East of England Named by Jackson-Stops as Most Affordable for Rural Homebuyers
Rural living offers significant health advantages, including cleaner air, reduced stress levels, and a more active lifestyle. Access to fresh, organic food and strong community connections further enhance the physical and mental well-being of those residing in rural areas.
The Jackson-Stops estate agency has found that the East of England is currently the most affordable region for buyers looking for detached homes in rural England. The finding comes as lifestyle preferences and work patterns continue to shift after the pandemic.
In a detailed study comparing prices of detached homes in rural and urban settings across England, Jackson-Stops identified four regions where rural properties are generally cheaper than their urban counterparts: East of England, West Midlands, North West, and Yorkshire & Humber.
Data indicates that nearly 39% of detached home purchases in England over the past decade have been in rural locations. The East of England offers the largest price gap, with rural detached homes priced 37% lower on average than those in urban areas (£487,483 vs. £772,396). This gap has widened since the pandemic, driven by a sharper rise in urban property prices.
In 2023, popular rural locations in the East of England included Whittlesey, Watton, and Dersingham. The region’s growing appeal draws partly on the innovative and expanding Cambridge-Oxford Arc. The flexibility of remote work and shifting lifestyle preferences have fuelled demand in rural Suffolk and Norfolk.
Daryl Parr, Jackson-Stops Colchester director, notes Essex’s affordability within the home counties, particularly for families moving out of London. He points to the appeal of villages in the Constable Country area, located between Ipswich, Chelmsford, and Colchester.
In contrast, rural homes now command a premium in the South West. In 2023, rural properties in this region were 11% more expensive than urban ones (£563,786 vs. £508,006), a reversal from pre-pandemic trends. The region has seen a notable increase in preference for rural settings, with 62% of detached home buyers choosing rural locations in 2023, up from 54% in 2013. Cornwall has remained a top choice for rural homebuyers for over a decade.
Richard Holder of Jackson-Stops Cornwall attributes this trend to the region’s landscapes and beaches, with Cornwall offering a strong community feel. A close connection with nature makes it a popular location for various homebuyers, including downsizers and entrepreneurs.
About Jackson-Stops
Jackson-Stops is a national estate agency with over a century of experience in the UK property market. The agency has a strong reputation for providing tailored real estate services.
Source: Jackson-Stops