Much has been made recently of the changing demographics and trends for people moving to a new house during and following the pandemic, and the media coverage of such changes has been wall-to-wall, all things considered.
How much that coverage has influenced people’s opinions compared to the reality is largely irrelevant, but if it’s something you’ve been considering, we’ve decided to take a look at the pros and cons of moving into the countryside.
For numerous reasons, the UK property market has been absolutely booming recently and this has meant that demand for rental property has been soaring.
It must also be said that whilst demand for rural properties has been increasing, so too has demand for more urban housing, as those who vacate the properties make way for new renters who are moving out of shared housing or from their parents.
Regardless, rural demand remains high and could very well increase further, so if it’s something you’re looking at it might be best to make your move soon. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros
Primarily in the plus column is privacy. Due to the fact that properties in rural areas are more spread out, it usually means that you’ve got much more privacy not just in your garden, but overall, in your house. You’re less likely to be living along a busy main road, with fewer people walking past your windows.
Space is the natural partner to privacy, in that rural homes tend to be bigger as they’re more spread out. Indeed, they’re more expensive for this reason, but the payoff is larger living space, gardens, and greater distance between houses.
It’s more peaceful too, with less traffic on the roads and less hustle and bustle. Generally speaking, although not to be stereotypical, there’s an older population in rural areas meaning more country pubs and quiet cafes than bars and nightclubs.
Cons
Ok, so we know that rural living can be quieter, safer, more peaceful, and more private, but what are the downsides?
Well, firstly, the travelling times to busier areas and amenities like larger supermarkets are increased. If you don’t feel like driving, then public transport can be infrequent and unreliable too.
Broadband in rural areas can be patchy and slow, as well as mobile coverage, although this is much less of a problem than it has been historically.
Shops and busier amenities are going to be further away, and the things you may be used to in urban areas such as coffee houses, supermarkets, bars, and other things are unlikely to be central to a rural economy. Instead, you’re more likely to have village shops, quiet pubs, and small libraries.
Ultimately, it has its ups and downs, but what must be said is that the property market right now, especially for private rentals, is red hot, and you’ve probably noticed the speed in which properties are being taken off the market.
Whether you’re looking to move into the city or away to the country, the advice would be to get your skates on and start looking now. Click here to see what we have a available.
