Is it a good idea to buy a home near a pub?
It’s simply common sense that homes which are located near excellent local amenities, while maintaining good levels of peace and privacy, will prove popular with buyers. But is this the case if a property is near a pub – can the ‘beer garden effect’ become a positive selling point?
In fact, the appeal of an excellent local pub shouldn’t be underestimated. A national survey identified that up to a third of buyers would check to see if their chosen property is near a good hostelry prior to making an offer; and being near (but not too near) a highly regarded or award-winning establishment can be a major selling point, generating a positive effect upon property prices.
While pubs have undoubtedly been in decline in recent years, it’s those in cities which have fared worst. A report by the ONS found that more than 25 per cent of pubs closed in the period between 2001 and 2018; that’s over 13,000 businesses. However, in smaller towns and villages many pubs have evolved into family-friendly establishments offering excellent food served within stylish interiors, giving a new lease of life to this sector of the pub trade.
In addition, some local pubs have been taken over by village co-operatives, often in conjunction with village shops offering the best of fresh local produce, effectively going back to basics, with the idea of the pub as the centre of the community – but with a 21st-century twist.
It’s well worth remembering that your property agent is an expert in the local area as well as the type of properties on sale, so if you’re moving to a new location make sure you make good use of their local knowledge. If a property you’re considering is located near a pub, then your agent will be able to advise you on its popularity within the local community and if it’s been in receipt of any recent awards.
Of course, there’s nothing like trying it out for size yourself, so when you’re viewing the property, it's a good idea to drop into the pub afterwards to get a feel for the atmosphere and what's on offer.