For years, the countryside has been the butt of urban jokes, sneered at for its patchy broadband, the whiff of fertiliser, and the risk of being told to 'get off my land' by an angry farmer.
Yet, despite all this, rural living has quietly outpaced urban areas in more ways than one.
According to Nationwide's latest data, rural house prices have surged by 23 per cent over the past five years, eclipsing the 18 per cent rise seen in towns and cities.
This trend, sparked by the pandemic's 'race for space', has proven resilient, with rural homes continuing to attract buyers seeking more room and a better quality of life.
Interestingly, it's not just the sprawling country estates leading the charge towards rural utopia.
Terraced properties have experienced the strongest price growth, with average prices increasing by 25 per cent between December 2019 and December 2024.
Rural living has quietly outpaced urban areas
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Semi-detached homes in rural areas have matched this growth, while rural detached properties have seen a 21 per cent increase.
In contrast, urban flats have lagged significantly, with just a six per cent rise over the same period. That's £10,000 a year less growth for an average-priced property.
Jonathan Rolande shared his expertise Jonathan Rolande
The appeal of rural living isn't solely about space. The countryside offers a lifestyle that many find increasingly attractive: lower crime rates, stronger community ties, and a slower pace of life.
These factors, combined with the shift towards remote working, have made rural areas more accessible and desirable.
I suspect that the rapid decay of our town and city centres also plays a huge part in this.
Of course, rural living isn't without its challenges. Infrastructure can be lacking, and services are often spread thin.
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Crime isn't non-existent. There's nowhere to buy a kebab at 1am. But for many, these are acceptable trade-offs for the benefits gained.
The countryside is shedding its outdated image and emerging as a strong contender in the property market.
For those considering a move, it's worth looking beyond the city limits. After all, the grass is greener and the buyers are keener.
Jonathan Rolande is a property expert and the founder of House Buy Fast. For more free advice, visit www.jonthanrolande.co.uk.
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