At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, city folk moved out of their flats in droves to houses with space for a home office, large gardens and peace from the city.
Whilst the majority of families who have left major cities are enjoying a new pace of life, some have started to question their sudden change of lifestyle, having not had a chance to consider all that the countryside has to offer.
1. Access to local amenities and services
In rural locations, transport and infrastructure are much further behind that of cities. It is not possible to walk to the train station or to order a takeaway straight to the doorstep.
As part of the home buying process, local area searches can reveal what transport links are within the area and whether additional infrastructure is in the pipeline.
Other services not necessarily available in the countryside include fast or fibre broadband and mobile phone signal. Many people during the pandemic learnt that reliable internet is essential to work from home productively.
2. The smell of fresh air
Living in proximity to working farms means that all of the smells that one might expect on a farm carry over to the property which can make sitting outside on a summer’s evening for a meal rather unpleasant.
3. Septic tanks
One of the least alluring parts of rural living can be the upkeep of a septic tank. Your property might have use of a septic tank rather than be connected to a public sewer. This might involve cooperation with a neighbour if their property also uses the system, and maintenance can be costly as well as unpleasant to deal with. The cost of maintaining the septic tank might fall on you and repairs can be expensive.
4. Peace and quiet
Although the usual city noises will fade away, farm machinery and the rumbling of tractors past your property in the early hours is another factor to consider when living in the countryside. Agricultural working clearly does not fall within the traditional 9 to 5 working hours that many offices adhere to. Dairy farmers will begin work early in the morning, which can mean not only loud cows but also loud milking machinery.
5. Countryside views
Many homebuyers move to the countryside with the prospect of waking up to a beautiful view of endless fields and greenery. It is rare that you will have a right to a view. Searches of the local authority and of the area will reveal any planning applications in the surrounding area. It should be considered that if any of the planning applications come to fruition, are they going to affect your enjoyment, and the value, of your property.
6. Plans scuppered
You may purchase a property with acres of land which has previously been used as agricultural land. Development may not be possible in the countryside as the land may be subject to a range of environmental designations or have an agricultural tie that limits who should occupy the property.
Additionally, you should consider whether your property has any listed status or is in a conservation area. Speaking to the planning department in the local authority could give you a useful insight into the property before you commit to purchasing.
7. Countryside walks
If your home is crossed by a public footpath, members of the public will have a right to pass and repass along the footpath on foot. This could mean a steady flow of visitors through your garden in the peak of summer when you may wish to be sat outside in the garden privately.
8. Picturesque living
People relocating to the countryside will be well-acquainted with all that it has to offer and will enjoy being in amongst the sights and sounds of rural life. Access to national parks, more space and less pollution are just some of the draws to the countryside which have encouraged those sitting on the fence to make the move. Despite some initial surprises, now is as great a time as ever to think about moving out of the city, making sure it suits your family and lifestyle.
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