Tag: Trends

The Rise of Wellness in Real Estate

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Wellness now shapes the way we choose to live and where we call home, says Toto Lambert, The Buying Solution’s specialist Partner in London – and also a yoga teacher and qualified nutritional therapist. Here, she discusses emerging trends and how our expert buying agents can secure exceptional properties designed to elevate the wellbeing of our clients.

Woman in ice bath wearing grey WHOOP health tracker on wrist.
Image: WHOOP

Wellness is big business and the UK is leading the way in Europe, with the industry in this country estimated to be worth over US $223 billion. Evolving into more than just a personal pursuit, wellness has become a defining factor in how we live and where we choose to call home. At the forefront of this movement is the growing demand for properties that support and enhance our sense of wellbeing, reflecting both environmental and technological trends.

For those navigating the complex and competitive property market in London and the Southern Counties, the expertise of a specialist buying agency is invaluable in sourcing homes that cater to these shifting priorities.

The Rise of Wellness Technology in Homes

Wellness tech, from AI-powered wearables to sleep-optimisation devices, has seen a meteoric rise. Tools like WHOOP health monitors, Oura Rings, and devices designed for nervous system regulation are no longer niche accessories; they’ve become lifestyle staples for many.

How we set up our homes to accommodate wellness tech and AI is becoming ever more important. The implication for properties is clear; spaces need to adapt. Homes with integrated smart systems or the potential to incorporate such technologies are in high demand. Whether it’s a bedroom designed for smart sleep tracking or room layouts that allow for unobtrusive tech integration, the modern home is becoming a wellness hub.

Creating a Sanctuary: Environmental Wellness

In tandem with technological trends, there’s a growing emphasis on environmental wellness ­– both within the home and its surrounding environment.

Internally, clients are seeking homes that allow for serene, restorative spaces. Zen dens – tranquil zones designed for digital detox – are replacing the traditional man cave, reflecting a shift towards relaxation and recovery over recreation. Reformer rooms for Pilates or spaces dedicated to Nordic wellness practices like infrared saunas and ice baths are becoming coveted features.

Externally, proximity to green spaces remains a top priority; a demand accelerated by the pandemic that shows no sign of slowing down. Areas such as Hampstead with its famous outdoor swimming ponds on the Heath, Richmond with its 10-acre Ham Lake outdoor pool within a large nature reserve, and neighbouring areas to Hyde Park which houses the Serpentine Lido, are all excellent choices for wellness-oriented buyers.

Wellness by Design: Natural Light, Quiet Spaces and Soundproofing

The design of the property itself plays a crucial role in supporting wellness. A wealth of natural light – essential for mental health and vitality – is a non-negotiable for many buyers. Soundproofed interiors and bedrooms positioned in quieter areas of the home are also in high demand, reflecting a desire to minimise stress and maximise rest. More intimate spaces dedicated to calming pursuits are being carved out; with the likes of flower rooms, listening rooms, even star-gazing rooms growing in popularity. Our extensive network of leading architects and interior designers is uniquely equipped to expertly craft these highly sought-after spaces in any new home.

Freehold homes offer greater flexibility to add bespoke features such as smart saunas, reformer rooms, or dedicated relaxation areas. I have even seen hyperbaric oxygen chambers – favoured by athletes for recovery – installed in private homes. Apartments, meanwhile, are not exempt; balconies are increasingly being adapted for wellness, housing everything from compact ice baths to zen-inspired switch-off areas.

Deer in Richmond Park at sunrise
Image: Unsplash
Location Matters: A Slower Pace and Better Air Quality

Geographical considerations are just as critical. Beyond green spaces, buyers are looking for areas with better air quality, less noise pollution and a village-like feel. Outer London regions such as Richmond (pictured), Wimbledon and Dulwich offer a slower pace of life while retaining easy access to the city’s amenities, and we are expertly-placed to advise on property in these areas.

This trend aligns with a broader desire for wellness on a community scale, with buyers valuing proximity to yoga studios, community saunas and outdoor swimming facilities where they can benefit from a personal connection with others.

How a Buying Agency Adds Value

Navigating the complexities of sourcing a property that supports a holistic approach to wellness requires extensive market expertise and a highly tailored approach. Our specialist buying agents at The Buying Solution have an intimate understanding of both client needs and market dynamics, making us best placed to identify properties that meet exacting wellness criteria.

By understanding the nuances of these trends, we not only save clients precious time but also provide a highly competitive edge in securing properties that might otherwise be overlooked.

Toto Lambert, The Buying Solution Partner, London

Toto Lambert is our specialist Partner in London


Explore more of The Buying Solution’s Insights

What do wealthy buyers want in a home? London vs Country

Posted on by Jennifer Hudson

The Wealth Report 2023, published by Knight Frank earlier this year, gave us a comprehensive review of prime property markets, global wealth distribution and luxury spending trends.

However, how do these luxury trends translate into what spaces and amenities wealthy buyers seek in their next property purchase? And how does this differ between our London and countryside clients? We asked Philip Eastwood (Partner, London) and Mark Lawson (Partner, Country) to share their insights.

London – by Philip Eastwood

I’ve seen a spike in demand from London buyers favouring functional, usable, and low-maintenance spaces.

As the cost per square foot in London is so high, clients want to maximise the use of their space and prefer properties with areas that can be enjoyed daily rather than occasionally. For example, some of our clients don’t want swimming pools that are rarely used and have high maintenance costs. It’s come full circle. They would rather have a really good utility room for daily use or even more extensive wardrobes.  Many clients already have homes in places like Majorca, Ibiza, and the South of France with a pool, so they don’t need one in their basement.

Clients often insist on property features that make life more comfortable and efficient. Double glazing, air-conditioning, fibre broadband, on-site porters and parking are all prerequisites. These requirements outweigh extras like saunas, cinema rooms and gyms. Even some high-end lighting systems with complicated control systems have become passé as clients look for wireless and smart AV solutions.

This pursuit for practical spaces also crosses over into the condition of a property. My clients want their homes to be turn-key and a finished product. That means they expect a well-fitted kitchen, a good shower, and top-end interior design and materials. Very few clients have the appetite to take on a lengthy refurbishment project.

The topic of security is also becoming more prevalent. Clients are interested in how safe a street is and the security systems available. The notion of a panic room can make people feel uncomfortable. However, some London roads employ private security firms to reduce crime. For example, Chelsea Square and Brunswick Gardens have regular patrols with guards and dogs – all paid for by the residents.

Lastly, I have noticed that clients continue to look for properties with considerable floor-to-ceiling heights and big walls. Why? Well, with art investments rising by 29% in 2023 and the stellar prices paid for museum-quality works of art by ultra-wealthy collectors, our clients need bigger spaces for bigger art pieces!

Country – by Mark Lawson

As London buyers crave pragmatism, we receive more extravagant requests in the countryside, where our clients have plenty of space to work with.

To complement outdoor country living, no country home is complete without a boot room. A client of mine built himself a new boot room where each family member had their own named space, polished oak locker, each with a heater to dry out and warm up two pairs of Wellington boots. It also included heated coat, hat and glove sections. 

Often, dogs have their oak-panelled beds with their names, a shower or wash area, and sections for all their leads.

There is also demand for the ‘butler’s pantry’ as an amenity, a space that allows the host to prep for meals without entering the kitchen. These spaces are becoming more multi-functional and elaborate, and I expect this will be a trend that grows as interior designers continue to push the boundaries.

I have had clients with specific needs for wardrobe space and storage.  I once had a client who had an online database for the contents of her wardrobe so that she could track precisely which pieces of clothing were in her houses around the world. We have also seen clients with refrigerated wardrobes for those with pieces of clothing that are preserved best at lower temperatures, like faux fur and suedes.

Another popular area is the continued interest in well-being spaces and wellness activities. Padel tennis is the fastest-growing sport in the world – lots are installing courts at home. The craze spread quickly amongst country house owners and purchasers, with many building courts on their land. We have also seen clients asking for ice baths, cryotherapy chambers and meditation spaces – dedicated rooms for recovery, reflection and spirituality.

Finally, an increasing number of wealthy individuals are interested in sustainable and eco-friendly features, such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and eco-conscious building materials. This means they can offset the costs of running high-end amenities such as pools and home cinemas.