The UK country house market has been a surprising beneficiary of lockdown, according to a recent Times report.
Country house prices have risen by 8.8%, the highest quarterly growth for a decade. For those who are already seeking the rural idyll, this isn’t news. Families looking for luxury permanent or weekend homes have found demand certainly exceeds supply, with good properties being snapped up as they hit the market.
Whilst coastal properties and the West Country hold popular appeal, for those who work nearer the capital city, the Surrey Hills was voted the best place to live in the South East UK by The Sunday Times. Described as “the Hollywood version of country life” in the The Sunday Times, it remains a truly beautiful area of unspoilt English countryside. Its unique location 30 miles from London, fantastic commuting connections by rail or road and superb schools make it a destination location for the luxury home buyer.
Tim Harriss, Knight Frank Partner, Guildford, commenting on the boom for luxury properties in Surrey, said: “Post lockdown, there seems to be a national desire for space and countryside. Surrey Hills offers this and more. It’s a great place to live with a wonderful choice of attractive, historic villages at every turn. It’s perfect for buyers who want privacy and a five bedroom house with pool, on a five acre plot.
“We have also seen a noticeable change in the type of families who are buying £2million plus properties. In the past we saw families move out of London when their children were six or seven years old. We are now seeing these buyers deciding to move out five years earlier with young babies. They have realised they can swap their South West London terraced house for a substantial family home with all the toys.”
Knight Frank Guildford has recently brought to market Mark Ash, Abinger Common, in the heart of the Surrey Hills for £5 million. Hunters Hill, a striking and sustainable award-winning home, set in the hamlet of Farley Green, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was quickly placed under offer for considerably more than its £3.5million guide price.
If you would like more details of country homes in the Surrey Hills please contact Knight Frank Guildford on: +44 1483 617 910.
Smith Greenfield is an independent insurance broker specialising in insurance for clients with higher value homes and higher value contents. To discuss specialist insurance for your home and lifestyle, please contact our Premier Client Adviser, Imran Moideen, via email imran.moideen@smithgreenfield.co.uk or telephone 020 8603 3730.
Photo: Mark Ash, Abinger Common