The Canterbury property landscape is constantly evolving, shaped by societal, economic and cultural factors.

The type of properties people have bought in the last few years since Lockdown One has undergone some notable changes, reflecting shifting preferences and lifestyle choices.

This article explores the transformations in property purchasing trends over the last two years, compared to the long-term almost three-decade average, with a focus on Canterbury detached houses, semi-detached houses, terraced houses and apartments.

For the purposes of this article, we are looking at Canterbury plus a 1-mile zone around the city.

Detached houses, long considered the epitome of homeownership, have witnessed a transformation in Canterbury buyer preferences. While they still hold significant appeal, particularly for Canterbury families seeking privacy and ample space, the demand for Canterbury detached properties in the last couple of years has decreased, when compared to the previous average of the last three decades. This shift started before lockdown and can be attributed to several factors, including changing demographics, the way people live, higher land costs and evolving lifestyles that prioritise convenience and urban living.

Canterbury terraced houses have witnessed a resurgence in popularity with many new home builders utilising the modern ‘town house’ in a three-storey format. These houses in modern suburban areas provide a contemporary take on this traditional property type, attracting younger Canterbury buyers looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing space (as they are built over three floors).

Then we have the Victorian terraced home which offers a blend of affordability, convenience and a sense of community tracing its history back over 100+ years. Young professionals, couples and small families are attracted to the charm and character of these properties, the generous square footage and close to the city centre location, often means the need for a car is reduced.

Perhaps the most significant transformation in property type preferences over the past three decades can be observed in the increased popularity of apartments in the UK. Rapidly rising land costs and a growing desire for low-maintenance living have propelled the demand for apartment living to new heights.

Apartments offer a range of benefits, including affordability, security, access to amenities and a lock-and-leave lifestyle. Millennials and young professionals are drawn to the convenience and vibrant urban environments that apartments often provide. Additionally, the growing focus on sustainable living and reduced carbon footprints has further fuelled the demand for high-density housing options. Also, the issue of cladding which has become a great worry is hopefully on its way to being sorted.

This is particularly interesting when we compare the Canterbury stats to the national picture. Detached houses have seen an increase in demand from 34% of sales a decade ago to 39% last year, semi-detached houses have maintained their appeal and increased from 26% to 28% in the last decade. Terraced houses have witnessed a drop from 26% a decade ago to 21% last year and finally apartments have slightly increased from 11% to 12%.

The property preferences in Canterbury have experienced notable shifts over the past two years compared to the long-term average of the last three decades. As Canterbury's property landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to analyse these shifting preferences to understand the needs and desires of potential Canterbury homeowners (and tenants).

Of course, detached houses remain a peak of home ownership, yet as the Canterbury market is adapting to cater to changing demographics, urbanisation and evolving lifestyles, this might start to change in the coming decade.

By recognising and responding to these trends, homeowners, buy-to-let landlords and planners and developers can ensure that Canterbury's property market continues to thrive and meet the demands of the future.