Stretched Commuting: Will the commuter belt ever look the same again?
Covid-19 has changed the way many people view their daily commute, prompting some to look further afield for their next home. Buying agent Charlie Rearden explores what this could mean for property markets, and notes some potential pitfalls for the new breed of part-time commuter.

Charlie Rearden is Regional Director at Stacks Property Search, based in Rutland and the shires. He has been involved in property for the last 20 years and has a detailed knowledge of the local area and a wealth of contacts throughout the real estate industry. He can provide a highly specialised and discreet service specifically tailored to your needs.
How the rise of the ‘digital commuter’ is redrawing the property market map
“The Covid crisis has pushed the property market into a hard reset," says Jonathan Hopper of Garrington Property Finders.
By PrimeResi
What buyers want now: Top town & country buying agents compare notes on post-lockdown demand trends
Two top buying agents - one focused on prime London, and one on prime country houses - reveal what is on their clients' most-wanted lists.
By PrimeResi
Zoning Out: How buyers are re-drawing the commuter belt
As the return of a "normal" commuting life seems less and less likely, househunters are ripping up their previous geographical property requirements, writes buying agent Charlie Rearden...
Companies in this article
Stacks Property SearchMost read
Interview: New UK Sotheby’s International Realty MD Alex Isidro on what’s next for the luxury brokerage
PrimeResi quizzes the high-profile real estate agency's recently-appointed boss about bumper sales figures, brand-building, and why this business is 'all about people, not property'.
‘Landmark’ townhouse sale concluded in Chelsea
'Discerning buyers are focusing on best-in-class assets', says agency, confirming sale of near-£28mn trophy home as part of £100mn deal run.
Government proposes the ‘biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history’
Consultations have opened into significant & wide-ranging reforms that promise to 'rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership.'
By PrimeResi
Country house guru Sweeting joins high-end valuation firm
Longstanding Knight Frank figure has taken up a consultant role at James Wyatt's Parthenia.
Seven key themes in the global branded residences sector
From standalone towers to wellness-led living, these are the big trends shaping luxury branded residences worldwide.
Influential committee calls for ‘major reform of the whole property tax system’
'The case for major reform of the whole property tax system – from Stamp Duty Land Tax to Inheritance Tax to Council Tax and VAT – is almost unarguable,' says Sir Vince Cable.
By PrimeResi
Unseasonably slow September for London’s top-end property markets
Fresh analysis reveals the impact of pre-Budget jitters on the capital's high-value sales and lettings sectors.
London brokerage recruits former Savills agent to lead ‘quality-driven expansion’
Sean Tully has joined Sean Barrett's The Agency Group as Director of Growth & Recruitment.
By PrimeResi
Luxury developer Amara Property adds Sales & Acquisitions Director
Warren Leader has joined Rutu Buddhdev's team.
By PrimeResi
Qatari Diar tops £1.5bn sales mark at Chelsea Barracks
Momentum continues at the ultra-luxury Belgravia scheme despite wider market headwinds.
LATEST ARTICLES
Savills installs new sales boss in Notting Hill
Dan Martin returned to the agency earlier this year following a stint at UK Sotheby’s International Realty.
‘Westminster’s fastest-selling luxury residential development’ reaches completion
With 70% of apartments sold before completion, Native Land heralds 'not only a design triumph but a commercial success' at 100 George Street.
By PrimeResi
Mark Wells: Are luxury estate agents safe in an AI world?
'Agentic' artificial intelligence is poised to reshape the market as we know it - so what can the property sector learn from the music industry, which faced a similar moment in 2008?
By Mark Wells
Five-star Belgravia project sets London price records
The Peninsula London has reportedly proved popular with billionaire buyers from the United States.
My Property Career: Quickfire Q&A with Camilla Dell
Recruitment guru Barry Collins chats with prime resi industry leaders & entrepreneurs, distilling decades of experience & career highlights into 60 seconds.