Cheaper Than the City: Discover England's Most Affordable Countryside Homes
In England, purchasing a detached house in rural areas is more cost-effective than in urban centres, particularly in the two regions. However, the general trend indicates that rural properties are usually more expensive. This article examines the disparity in property prices between rural and urban areas across England.
Many people aspire to own a home in the countryside, seeking the tranquillity and escape it offers. However, prices in rural areas surged during the pandemic, fueled by a heightened desire for outdoor space and a shift away from urban centres.
Jackson Stops, a real estate agency, conducted exclusive research identifying areas in England where rural homes are comparatively affordable. The East of England, encompassing Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, leads this trend. Here, a detached rural home averages £487,483, 37% less expensive than its urban counterpart, priced at £772,396.
This price gap has widened from 34% pre-pandemic, influenced by rising house values in desirable urban areas like Cambridge. Additionally, the demand for detached homes in rural East England has slightly decreased over the past decade.
Top locations
The top rural locations in East of England include Whittlesey, Jaywick, Holland-on-Sea, Kirby Cross, Stotfold, Watton, South Wootton, Cottenham, Dersingham, and Flitwick. Whittlesey, near Peterborough, is notable for its historic churches and local nature reserves. Dersingham in Norfolk is near the Sandringham Royal Residence and Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve.
Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, highlights the growing popularity of the East of England, fueled by the Cambridge-Oxford Arc and trends in flexible working. Daryl Parr, director of Jackson-Stops Colchester, points out Essex’s affordability for those relocating from London.
In South West England, popular rural areas include Bishop’s Cleeve, Kingsteignton, Amesbury, Northam, Bovey Tracey, Roundswell, Royal Wootton Bassett, Winchcombe, Purton, and Woodmancote. Bishop’s Cleeve is located near Cleeve Hill in Gloucestershire, Amesbury in Wiltshire, known for its proximity to Stonehenge, and Bovey Tracey in Devon borders Dartmoor National Park.
The study found that in the West Midlands, the North West, Yorkshire, and the Humber, rural properties are also cheaper than urban ones. However, the southwest has the highest premium for rural homes, averaging £563,786, which is 11% more than urban properties. In terms of overall trends, rural home prices have increased more rapidly than urban ones across all property types. The premium for rural homes has grown from 15% in 2013 to 18% in 2023. The average rural home is now priced at £347,278, compared to £295,526 for urban dwellings.
The North East is the most affordable region for rural homes, with an average price of £182,014. The South East is the most expensive at £500,271. Cornwall has seen significant popularity, driving up prices in the South West.
Richard Holder, director at Jackson-Stops Cornwall, describes Cornwall’s allure with its scenic landscapes and sense of community.
Cornwall in particular is the kind of place that puts a spell on you – the romanticism of Poldark is more than just on-screen. It’s laid-back nature, warm sense of community, and close affiliation with nature, make Cornwall the ultimate countryside lovers retreat.
The research excludes London due to its need for more rural homes. Rural house prices have been more resilient, with only a 1% decrease in value compared to a 2% decrease for urban dwellings.
Despite some regional variations, rural homes in England generally command a higher price than urban properties, with the trend showing an increasing preference for countryside living.