It was love at first sight when Emma and John first saw the crumbling, ivy-covered farmhouse nestled among rolling hills. They had been living in the city’s heart for years, juggling careers, raising two children, and dealing with the never-ending buzz of urban life. But in the middle of the global pandemic, something changed. Like thousands of others, the couple yearned for space, fresh air, and a slower pace. This quiet, forgotten country house became their sanctuary—their chance to reconnect with nature and escape the chaos. Country houses for sale
Emma and John’s story mirrors the growing trend of people seeking country houses as more than just vacation homes. In the wake of remote work opportunities, a desire for better work-life balance, and environmental consciousness, the market for country houses has exploded. According to a report by Savills, demand for rural properties surged by over 50% between 2020 and 2023. But what exactly is driving this movement toward country homes? Let’s dive into the data, examine the market, and explore the irresistible charm that draws buyers to the countryside.
The Changing Landscape of Real Estate: Why Country Houses are in Demand
Urban Exodus: The Post-Pandemic Shift
Since 2020, there has been a significant shift in the way people view their living spaces. Remote work has untethered many from the need to live close to city centers, leading to a migration towards rural and suburban areas. The “urban exodus” has been well documented, with a study by Zillow revealing that nearly 60% of homebuyers in 2021 were considering homes in suburban or rural locations. This trend fueled the desire for more indoor and outdoor space and a new appreciation for nature and sustainability.
According to a report from Knight Frank, the number of people searching for country homes jumped by 42% in 2020 alone. Rural properties are not just about buying a house but a lifestyle—peace, privacy, and proximity to nature. For many, it’s a chance to grow their food, live off-grid, or escape the stress of city life. But this move comes at a cost, with rural properties seeing a price increase of 20-25% in certain popular areas, such as Cornwall and the Cotswolds in the U.K.
Rural Property Prices: A Growing Market
With demand surging, prices for country homes have naturally followed suit. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price for rural properties in the United States increased by 11.3% from 2020 to 2022. Similarly, in Europe, countries like France and Italy, famous for their charming countryside estates, have also seen a rise in rural property prices. Knight Frank reported that property prices in the English countryside, particularly in counties like Devon, Somerset, and Yorkshire, rose by more than 14% between 2021 and 2022.
In the U.S., rural homes in states like Vermont, Idaho, and Montana have become especially desirable, driven by individuals seeking more space for less money compared to urban environments. According to Realtor.com, the median price of homes in rural parts of Vermont increased by 12.5% in 2022. In the U.K., the “race for space” has driven significant price increases in rural areas, particularly in regions that offer proximity to urban centers for those needing occasional city access.
Who’s Buying? Demographics of Country House Buyers
While baby boomers traditionally dominated the market for country homes, recent trends indicate a growing interest from younger buyers. Millennials, well into their 30s and early 40s, have increasingly joined the hunt for country properties, especially as flexible work options become more common.
A 2023 study by Zoopla noted that millennials accounted for 36% of rural property searches, up from 22% in 2019. This younger generation, motivated by sustainability, health, and the work-from-home revolution, is attracted to living in harmony with nature while maintaining a strong connection to technology.
Furthermore, the rise in digital nomadism—professionals who work remotely while living in various locations—has also contributed to the demand for rural homes. According to Statista, there will be approximately 35 million digital nomads worldwide by 2023, and a significant percentage of them are looking for homes in quiet, scenic areas with good internet connections, making country houses in places like upstate New York or the south of France highly desirable.
The Financial Aspect: Is Investing in a Country House Worth It?
The Costs of Buying and Maintaining a Country Home
While owning a country house can be enticing, potential buyers must know the costs. Rural properties, especially located on large plots or with historical significance, often have higher maintenance costs. These homes may require extensive renovations, particularly if they are older, and ongoing upkeep costs can be substantial.
The Rural Landowners Association (RLA) has estimated that maintaining a country home can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 per year, depending on the size of the property and its specific needs. Renovating a historical property could push these figures even higher, especially when preserving original architectural features. Additionally, utilities like heating, electricity, and water can be more expensive in rural locations due to the lack of infrastructure that cities enjoy.
That said, owning a country house can also offer financial advantages. Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms have made it easier for country homeowners to rent their properties when not in use, turning their dream home into a lucrative income stream. According to AirDNA, rural vacation homes in the U.S. saw a 30% increase in rental bookings between 2020 and 2022, driven by the surge in demand for secluded getaways.
Long-Term Investment Potential
As with any real estate investment, location is key to the long-term value of a country house. Proximity to amenities, scenic beauty, and even climate resilience are all factors that can influence the future value of a rural property. According to Savills, rural properties in areas with access to major highways, popular tourist spots, or those within a two-hour drive of major cities are likely to see the highest appreciation rates.
In Europe, regions such as Tuscany in Italy, Provence in France, and Andalusia in Spain have seen consistent interest from international buyers. These regions maintain strong property values, although economic fluctuations and well-maintained country homes have proven to be places of personal refuge and sound long-term investments.
The Allure of the Countryside: Beyond Financial Gain
While the rise in country house sales clearly has an economic aspect, the true draw of these properties goes beyond investment potential. For many, buying a country house is about lifestyle transformation. It’s about creating a personal sanctuary where nature and tranquillity replace the frenetic pace of city life.
For Emma and John, that old farmhouse represented freedom. It allowed their children to explore acres of land, pick apples from their orchard, and learn about the world from a different perspective. The home became not just a place to live but a place to thrive, and this is the heart of why country houses continue to captivate the imaginations of so many.
