Rural hotspots revealed as Brits quit cities and work from home amid coronavirus crisis – and some cost under £200k
THE UK's top rural property hotspots have been revealed as Brits look to quit cities and work from home as they've been doing due to coronavirus - and some properties cost under £200,000.
It comes as the number of Brits with homes in the city contacting estate agents to buy a home in a village soared by 126 per cent in June and July compared to this time last year.
Those in Liverpool seem most keen to escape to the country, with a 275 per cent increase in residents considering village life.
Meanwhile, village enquiries in Edinburgh have risen by 205 per cent and by 186 per cent in Birmingham.
In comparison, the number of city residents making enquiries about moving to another town increased by a smaller 68 per cent.
Many Brits face working from home for a longer period of time due to coronavirus, with some set to do their job remotely for good.
Rightmove said the top rural hotspot for Londoners looking to relocate based on enquiries is currently Iver in Buckinghamshire, while Bristol residents are considering Banwell.
Meanwhile, Mancunians hoping for a quieter life made enquiries about the village of Charlesworth in Derbyshire.
The research covers the UK's top ten biggest cities based on how many properties there are on sale in the area.
Only one out of ten cities analysed – Leicester – has seen a bigger rise in inquiries to move to towns than to villages.
In the city, 27 per cent of residents made enquiries about moving to a village while almost half (48 per cent) contacted estate agents about moving to a town.
Rightmove says many village locations city dwellers are interested in are still within commuting distance to the city they are currently living in but with the appeal of a quieter life.
Homebuyers are unlikely to be able to save money on the move though, as average asking prices in villages are often pricier than in cities.
But you can still find properties below £200,000 - below we round up cheap homes up for grabs in villages on Rightmove.
Miles Shipside, Rightmove’s property expert, said: "There’s a new group of buyers now in market, prompted to move by the priorities for their home changing during lockdown, with the additional catalyst of the temporary stamp duty holiday turning the heads of homeowners.
"It’s worth noting that some of these buyers may have been looking to move later this year anyway, so we won’t have a clear picture on how many sales will have been lost in 2020 until early next year."
Which properties are on sale in the rural hotspots?
Here are some properties for under £200,000 that we've spotted located in Rightmove's village hit list.
If you're keen to move, make sure you factor in potential commuting costs if you end up having to go into the office.
Two-bedroom cottage in West Linton, Peeblesshire - £189,995
If you're looking for the village lifestyle, you may want to check out this two-bedroom cottage on for just below £190,000.
It's formed over two levels and should be big enough for a smaller family.
The master bedroom has built-in wardrobes while the second double bedroom offers views across West Linton.
Perfect for hot summer days, it also has a rear garden with plenty of space.
The village is proving popular for those looking to move from Edinburgh.
Two-bedroom semi-detached house in Aughton, Lancashire - £189,950
For a similar price, Liverpool residents looking for a village lifestyle can buy in Aughton.
The ground floor comes with a living room and and open plan kitchen/family room, while the two bedrooms and a family bathroom are located on the first floor.
In good news for garden lovers, the property also comes with a front and rear garden.
One-bedroom flat in Iver, Buckinghamshire - £190,000
Londoners seeking the peace and quiet can snap up this one-bedroom flat for £190,000 on .
The newly decorated top floor flat is located 1.5 mile walk from Iver Station, which could come in handy if you plan to commute.
It has an open living and dining room, a double bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
Motorists will also be pleased to learn about the residents only communal car park.
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Property hunters were spurred on after the government announced it was temporarily scrapping stamp duty on homes up to £500,000.
Meanwhile, buyers hoping to get on the housing ladder could be in line for tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of savings if they identify inaccurate floor plans.