Some years ago the search requirements of London buyers were highly predictable: a Georgian rectory or impressive farmhouse with a long drive and about 10 acres, all within a 10 mile radius of a mainline station for the City. Seclusion and no neighbours were significant search criteria. But fashions are changing.
These days we are just as likely to find London buyers specifically requesting houses in a village or on the edge-of.
Whilst many of us would be thrilled to own the ultimate trophy country house, we are seeing more buyers wishing to be part of a community and part of the action. When you’re used to the busy lifestyle and buzz of London, as well as having everthing at your fingertips in terms of restaurants, gyms, theatres and cinemas etc, it can be an unexpected shock to the system when a rural setting can lead to a sense of isolation and setting up an account with your local taxi firm.
The pretty and vibrant villages of Suffolk make ours a very special county indeed. When these villages also provide a shop/s, pub, restaurant and primary school we are reaching a recession-proof area of the market. Certainly village houses have been the strongest sector of our market for the past couple of years and the tide is not going to change.
In the price range of about £600,000 - £1,250,000 the demand is exceptional. The wide buyer spectrum is made up of families, professionals, London buyers and – most strongly – the retirement market looking to downsize and be within walking distance of amenities. We have had a number of examples in the recent past where good houses in popular villages, such as Nayland, have brought about competitive bidding owing to this diverse demand.
Whilst this is positive news for the vendors, it can be somewhat frustrating for the buyers. We often see scenarios where cash buyers can swoop in to purchase. This creates a dilemma for those wishing to downsize from their well-loved long-term country house to such a village. These buyers are often very reluctant to sell before they find a house to move to but, the reality is, the village house is the biggest love affair in the market. Just as a faint heart never won a fair maiden, fortune (or the best village house) favours the bold.
Whilst many of us would be thrilled to own the ultimate trophy country house, we are seeing more buyers wishing to be part of a community and part of the action. When you’re used to the busy lifestyle and buzz of London, as well as having everthing at your fingertips in terms of restaurants, gyms, theatres and cinemas etc, it can be an unexpected shock to the system when a rural setting can lead to a sense of isolation and setting up an account with your local taxi firm.
The pretty and vibrant villages of Suffolk make ours a very special county indeed. When these villages also provide a shop/s, pub, restaurant and primary school we are reaching a recession-proof area of the market. Certainly village houses have been the strongest sector of our market for the past couple of years and the tide is not going to change.
In the price range of about £600,000 - £1,250,000 the demand is exceptional. The wide buyer spectrum is made up of families, professionals, London buyers and – most strongly – the retirement market looking to downsize and be within walking distance of amenities. We have had a number of examples in the recent past where good houses in popular villages, such as Nayland, have brought about competitive bidding owing to this diverse demand.
Whilst this is positive news for the vendors, it can be somewhat frustrating for the buyers. We often see scenarios where cash buyers can swoop in to purchase. This creates a dilemma for those wishing to downsize from their well-loved long-term country house to such a village. These buyers are often very reluctant to sell before they find a house to move to but, the reality is, the village house is the biggest love affair in the market. Just as a faint heart never won a fair maiden, fortune (or the best village house) favours the bold.
Caroline Edwards
Partner
Residential Sales, Long Melford
T: 01787 888622
E: caroline.edwards@carterjonas.co.uk
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