Does community matter to house prices? - Samantha Baden, FindaProperty.com
If you were one of the estimated two million Brits who celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at a bunting-decked street party then chances are you're now feeling closer to your local community than ever before.
Streets Alive, the not for profit organisation that promotes community spirit though street parties, says this feeling of inclusiveness is becoming more important to us and, as a result, we're getting together with our neighbours more often now than at any other time in the past decade.
And it's happening despite the fact that the way we think about our local community has drastically changed over the past few years. We can see this in the way our high streets have altered.
Once, the local high street was the heart of the community. It's where we shopped, met and gossiped. Today, less than half of our spending takes place on the high street.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013
The reason for the decline isn't simple. The rise of internet shopping and the inability of independent shops to match the economic clout of big retailers mean our high streets, and communities, are suffering.
The government recognises this issue and last year called on retail expert and TV presenter Mary Portas to investigate the decline.
She has since launched an initiative where 12 towns have been chosen to receive £100,000 each of public money to try and liven up derelict shops and improve town centres.
More than 370 towns bid for the money and the right to be part of Mary Portas' pilot with the winning towns announced last month.
But why does this matter from a property point of view? It's simple really. Whether buying or renting a home, it's not only the bricks and mortar that inform decisions. Location is key when it comes to demand for homes, but not only in terms of transport links and access to green space. More of us want to live in communities, as organisations like Streets Alive have discovered, perhaps in part to counteract the isolation of lives that are hooked up to smart phones, tablets, TVs, computers and other devices.
So even if you missed your Jubilee weekend street party, it's not too late to start organising one for the Olympics. And that might not be such a bad idea for your home's value.
Comments