The Big Move- Relocating to the Country in Search of the Good Life

Events this year have persuaded more people than ever that relocating to the countryside is for them.  Liz Shankland looks at the implications for the rural property market – and the expectations of potential buyers.

There can be no doubt that 2020 will go down in history as one of the most stressful and unsettling years the world has seen for generations.  Here in the UK we lived through confusion and worry over Brexit, devastating floods and then, to top it all, the massive wrecking ball of te coronavirus pandemic.  All of these frightening factors have combined to make this a time that everyone would prefer to forget.

But, for some people, the unprecedented challenges of the past few months have provided a positive turning point; a catalyst for making major changes to their lives and laying down plans for the future.  Not since the 1970s, when John Seymour’s landmark book, The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency, inspired so many to go in search of the Good Life, have so many people set their hearts on leaving the rat race and moving to the countryside………..

Carol Peett has been running West Wales Property Finders for 17 years and says she has never been so busy. “More than ever people are deciding they want to move to the country,” she says.  “It’s down to a variety of things: more people were able to experience working from home and saw the possibilities of doing that from a nicer location; young families with children were cooped up in a flat or a small house in a city for long periods of time.  Buyers have decided that they want bigger gardens, or houses with land.  They want to be able to get out and enjoy walks in the fresh air, but in less densely populated areas which are safer and offer a more relaxed lifestyle.  Moving to a more affordable area means that you are not only getting a lot more for your money but you can have cash left over to tide you over”.

A survey carried out mid lockdown by estate agent Savills revealed that 71% of people aged under 40 were now prioritising a garden or outdoor space over a bigger house…..

Carol Peett advises clients to get to know the areas they are considering moving to before taking the plunge.  “People have to consider what they’re leaving behind”, she warns.  “They may not have access to all the facilities they are used to having right on their doorsteps.  If they have family or friends they see on a regular basis, but they are relocating to another part of the country, they wont be able to just pop round for a visit any more. Sometimes clients will buy a property that seems perfect but after they realise that they miss their loved ones and want to move back”.

“If you are moving to a rural area, the most important thing to remember is that you must accept there are some things you can’t change – and some thing that you shouldn’t try and change.  Join in with village life; don’t lock yourself in your house”.  “You also have to accept that the countryside is a working environment.  There will be mud on the roads, noisy tractors and other big machinery at various times of the year, and you may be held up by sheep or cattle on the road at times.  The only incomers that people really resent are the kind who come in with a picture book idea of what the countryside is; the sort that complain that the church bells are too loud, or that they were woken up by a cockerel”……

Country Smallholding Magazine – September 2020

If you are looking to move to West Wales, or buy a property here, call West Wales Property Finders on 01834 862816.  We can find your perfect property for you whilst saving you time, stress and often money too.  http://www.westwalespropertyfinders.co.uk