During lockdown, access to nature and green space has become more important than ever, so it’s little wonder we’re seeing a spike in interest from town and city dwellers considering life in the countryside.

Villages have always had a special place in the national psyche, epitomising an age-old sense of community. In good times that’s the friendly wave or social in the village hall. When times are tougher, it’s rallying around in adversity, clearing an icy path, delivering casserole, cake and comfort.

And over the past few months, notwithstanding the amazing neighbourhood spirit witnessed nationwide, village life has certainly come into its own.

We conducted a survey of nearly 700 prospective buyers and sellers in lockdown which showed a considerable desire for space and a greater emphasis on the outdoors. Around four in 10 said they found the idea of living in a village more appealing than previously, while for 54 per cent of those with school age children, a countryside location is more attractive now than pre Covid-19.

Meanwhile our residential research team has been looking at sales and prices in parishes across England and Wales. Out of a total 11,188, more than 9,000 have seen at least 10 transactions in the last five years and in 34 of those, the average sale price has topped £1 million.

Unsurprisingly the million pound list is very much a Home Counties village affair, though not exclusively. With 42 sales and a five year average of £1,125,946, Mottram St Andrew in Cheshire is there in 17th place, for example, popular with buyers from London and Manchester.

And here’s the top ten:

Offering rural charm without being remote, as well as the bonus of relative value for money and greater space compared with more urban areas, villages are an appealing prospect. We expect well-connected locations, that allow those who can to split their time between working from home and going into the office, will prove to be especially popular. It will be fascinating to see how many lockdown dreams of a lifestyle change become reality in more normal times.

Further information

View available properties for sale