A HOUSEBUILDER has revealed it has seen a surge in sales due to people working from home and relocating from cities in the pandemic.

The housing market has remained strong in the south east of England over the last 18 months, with demand from homebuyers at an all-time high, says Sussex housebuilder Jones Homes.

The claim is backed by Nationwide’s latest house price index, which revealed that UK house prices are now 13 per cent higher than before the pandemic.

Jones Homes says it has experienced a surge in sales at its developments across Sussex, including locations such as Wisborough Green and Burgess Hill.

The temporary stamp duty holiday, which was brought in by Rishi Sunak last July, was a key benefit in boosting home sales.

The housebuilder says that changing home preferences, including the huge rise in working from home, also contributed to the boom in new sales.

Sara Stanhope, sales and marketing director for Jones Homes Southern, said: “As house prices continue to rise - up 13 per cent over the last year and a half according to Nationwide – it’s clear that the housing market isn’t due to slow down anytime soon, despite the end of the stamp duty holiday.

“When it comes to finding a new home, many buyers’ priorities shifted during the pandemic.

"In addition to an increased demand for home working spaces, one of the most common changes we’ve seen is that more customers seek green open space and countryside on their doorstep – which is what has attracted many buyers to our homes.

“The fact there’s also been significant relocation out of London has also caused a boom in the local property market.

"We’ve welcomed many buyers from South East London postcodes to our Sussex developments, who want more for their money and better access to the countryside – while still benefitting from the excellent commuter links available in this part of the world.”

The five-bedroom Connaught, priced at £925,000, is the only home currently available to purchase at Jones Homes’ Folders Grove development in Burgess Hill.

To find out more call 01444 241938 or visit jones-homes.co.uk.

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