Sunderland property market is booming post-lockdown as Wearside estate agent reveals most desirable locations to live

Coastal locations, homes with gardens and being close to amenities are the most coveted features for house hunters, according to Sunderland estate agent Peter Heron.

Despite the economic uncertainty, property is one industry which is thriving estate agents say.

Having stayed at home for months, and with the threat of local lockdowns ever-looming, people are now looking to buy a home with the features they have always dreamed of.

“People are realising now that life is too short to be second guessing themselves when it comes to buying property,” says Ashley O'Carroll, managing director at Peter Heron.

"There is now a massive appetite when it comes to living in areas close to big open spaces like the coast or the leafy suburbs of Sunderland, such as Barnes and Tunstall, where there are a lot of open spaces.”

Influenced by the pandemic, Mr O’Carroll said a lot of buyers now want to live in open spaces rather than in the city centre.

Homes with gardens are increasingly desirable as buyers want to be able to spend time outdoors.

"It's all about being in a village location, a leafy suburb or by the coast and having that all important outdoor space,” Mr O’Carroll said.

"It’s about having a lovely garden where you will spend most of your time.

"If there is a second peak, or if the Government enforces a regional lockdown, I think a lot of families would prefer to have their own space to sit out.”

Peter Heron has seen sales increase by 25% in June and July across its two branches compared to the same period last year.

Instructions for new sales were also up by 15% in June and July compared to the same period last year.

"The increase in sales has not come as a surprise because the pandemic is [now] at the forefront of people’s choices that they make in life,” Mr O’Carroll said.

"[People are thinking] life is too short to be dallying over buying their first home.”

Over the last two months, the estate agent has sold 20% more homes than it listed, which is pushing up prices.

Meanwhile millennials are also on the lookout for a family home instead of renting or going for a traditional first-time-buy.

"Covid-19 has fuelled demand and led to a spike in value,” Mr O’Carroll said.

"We are selling property from £30,000 to £800,000 and they are selling in a matter of days rather than weeks.”

Mr O’Carroll said: “The property market in Sunderland is absolutely flying.”

Most popular areas

Peter Heron says sought after postcodes are SR6, SR2 and SR3.

Popular areas for buyers are Seaburn, South Bents, Whitburn, Cleadon and East Boldon.

Some of its most in demand houses on sale in Sunderland include Cliff Road, Ryhope Village, Weardale Avenue, South Bents, Spire View, and Pebble Beach, Whitburn.

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