How To Find Rural Property For Sale

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How to find rural property for sale

How To Find Rural Property For Sale

Looking for a rural property for sale involves narrowing down the places where you would actually live and compromising when it comes to the property itself.

many people wish to enjoy the benefits of living in the countryside and all the upsides that can bring. The real question is how flexible you are when searching for your ideal rural property for sale.

Looking For Cheap UK Rural Property


Parts of the UK have some of the highest property prices in Europe and some of these areas are rural areas. However, if you can be flexible about where you want to buy you can certainly find cheap rural property for sale in many areas of the UK.

In North West England there is the Wyre Valley which is largely rural but has easy access to Preston, Lancaster and Blackpool. Copeland in Cumbria is another affordable rural area where house and flat prices are considerably lower than some of the other more well known and popular rural parts of the UK.

A rural property for sale in England
Be prepared to make a lot of compromises if you are looking for rural properties. Photo © Roger Jones (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Where To Start Finding Rural Property For Sale

Using local estate agents that specialise in rural property for sale will enable you to compare prices in different locations and will also allow you to focus on a particular area if that is your choice.

This is why the best approach is to first make a general decision about the area you wish to live in, then begin contacting smaller, local estate agents in those areas.

Rural Property Resources
List of UK councils
Property auctions in Scotland
Wales property auctions
3 bedroom rural cottage in Scotland
The best approach is to first narrow down the part of the country you wish to live in. Photo © M J Richardson (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Searching For Empty Rural Property For Sale


Some areas of the UK have seen a decline in local rural property prices and this has left a plethora of both country homes and buildings empty. Some local authorities will have a list of empty properties so it is worthwhile approaching the council to see if there is an opportunity to buy.

Some of the many empty rural properties may be suitable for conversion into a home but make sure that planning permission can be obtained for a change of use before you consider buying. It is also worthwhile checking out the transport infrastructure and facilities like broadband before committing to the purchase of any rural property.

Rural farm buildings for sale
If you are looking for rural properties such as farm buildings, make sure planning permission for conversion can be obtained. Photo © Robert Graham (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Rural Property With Land

Rural property with land attached can be a great investment. You can find a 2 bedroom stone cottage with an acre of garden or a larger house with a smallholding. This is why there has been an upsurge in remote properties in Wales where a 4 bedroom house with 3 acres can cost as little as £420,000, and especially rural property in Scotland which often sells at auction.

Investing in a rural property with land opens up business opportunities for holiday lets or a work from home business. You can find properties with workshops and buildings suitable for renovation and many are within easy reach of motorway links.

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Photo of a 4 bedroom rural cottage
A country property can be a very good investment if you buy the right building. Photo © Alan Murray-Rust (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Is Rural Property A Good Investment?


The lower price of some rural property for sale compared to more expensive city property can make it a good investment.

You can still get a good return over a long period if you buy in the right area. However, as with other investments like gilts or equities, property prices can go down as well as up. Take expert advice before making any investment into rural property.

Discovering Remote Rural Property For Sale

If you are looking for remote or isolated rural properties in the UK, there are plenty available. Areas like Northumberland, Cornwall and West Wales have lots of large houses that can be purchased for a lot less than a smaller property in the cities.

Some properties for sale in remote locations offer opportunities to combine a business and residence. You can buy a 6 bedroom house with a cafe or an existing bed and breakfast business, for example.

Photo of a larger rural property
The right kind of rural property may offer business and income opportunities. Photo © Christine Johnstone (cc-by-sa/2.0)

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Buying Rural Property?


The advantages of living in a rural property seem very obvious. It is a very private existence and if you choose somewhere remote you may not have a neighbour for several miles.

Gardens are larger so you can have as many pets as you want and space to grow food. You will be close to nature and wildlife and living in a rural area can be much less stressful than living in a city.

There can also be disadvantages to living in the countryside. Schools for children can be several miles away as can large shops. Job opportunities may be limited although if you work from home and have good broadband this may not be a problem.

Winter brings its own difficulties with snow blocked roads, electricity outages or possible flooding. Finally, there is little in the way of entertainment in the countryside. So, think about what is important to your lifestyle choices before looking for rural property for sale.

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