Moving to the countryside? Top 5 questions to ask yourself before going rural

Moving to the countryside is a trend that’s taking the UK by storm. House hunters are looking to escape bustling city streets and crowded suburbia to relocate to rural areas for – yes, you’ve guessed it! – better ways to social distance.

Or for you, perhaps more fresh air, space, and idyllic places to walk your four-legged friend is motivation enough?

Whether you’ve got your deposit at the ready or are simply looking at the possibility of moving to the countryside – there are some important things to ask yourself beforehand.

Top 5 questions to ask before moving to the countryside:

1. New build or historic gem?

First things first, what’s your ideal home type?
Lot’s of new housing estates have popped up across the countryside over the years. But these homes tend to have smaller gardens, and you’re likely to have dozens of neighbours. So if the countryside’s peace is what appeals most to you – a detached country house or cottage is likely more suitable as you’ll have more space to roam at home and down country lanes.

2. Just how rural am I going?

Moving to the countryside can mean relocating to the sticks with your nearest neighbour miles out of earshot, or a quaint village with a pub and playground.

It’s important to jot down what necessities you’ll need near home. If you pop to the pharmacy every week – how far will you need to venture? And what about the school run?

3. How can I choose the right community for me?

What happens if you need an emergency babysitter? In this scenario, it’s a good idea to live near your support system (family and friends).

Do you enjoy attending local sports and craft clubs? Take a look online or if you’re not too far away, take a walk around to get a feel for the community. And if you bump into a club poster or two… perfect!

4. How much will my bills cost if I upscale?

With more rooms comes increased energy consumption, and that’s especially true in older homes with single glazing and worn-down insulation. In this case, the cost difference is something to think about and prepare for.

However, when it comes to the electrical safety of a home you’re interested in, you’ll be happy to know Electrical Installation Certificates (EICR) are now mandatory in the UK. A qualified electrician will check to see if fuse boards are safe, everything is correctly earthed, and lights, sockets and switches are correctly wired. If a property has a ‘pass’ result – feel free to make an offer!

5. Will my work-life be affected?

Calculating your new commuting time is essential if you’re working your socks off right now at your 9 to 5. And don’t forget about harvest time and muddy roads which may cause delays.

And if you’re working from home, it’s best to check local broadband speeds. That way you’ll know the internet won’t stutter when you’re sending an important work email and your kids favourite show won’t pause for the umpteenth time.

We hope these 5 questions help you plan and prepare for your move to peaceful, greener settings.

If you’re in London and looking to move, don’t hesitate to give your local Anthony Pepe office a call for help and advice:

• Harringay – 020 8341 9999
• Highbury – 020 7704 2100
• Palmers Green – 020 8882 6567
• Crouch End – 0208 348 2545
• Cockfosters – 0208 440 5000

Anthony Pepe – The best estate agency group in London and the UK as awarded by ESTAS.