Over the past five years, working from home (WFH) has reshaped how and where people choose to live. Stockport saw a wave of buyers looking for more space, gardens, and flexibility. But with major companies now pushing a return to office working, is the tide turning?
Let’s unpack what’s happening – and what it could mean for the Stockport housing market.
From the home office to the corporate office
During the pandemic, many people moved out of cities in search of bigger homes with home offices and outdoor space. Detached homes in commuter-friendly areas like Stockport became hot property.
Now, companies like Amazon, Barclays and JP Morgan are leading the charge back to five-day office weeks.
According to a Savills report, commercial office take-up in major UK cities is the highest it’s been since 2019 – a clear sign that businesses are returning to centralised working.
But the picture is more complex
A recent Forbes study reveals:
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13% of workers still WFH full-time
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27% follow a hybrid pattern (some days at home, some at the office)
Recruitment firm Hays has also warned that inflexible return-to-office policies could lead to a loss of top talent, with employees citing commuting costs and a poorer work/life balance as key concerns.
So, while headlines suggest a return to pre-pandemic norms, many workers still value flexibility – and this continues to influence housing decisions.
Have buyer priorities changed?
Yes – but not as dramatically as you might think.
A study by Market Financial Solutions shows that while square footage was the number one priority in 2019 (90% rated it as important), by 2024 it had dropped to seventh place (72%).
However, other features remain consistently important:
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Gardens or outdoor space – still a top-two priority
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Strong broadband connectivity
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Off-street parking
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Quality of finish
For many Stockport buyers, space still matters – but it’s no longer the only factor driving decisions.
What should Stockport sellers take from this?
While WFH trends may be shifting, the key to selling your home remains the same: understand what makes your property appealing and market it effectively.
A good estate agent will:
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Highlight the features that today’s buyers care about
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Tailor marketing campaigns to the right target audience
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Offer honest guidance based on local market trends
Thinking of selling your home in Stockport?
At Spencer Harvey, we help sellers like you navigate market changes with confidence.
???? Contact us today for a free valuation and expert advice.
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