New data reveals where best to fetch a pet-friendly home

Pets are increasingly influencing homebuying decisions, research suggests.

A new report from Connells owner Skipton Building Society found that one in ten prospective buyers say they want to buy a home so they can own a pet, while a further 11% are actively looking for a pet-friendly property.

It comes as the lender launched a new pet-friendly property index, ranking locations based on their facilities for furry friends, to mark National Dog Day yesterday.

Areas are ranked by the number of dog-friendly pubs and cafes, and availability of vets in the area, converted to a rate per 100,000 people. Affordability data is also included to offer additional context for people considering buying a home suitable for pet ownership.

Top city for pet owners

Nottingham ranked as the top city for pet owners to buy, driven by its strong number of green spaces within a 1,000m radius at 6.63.

It also boasts the third highest number of dog friendly venues at 33.4 per 100,000 residents, giving buyers plenty of amenities to explore with their beloved pet.

Despite this, buying remains out of reach to many locals, with The Skipton Group Home Affordability Index showing that only 8% of first-time buyers in Nottingham can afford to get on the property ladder based on their own finances.

Affordability remains important but many are factoring in pet- friendly surroundings.”

In second place, York scored highly across all categories, with the highest number of vets per 100,000 residents  at 17.2 in the study, as well as a good availability of green spaces.

Affordability barriers still persist for first time buyers in this region, with only 7% of first-time buyers able to get on the property ladder without help.

For those looking to enjoy dog-friendly venues such as restaurants and pubs, Brighton and Hove ranked highest in this category per 100,000 residents at 47.3 and third place overall.

This seaside city also boasts good affordability for pet parents, with 16% of first-time buyers being able to afford to get on the property ladder without financial support.

Glasgow and London finish off the top 10. Despite having a whopping number of dog-friendly venues at 546, first-time buyers in London are more likely to struggle with getting the perfect property for their pooch, with only 4% of first-time buyers in the city of London being able to afford to step on the ladder, according to The Skipton Group Home Affordability Index.

Pets and purchasing decisions

Jen Lloyd, Head of Mortgage Products and Proposition at Skipton Building Society, says: “With the Renters’ Rights Act offering more flexibility for renting with a pet, the decision to buy a home will more likely be driven by financial readiness rather than a desire to expand a family to include a furry friend which hasn’t always been an option for those renting.

“However, it’s likely we’ll still see the needs of pet owners come through more clearly in buying decisions. It’s not just about transport links or square footage anymore, buyers are also looking to put roots down where there are lifestyle benefits for their family –for many this includes their precious pets.

“Affordability remains important but many are factoring in pet- friendly surroundings and access to outdoor space too.”