The Coronavirus pandemic seems to have caused some significant changes in the way people view buying news homes. It would appear that there is a much larger drive for people to leave the major cities and move to more rural locations where there is more space and potentially more pleasant surroundings. In some rural areas, there has been a mini housing boom with some areas seeing sales sky-rocketing by over 63%. In this article we will take a look at the most popular rural locations that people seem to be clamouring to move to.
Ryedale, North Yorkshire
Ryedale is an area in North Yorkshire which contains the North York Moors national park as well as some historic market towns and beautiful villages. This beautiful part of Yorkshire has seen an increase of over 63% in the period between April and September 2020 when compared to the same period in 2019.
Herefordshire, West Midlands
With links to King Arthur, Herefordshire is the home to Hereford, famous for it’s cathedral and also home to the Stirling lines and is the home of the S.A.S. Boasting some beautiful market towns and picturesque villages, Herefordshire has seen property sales increase 45% in the last few months.
Sevenoaks, Kent
Boasting an impressive 44% increase in sales in the period between April and September 2020, Sevenoaks is only 25 minutes from London and is also located right next to the High Weald and North Downs of Kent so it has both the convenience of being close to London whilst offering lots of beautiful countryside.
High Peak, Derbyshire
Located right in the Peak District National Park and right between Manchester and Sheffield, High Peak in Derbyshire has seen a 38% increase in sales from 2019 to 2020. High Peak is also home to the famous spa town of Buxton.
The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
Famous for its stone, the Cotswolds have seen a 37% increase in sales. It isn’t just the stone that makes the Cotswolds a wonderful place to live, there are many renowned picture-perfect villages in the region as well as being located right in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
North Devon, Devonshire
Located right on the coast, North Devon boasts some of the best beaches in the UK and is also only a relatively short drive from the Exmoor national park so there is something for everyone who is looking for that outdoor lifestyle. North Devon has seen a 31% increase in sales over the 6- month period between April and September.
Breckland, Norfolk
Breckland is a true treasure and is home to some of the prettiest market towns in the UK, as well as being one of the largest rural districts in England with areas of woodland, multiple fens, heaths and also a large amount of farmland. For those who love the countryside this would be the ideal region. Breckland is 7th on the list with an increase in property sales of 27%.
Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
The Malvern Hills in Worcestershire can be seen for miles around and the area is home to the spa town of Malvern as well as being right on the doorstep of the Cathedral town of Worcester, home to Royal Worcester China. Seeing a 26% increase in sales, the Malvern hills can boast being an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Isle of Wight
Everyone knows the Isle of Wight and Blackgang Chine as well as the miles and miles of Sandy beaches, but did you know that Queen Victoria had a family home there and that Charles the first was imprisoned at Carisbrook castle before his trial? With a 25% increase in sales in 2020, the Isle of Wight really is a popular hotspot.
Horsham, West Sussex
Horsham is a market town in West Sussex on the edge of the Western Weald. Only an hour away from London it has a vast offering of heritage sites so is great for the commuter into London or brisk walks in the countryside. With a 25% increase in sales Horsham has also seen a huge uplift in people wanting to live there.
Rural towns and villages have become hot property since lockdown has changed people’s views on what they want from the location of their home and these examples are just a few of the many beautiful rural spots which offer everything you could want from the outdoors. If you are thinking of getting away from the town and city life and are looking for a home in the country, then seek advice from one of our local property experts, with offices throughout the UK we are bound to be able to find your idyllic country retreat.
