Forget the bright lights of London and the scholarly bustle of Oxford, these days it’s the rural market towns of Tonridge and Tewkesbury which are attracting home buyers.
Changing work habits created by Covid-19 and rising house prices in the cities have created a shift in the housing market which mean places such the rural district of Harborough in the Midlands have seen an influx of movers from Leicester, according to new research.
it’s a trend which is happening across the country as people seek a less hectic pace of life and lower house prices further afield from cities and big towns.
The market town of Selby in North Yorkshire – famous for its medieval abbey – has seen arrivals from nearby cities Leeds, Bradford, and York.
Indeed, the analysis by Experian has also found the picturesque town of Tewkesbury in the Cotswolds has become a desired location for those looking to leave Cheltenham.
Whilst, in Scotland, East and Midlothian now home for those leaving the capital, Edinburgh.
Locations which have seen a substantial drop include the London boroughs of Camden and Brent, and Oxford and Cambridge – cities which are surrounded by iconic English countryside but are still accessible for commuters moving to those areas.
With the average house price in the UK now standing at £275,000 compared to £521,146 in London, it’s no wonder workers – many of whom can now work flexibly from home – are moving to more affordable and rural surrounds.
Why is the countryside becoming more attractive to buyers?
Colin Grieves, managing director of Experian Marketing Services, said: “The pandemic has caused people to examine their priorities, and many have decided to enjoy the benefits of lower cost housing and greener space while still being able to continue their careers.
“Flexible working means people no longer need to be tied to their office, with a longer occasional commute an acceptable compromise.”
The trend is also likely to accelerate changes already seen in British high streets over the last decade, with new retailers and services opening to cater to the needs of the new arrivals.
Where are people moving?
According to Experian’s research, these are the 10 most popular places to which homeowners are moving:
| Area | Region | Net % of Mover Population |
| Harborough | East Midlands | 26% |
| Selby | Yorkshire and the Humber | 26% |
| Tewksbury | South West | 26% |
| East Lothian | Scotland | 25% |
| Midlothian | Scotland | 25% |
| Wealden | South East | 24% |
| Tendring | East | 24% |
| Tonbridge and Malling | South East | 23% |
| South Norfolk | East | 22% |
Which places are people moving from?
Experian also revealed the top 10 places homeowners are leaving:
| Area | Region | Net % of Mover Population |
| Camden | London | -36% |
| Brent | London | -33% |
| Oxford | South East | -27% |
| Cambridge | East | -26% |
| Newham | London | -24% |
| Lambeth | London | -23% |
| Redbridge | London | -22% |
| Braintree | East | -21% |
| Reading | South East | -19% |
| Leicester | East Midlands | -17% |
