If you're craving a new, quieter and more rural lifestyle then this is a quick look at the things you need to consider making a move.
Where to go?
The first question is where to go? For people moving from London, the most popular rural areas are likely to be in the counties that are most easily accessible from where they have come from.
Whilst some people are looking for a complete break with an escape to the Outer Hebrides, generally we don't want to be totally isolated from our root, so tend to choose motorway corridors. The most popular areas are within two to three hours drive of London - west to Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon or Gloucestershire or north-east to Norfolk and Suffolk. Herefordshire and Wales have also proved very popular escape locations over the last few years - communications are not quite so good, but property prices are more competitive. Cornwall has always been a popular choice and Scotland is also increasing in popularity.
What to do?
The second consideration is what to do? The Good Life image is great on paper, but the reality may be different - and can obviously be hard work. However, if you are up for the challenge you may find that you end up with the idyllic life you always dreamed of - just do your research so you know what you are letting yourself in for.
Running B&Bs, holiday cottages, farm shops, trout lakes, clay shooting, quad biking and hobby farms are the most popular rural alternatives, but they all require the right property. Some rely on acquiring land, while others require the buildings. Permissions for change of use from the local planning authority is always an issue and you should check council guidelines. An alternative is to buy an existing business.
Finances
Thirdly you need to check your finances. The popular impression is that selling a house in the South-east means that you can afford anything, but the average property price in the South-west has now risen to 70 per cent of that in Greater London, so budget carefully.
Mortgages are something else to consider. Lenders want a track record of your income, but if you've been employed for years and suddenly become self employed, you have no track record in your new venture. It may therefore be wise for one partner to keep their job (or seek new employment) to provide an income on which loans can be secured against. Then, once things are up and running and more secure it will be easier for current income levels to be taken into consideration.
Consider local resources
Remember that resources differ around the country. When you live in London or the Home Counties, if anything goes wrong there's a choice of people to meet your professional needs. But in rural areas you not only have to find someone, but also wait for them to be available. Even if it's just someone to fix a computer system, it may be days. So make sure you've pre-identified your support network.
If you're starting a new enterprise, budget for staff costs, down time while you revamp the property and uncontrollable events such as the weather. Tourist based ventures such as B&Bs can be extremely hard hit by a poor summer for example.
Getting used to your new location
Finally, get used to your new location can be tough, you may find that you don't actually like the peace and tranquility after all.
Try staying with friends or renting for a period before you make a full commitment to move your entire life. You need to be ready to adapt for a new way of life.
Some people will inevitably find a more to the country not to their liking, but usually because they don't prepare. The vast majority, however, find it is just what they have been longing for and quickly settle in to a new way of life.
Comparative regional property prices
Scotland £126,639
Northern Ireland £196,874
Far north of England £145,519
North-west England £149,676
North-east England £144,582
Wales £159,246
West Midlands £173,121
East Midlands £161,930
East Anglia £182,514
Greater London £287,176
South-east England £240,624
South-west England £200,931 |
