New research reveals what Mancunians really want from homes and neighbourhoods in 2021

We’ve spent more time in our houses than ever over the past year. But what do we really value when it comes to our homes and neighbourhoods?

New research has now been released revealing what people want from their neighbourhoods in 2021, with Mancunians placing a desire for friendly communities and access to local shops, independent cafés, green space and places for children to play at the top of their wish lists.

Commissioned by House by Urban Splash, the modern housebuilder creating new homes and apartments in the desirable New Islington neighbourhood, the survey of 2,000 respondents asked what people are really prioritising this year. 

45% of Mancunians stated they want to live in a strong community of friends and neighbours – but just a third (31%) enjoy this where they currently live.

And just 13% of Mancunians feel there is a safe space in their community in which children can play; less than half of what’s available in Liverpool, where almost 27% of respondents claim to have this.

Mancs also said that poor quality housing is their most likely driver for moving home (32%).

But while Mancunians have shown they’re a friendly bunch in many respects, respondents in the city have cut down their chats with neighbours to less than half. 

70% of people say they know their neighbours well, but the number of people who are no longer speaking with their neighbours since the pandemic began has trebled from 4% to 12%.

“We know that people in the North have a great reputation for being friendly and approachable and it’s really encouraging to see that a great, connected and friendly community is high on the agenda for people looking for a new home in Manchester,” says Toby Brown, who looks after the House by Urban Splash portfolio of homes in Manchester including the soon to complete Mansion House apartments and newest Town House three storey homes.

“We are all about creating communities – such as New Islington in Manchester and Wirral Waters in Merseyside – in which people can ‘Live Well by Design’; communities with green space and shared areas that encourage people to get out and meet the neighbours.

“It’s obvious from these results that’s what Mancunians want and we’re proud to be creating it.”

New Islington, with the award-winning Pollen Bakery, Cotton Field Park and Ancoats’ General Store on the doorstep, is a great example of the kind of neighbourhood people need and are hunting for. 

“We must focus on design beyond the home itself, creating neighbourhoods with generous shared gardens, playgrounds, water and green space,” says Toby.

“It’s abundantly clear that’s what people want.”

The survey also found that 72% of Mancunians are eco-conscious, but 41% of them think that cost is a barrier to adapting their homes to be more sustainable.

House by Urban Splash is creating the final homes at New Islington in Manchester with customisable homes and green spaces on the edge of the canal and New Islington Marina. 

As a company, House believes that successful neighbourhoods fulfil more than people’s housing needs, and that neighbourhood design can create great places to live. 

A sustainable neighbourhood offers balance: community when it’s wanted, but also privacy when needed. 

A housebuilder can’t build a ready-made community, but good design can create the perfect conditions for people to grow their own.

For more information about the House by Urban Splash homes now on sale, click below. The first Mansion House apartments will complete early this year, with virtual tours and appointment-only viewings available from February.