Cashing in on Generation Freelance

According to the European Forum of Independent Professionals, the number of independent professionals working as freelancers in the UK has increased by 63% from 2004 to 2013, and this number is continuing to climb. Projections say that by 2018 the number of self-employed workers will outstrip public-sector workers for the first time in history.

So it is worth considering when you are looking at a property to buy, either as a home for yourself or as an investment property, the potential for ‘home-working’. Likewise, if you’re selling or renting your property, don’t forget that your viewer may be looking at the property as a potential as a place of work, so make sure you point out any potential spaces.

At Urban.co.uk, we know what 'works', whether your'e looking to buy a home-with-office, or looking for pointers on how to sell to Generation Freelance, we're perfectly placed to share the business buzz on 'home-working-houses'.

Ipswich, Suffolk

Thisfive-bed detached property in Ipswich at £314,000 provides plenty of family space, with off-street parking and a spacious garden, as well as a completely separate study (with potential to extend into the garage) for a home-worker to separate themselves from family life during the working day. Being able to shut the door on the office at the end of the day helps many home-workers juggle family life and work.

Bishops Castle, Shropshire

Thistwo-bed mid-19th century stone-built cottage is picture postcard pretty, but despite being surrounded by mature gardens and mature trees it could be a hive of industry, with not one, but two options for home-working! An internal study on the landing provides a compact option, or if you need something a little more spacious there is a detached garage which would make a perfect workshop or office space away from the main house.

Dalry, North Ayrshire

If your work is creative, why not take inspiration from this three-bed stone cottage in Dalry, once the home of famous Ayrshire artist George Houston. The house itself, priced at £345,000, has been renovated to a high standard, but the beauty of this property lies at the bottom of the garden, with a large timber summer house, providing a perfect space for creative work!

Staincross, Barnsley

It’s not often a property provides a way of working, and unwinding, but this unique detached property at £450,000 offers just that! With an endless option of room layouts, you could do anything from run a B&B to a small empire from this property – and once you have finished for the day, you can take a dip in your very own heated pool to relax!

Loughton, Essex

If want to keep family life and work firmly separate, where better than under the floor! With two spacious cellar rooms,this three-bed, three-reception room detached cottage at £895,000 is the perfect option. A paddock, horse field and garden storage room also make it a great solution for anyone who is looking to cater for the four-legged members of the family.

Liverpool

For the ultimate home-working solution, why not look at a shop? This three-bed property(with easy potential for a fourth bedroom) at £82,000 once served the community as a local shop, and the storeroom at the back would make a perfect home office. Set over three floors it would make a great buy to let opportunity.
With recent research suggesting that in just five years’ time 40% of the workforce will be working as freelancers, investing in a property that provides a solution to what is set to becoming one of property’s biggest problems is a smart move.