Finding Countryside Properties For Sale
In recent years there has been a growing demand for countryside properties in the UK. Many families are looking to move out of the large cities and make their homes in more remote locations in the countryside.
In the last year there has been a rise of 126% in enquiries about countryside properties for sale around Britain. There has also been a surge in buyers looking for small farms for sale and other types of rural living options such as smallholdings for sale and even basic cheap land for sale which can be used as a blank canvas.
In addition to the enquiries about countryside homes for sale, the demand for property in small villages is also on the increase.
Estate agents in Britain have described the rising interest in countryside homes for sale as a ‘race for space’ and this has contributed to a rise in prices and a more limited number of countryside properties for sale.
Why Are Countryside Properties In Such High Demand?
Two reasons stand out in the growing demand for countryside properties. People who are disillusioned with the large city experience are looking for a more peaceful and quieter life.
Buyers also want more space to raise a family and it is often the case that country properties are larger and cheaper, offering buyers better value for money. Over the last 10 years in the UK the demand for houses in the countryside has increased steadily as people turn toward the option of a quieter, more private lifestyle.
Many people are attracted to the idea of living in a remote property in the countryside and even coastal properties can offer that same tranquillity.
Which Types of Countryside Homes Are Buyers Viewing?
Among the variety of countryside homes gaining popularity, traditional stone cottages, with their charming character and historic appeal, stand out for those seeking a slice of heritage and a cosy atmosphere.
Farmhouses, with substantial land and outbuildings, attract those looking to embrace a rural lifestyle, offering potential for smallholding or equestrian pursuits.
Barn conversions are also highly sought after, offering a unique blend of rustic charm and modern living, with their spacious interiors and original features like exposed beams and vaulted ceilings.
Additionally, new-build countryside homes, designed with sustainability in mind, are appealing to environmentally conscious buyers, offering energy efficiency and contemporary design within serene rural settings. This has led to a rise in the number of eco homes in the UK and people buying more unusual properties for sale.
Each of these property types caters to a growing demand for a countryside retreat, reflecting a desire for space, privacy, and a closer connection to nature amidst the UK’s breathtaking rural landscapes.
Benefits Of Living In Countryside Properties
Anyone who has lived in the country can name numerous benefits. Peace and tranquillity are two that are usually named as well as a sense of community that may be lacking in a large city.
Clean air is another reason often cited and a sense of safety also figures strongly in why people believe the countryside is a better place to live.
Finally, you can buy a larger rural home for the same money as you would spend on a small city flat in many UK cities.
The Price Of Countryside Homes
The average price of houses in the countryside varies significantly across different regions, reflecting the unique characteristics and amenities each area offers.
This variance highlights the rich tapestry of the UK’s rural property market, catering to a wide spectrum of preferences and budgets.
The table below provides a snapshot of the current landscape, illustrating the average prices of countryside properties in various areas of the UK, offering invaluable insights for potential buyers dreaming of their own slice of rural bliss.
The prices shown below are very general average prices for 2 or 3 bedroom rural detached houses.
| Area of UK | Average Price of Countryside Properties |
|---|---|
| South West England | £400,000 |
| South East England | £450,000 |
| East of England | £350,000 |
| West Midlands | £300,000 |
| East Midlands | £250,000 |
| North West England | £200,000 |
| North East England | £180,000 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £220,000 |
| Wales | £230,000 |
| Scotland | £250,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £190,000 |
Other Types Of Countryside Properties
Beyond the traditional market for countryside homes, the UK’s rural landscape offers a myriad of unique property opportunities for those with a pioneering spirit or a desire for more sustainable living.
Among these, cheap land for sale presents an enticing option for individuals looking to embark on self-build projects or develop their own piece of the countryside.
Similarly, land for living off-grid in the UK is increasingly sought after by those aspiring to a self-sufficient lifestyle, away from the conventional utilities and infrastructure. Woodland for sale, often complete with a cabin, appeals to those seeking a rustic retreat or a private sanctuary amidst nature’s tranquility.
Houses with land for sale offer a comprehensive solution for buyers looking to combine the comfort of modern living with the expansive space and freedom of rural settings.
These alternative countryside properties not only cater to a wide range of rural living aspirations but also open doors to diverse ways of interacting with the UK’s rich natural landscapes, from conservation and woodland management to eco-friendly developments and agricultural ventures.
Where Can I Find Cheap Country Property For Sale?
Sales of rural properties have increased greatly in the last year but there are still bargains to be had. With the rise in working from home many people can now afford to move to a more remote location.
One of these is Cumbria where the average price of property is between £100,000 and £139,000. Carmarthen in Wales is another area where homes are priced at around £115,000. Remote properties in Wales are particularly popular with buyers.
In Scotland you can do even better when it comes to finding a rural property in the Scottish countryside. Dumfries and Galloway, parts of which are designated by UNESCO as biosphere reserves, has plenty of properties priced under £100,000.
Period Countryside Properties
The prospect of living in a period property in the country is a tempting one. However, before you choose which character home in the country to purchase there are some implications to buying a period property that should be noted.
Period properties often have listed status and this means limited changes can be made to the interior as well as the exterior. If a period property lies within a conservation area, any alterations must fit in with the surroundings and not detract from the historic setting.
Talk to your local planning authority to find out if you need listed building consent before beginning any work to a period property or, in fact, any countryside homes for sale.
Rural Or Remote Country Properties
There is a big difference between moving to a small village to live in the countryside and moving to a remote property.
Before making such any such move it is always a good idea to look at all the challenges that come with living in the countryside. These could include being some distance from shops and facilities, schools and other settlements.
The key to successful living in the countryside is to plan ahead. You may also have to take on more responsibilities for your rural property, such as fixing leaks and dealing with other issues such as wind damage and animals.
Abandoned Properties In The Country
Buying an abandoned property for sale can be a savvy financial move for those looking to secure a home or project space at a potentially lower cost.
These hidden rural gems often come with a price tag that reflects their need for renovation and care, presenting a unique opportunity to enter the property market at a more accessible point.
With the right vision and a strategic approach to renovation, buyers can significantly increase the value of their house, turning an overlooked run-down house into a desirable countryside retreat.
Buying A Rural Property
Buying a rural country property for sale in a small or medium sized village usually means you will have access to normal amenities even if they are in a reduced state.
Country villages in the UK will have schools usually within a few miles and most have a bus service for school children.
Local shops may be small but you will be able to get the basics although prices may be higher. There will be access to a health clinic for emergencies.
Buying A Remote Countryside Property
Living remotely far away from a village is very different. You are unlikely to manage without a vehicle and if the terrain is rough you may need a 4X4.
Remote country properties, such as remote properties in Wales, can easily get cut off during the winter months and may sometimes be without power.
Phone and Internet are often unreliable in remote property locations so you should make provision for these eventualities. Most people who live in a remote home sometimes have a backup generator and enough provisions stored for emergencies.
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