Britons would be willing to pay a staggering 21 per cent more than the national average house price for the better quality of life and cleaner air that comes from living in the countryside, independent new research shows.
More than 2,000 UK residents were asked for their views on relocating to the countryside, with more than three-quarters (78 per cent) of Brits saying that they would consider moving. Residents of Wales and East Anglia were the most enthusiastic, with 85 per cent and 82 per cent (respectively) saying they would consider heading to a more rural location.
The top five locations that people would like to move to are:
1. Cornwall (28 per cent)
2. Devon (27 per cent)
3. Lake District (22 per cent)
4. Somerset (17 per cent)
5. North Yorkshire (16 per cent)
But while Cornwall came out top overall, it seems that people living in the north would like to stay there, with Leeds overwhelmingly showing preference for North Yorkshire (53 per cent), Liverpool favouring the Lake District (37 per cent) and Sheffield choosing the Derbyshire Dales as their rural idyll of choice (29 per cent).
The fast pace and hustle and bustle of a city may appeal to some, but it seems Brits also value the serenity that the countryside can bring. The top three reasons for moving to the countryside were:
1. Better quality of life (57 per cent)
2. Cleaner air (39 per cent)
3. If the price was right (29 per cent)
Almost two-thirds of women said that a better quality of life was most important to them (60 per cent), while for men one of their highest priorities was the price of a property, with a third stating that they would move if the price was right (33 per cent).
Southampton was the city most willing to pay extra for a countryside property at 25 per cent above the national average, with Plymouth willing to pay the smallest premium, at 14 per cent above the national average.
The survey was conducted by Certas Energy.
Angus Blundell, director of the company, said: “Many people choose to move to the countryside in search of fresh air and an overall better quality of life. Leaving the city behind and going a little further off the grid can let you enjoy the rural lifestyle and traditions that have existed for centuries in this country.