Written by Carly Freestone | 23rd April 2019
The good news for country home owners hoping to sell is that despite the ongoing uncertainty over Brexit there is significant activity in the country house market. Over the past decade house prices in rural areas have increased by 25% compared with a 57% rise in cities, but property analysts predict that 2019 marks the beginning of the end of this huge value gap.
In other words, if you dream of one day moving out of London to the country, now could well be the perfect time to put those plans into action. Large numbers of Londoners have already made the decision to bring forward their life changing move to the country. If this trend continues there will be an ever-increasing pool of buyers competing for the same dream country homes. Asking prices will inevitably be pushed up, a factor which may explain why more buyers are acting now while homes in the country are still within their budget.
Here at Michael Graham we specialise in the very finest town and country properties, whether that’s an Old Rectory, an Old Manor, a classic town house or a contemporary barn conversion. One of the most popular requests we get from buyers hoping to escape to the country is to be on the edge of a village that has a pub, a shop and a primary school. Villages out in the sticks are now appealing to more buyers as the rolling out of fast broadband has made working from home a real option. As a result, younger families are eager to find their forever home sooner rather than later, even if that means a longer commute into the office.
Market towns with a good mix of shops, independent cafés and restaurants are also popular with buyers leaving London. Market towns are packed with character and enjoy great transport links, which explains why buyers will pay a premium of more than £40,000 to live in one compared with homes in the surrounding county (Halifax). Here at Michel Graham we sell homes in some of the most sought after market towns in the country, including Princes Risborough, Hitchin and Buckingham – see our previous blog on market towns in the Michael Graham region.
With an office in London and 14 offices across eight counties featuring some of the most beautiful countryside in England, Michael Graham estate agents is perfectly placed to connect London buyers with their dream country home for sale. Why not come along and talk to us at the London and Country Property Show at Chelsea Town Hall on Tuesday 14th May?
Thinking of putting your home on the market? See the country properties below that have recently sold and get in touch to book a free property valuation with Michael Graham.