Since the easing of lockdown, the property market has seen a surge of activity as estate agents across the country get back up and running.
And it seems traditional curb appeal has been replaced by lawn allure as searches for homes with outdoor space have gone through the roof, according to a virtual rental platform.
Searches for properties with a garden were up 193 per cent on video-first rental app Movebubble, compared to the week before lockdown – highlighting renters’ newfound appreciation for access to the outdoors.
There’s also been a rise of 204 per cent in those seeking a terrace, and searches for homes with bike storage are up 1,500 per cent since mid-March. Movebubble CEO Aidan Rushby told FEMAIL: ‘Weeks of uncertainty and restricted hours outdoors have forced people to reassess what they really want from their home.
‘Whilst traditionally, many would be willing to forgo an outdoor space in favour of a larger kitchen, we are now seeing the opposite trend emerge.
‘Since the lockdown came into effect, not only have we seen behaviour rapidly adapting to Home Walkthrough video viewings – but we can also see a pattern of desires coming to light in the search for a new home. These include the need for additional space in the form of bike storage – so people can travel safely and minimize the need for public transport.’
Here FEMAIL goes through the keyhole of some of the currently most sought-after rental properties on the market.
London apartment with a rooftop playground
Located in London’s Hayes, this beautiful one-bedroom, one bathroom apartment offers a seriously stylish rooftop complete with everything from hammocks to a table tennis area. From £1,275 per month
There’s even a BBQ so you can soak up the sunshine this summer. The property also boasts a balcony and bike storage
If you’re looking for a little shade from the summer sun, the decked roof terrace boasts a chich grey pergola with a seating area beneath
The chic and spacious apartment, which comes with a small balcony, is a three minute walk to Hayes & Harlington station, taking you to London Paddington in less than 20 minutes
Two-bedroom apartment in Manchester’s Northern Quarter
This minimalistic, light and airy abode offers both a balcony and a sleek and stylish roof terrace complete with stylish sun loungers
The spacious outdoor area, with spectacular views over the city, is perfect for entertaining or relaxing on a sunny summer evening
The stylish two-bedroom apartment boasts a bright interior design, and residents also have access to a shared lounge space, complete with a large TV. Available from £1,045 a month
The apartment comes with a fully-integrated kitchen in a sleek design as well as modern Roca bathroom suites
Luxury Fulham riverside apartment
This newly refurbished riverside apartment in Fulham, south west London, offers a gorgeous balcony with picturesque views over the Thames. Priced from £3,625 a month
The brand new set of apartments boasts on site award-winning landscaped gardens and are located right by the river
If the spectacular gardens weren’t enough, it also provides a tennis court – just in case you’re really missing Wimbledon this year
The spacious interiors of the flat boast a large living space with a view over the river, with an open-plan kitchen perfect for entertaining
Three-bedroom home with a private garden, Manchester
This modern and bright three-bedroom home on The Green in Worsley, Manchester, comes complete with a balcony, a terrace and its own private garden
The property is just a stone’s throw away from the luscious Worsley Green, and comes with a pair of very stylish bathrooms
The bathroom in the upstairs loft conversion is particularly impressive, with tiled steps up to a large square jacuzzi-style bath. From £1,595 a month
Six-bedroom family home in south west London
This dreamy, newly refurbished six-bedroom home in Fulham, south west London, comes with a beautiful balcony, terrace and bi fold doors opening onto a private patio garden
The master bathroom is also a chic feature of this impressive home, with its elegant free-standing bath, large glass shower unit and his and hers sinks
If you’re working from home for the foreseeable, the home also comes with a handy separate studio at the end of the garden that can be used as an office
The smart family home lends itself to entertaining thanks to its large open plan living and dining area and a generous kitchen island. From £9,533 a month. Atalanta Street is one of the most in-demand roads in ‘Munster Village’ made up of predominately of large freehold houses and maisonettes, which are not surprisingly very popular with professional couples and young families alike
Riverside apartment with a swimming pool in Greenwich
This brand new, spacious and modern one-bedroom apartment in Greenwich boasts a large private balcony with comfy lounging chairs
As well as the roof terrace and gardens, residents are granted access to the apartment complex’s stylish indoor swimming pool
Room with a view! Residents of these stylish apartments are treated to a view of the River Thames and the and Emirates Greenwich Peninsula cable cars
Inside the chic one-bedroom apartment, designed by Studio Ashby, there is a very spacious open plan kitchen with a traditional yet contemporary feel. From £2,000 a month
Waterside Walthamstow home with outdoor swimming pool
This three-bedroom property is one of the top three ‘virtually viewed’ rental properties with outdoor space on Movebubble Home Walkthroughs
Designed specifically for renters, this property offers a stunning outdoor swimming pool and on-site gym as well as bike storage
With prices starting from £2,630 per month, this modern, trendy living space with a waterfront view is ideal for young professionals
Modern Manchester riverside apartment
Located right by the river at Slate Yard, this premium property boasts a beautiful balcony with a view of the river and also comes with bike storage and an on-site gym
At prices starting from £1,900, renters can enjoy this three bedroom, two bathroom home complete with a spacious open plan living area
Apartment close to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Small but perfectly formed, this light-filled home comes complete with three similarly sized bedrooms, meaning no one has to make do with the box room
Located in the tallest building in Stratford, this home offers communal outdoor areas and a stunning view of London’s skyline from the tallest building in the East Village
This study was carried out by Movebubble, which recently launched its Home Walkthroughs feature on the app – an innovative property video viewing function which reduces in-person contact by removing the need to view a property physically.