East of England Named by Jackson-Stops as Most Affordable for Rural Homebuyers
The Jackson-Stops estate agency has revealed that the East of England currently stands as the most budget-friendly region for buyers seeking detached homes in rural areas of England. This finding arises amidst changing lifestyle preferences and work patterns post-pandemic.
In a detailed study comparing prices of detached homes in rural and urban settings across England, Jackson-Stops identified four regions – East of England, West Midlands, North West, and Yorkshire & Humber – where rural properties are generally more affordable than their urban counterparts.
Data indicates that nearly 39% of detached home purchases in England over the past decade have been in rural locations. Notably, the East of England offers the greatest affordability, with rural detached homes priced 37% lower on average than those in urban areas (£487,483 vs. £772,396). This gap has widened post-pandemic, influenced by a sharper rise in urban property prices.
In 2023, popular rural locations in the East of England included Whittlesey, Watton, and Dersingham. The region’s growing appeal, citing the innovative and expanding Cambridge-Oxford Arc. The flexibility of remote work and evolving lifestyle trends have fueled demand in rural Suffolk and Norfolk.
Daryl Parr, Jackson-Stops Colchester director, notes Essex’s affordability within the home counties, particularly for families moving out of London. He emphasizes the appeal of villages in the Constable Country area, located between Ipswich, Chelmsford, and Colchester.
In contrast, rural homes now command a premium in the South West. In 2023, rural properties in this region were 11% more expensive than urban ones (£563,786 vs. £508,006), a shift from pre-pandemic trends. This region has seen a significant increase in preference for rural settings, with 62% of detached home buyers choosing rural locations in 2023, up from 54% in 2013. Cornwall has remained a top choice for rural homebuyers for over a decade.
Richard Holder of Jackson-Stops Cornwall attributes this trend to the region’s beautiful landscapes and beaches, with Cornwall offering a strong community feel. A close connection with nature makes it an ideal location for various homebuyers, including downsizers and entrepreneurs.
About Jackson-Stops
Jackson-Stops is a renowned national estate agency with a longstanding history of expertise in the UK property market. Established over a century ago, the agency has a reputation for providing comprehensive and tailored real estate services.