Country over city: demand for village housing surges

06 Aug 2020

Recent research reveals demand for houses in certain parts of Britain has spiked, as Brits leave the city life for homes in the country.

Demand for property for sale in villages has skyrocketed, as the coronavirus pandemic changes consumer behaviour. According to data from estate agent Rightmove, city dwellers are giving up the town life for places in the village. 

The number of Brits looking to move from the city to the country hiked 126% in June and July, compared to the same period last year. 

According to research compiled by the estate agent, the shift in consumer behaviour began in April – roughly when coronavirus cases started to break out rapidly in the UK. 

However, most of the top village destinations that city dwellers have shown keen interest in are still within comfortable distance from their town. 

Rightmove’s property expert Miles Shipside said: “The lure of a new lifestyle, one that is quieter and has an abundance of beautiful countryside and more outdoor space, has led to more city dwellers choosing to become rural residents.

"We saw a shift as early as April in more people living in cities enquiring about moving out of that city, and this trend has continued.

"The most popular village moves are still within the same region the home-hunters are currently in, as it’s likely they’ll keep their current job but may have the flexibility to commute less often and set up their working space at home.”