in the buying process and there is a genuine desire for neighbourhood watch programmes and community groups."

Earlier this month, Kate Henderson, communications manager for the Town and Country Planning Association, said that people tend to be attracted to homes that have gardens.

She suggested that the "creation of proper neighbourhood centres" is crucial to the provision of housing in the UK.

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