Jack Russell Terriers are gaining popularity in the UK, a trend partly attributed to King Charles and Queen Camilla’s recent adoption of one from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. This surge in dog ownership reflects a broader increase in pet ownership nationwide, a shift that is influencing choices in the housing market.
According to the PDSA’s latest PAW Report, the UK is home to 11.1 million dogs, outnumbering the country’s 10.5 million cats. This growing canine population is prompting developers to incorporate pet-friendly features into new residential projects.
James Boyce, sales and marketing director at Berkeley Group, says pet ownership has become a central factor in homebuyers’ decisions. He cites an example of one buyer at Berkeley’s Grand Union development in Wembley who specifically chose London over other European cities due to its pet-friendly environment. Buyers are increasingly seeking homes with nearby green spaces and convenient access to grooming and pet care facilities.
Berkeley Group has responded by integrating dedicated pet amenities within its developments. Sutton Garden Square, a regeneration project in the South London borough of Sutton, exemplifies this approach. The development will consist of 1,000 private and affordable apartments on 5.6 acres, formerly the site of Sutton Gas Works and more recently a B&Q store. Among its amenities is an on-site pet spa offering washing and grooming services, catering to the demand that has grown since the pandemic.
Sutton Garden Square also targets young families and first-time buyers, featuring a children’s play area, a games room, and one acre of public green space. Boyce notes that the pet spa is intended to foster community among residents with pets, helping to connect like-minded individuals within the development.
The initial phase of the project offers 159 one-bedroom apartments in The Kensington block, priced from £375,000. Units feature underfloor heating and floor-to-ceiling windows. The development includes communal roof terraces with panoramic views toward the City of London. Local amenities and shops are within a five-minute walk, and Sutton railway station, three minutes away, provides direct services to London Bridge, London Victoria, and St Pancras International in approximately 30 minutes.
Sutton’s economy is also poised for growth with the forthcoming £1 billion London Cancer Hub expansion, adjacent to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, which is expected to create around 13,000 jobs. For dog owners, the location offers proximity to Surrey’s woodlands and parklands, further enhancing its appeal.