Savills Portugal

Our latest buyer and seller survey has revealed that the quest for space that has driven the UK’s prime housing market in country locations over the past year shows little sign of easing. Indeed, while we’re also seeing renewed interest in towns and cities, it is likely that the strong desire amongst buyers for larger homes in greener locations will continue to underpin demand over the coming months.

This trend is reflected in the ‘active downsizer’ housing market, with older buyers now among our most frequent purchasers of new developments in rural locations.

They no longer have to work full time and have the means, desire and energy to make full use of the countryside around them. Security and peace of mind is important to them and they appreciate the easy maintenance that a new home brings. They tell us they aspire to being able to ‘lock-up and leave’ in order to visit family or to holiday in other locations across the UK, as well as much further afield when restrictions allow.

Space is priority too for these buyers who want to be able to accommodate visiting friends, children or grandchildren, or to undertake a range of leisure pursuits in their homes, from art and photography to fitness. Wifi remains as important to them as it is to the wider market: many still have work commitments while others will wish to keep in touch with family and friends or take part in online clubs and activities.

From homes near mountains in the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District, beside a marina in Wales or a golf course in Jersey, here six of the best properties on the market that will have great appeal for active downsizers all over the UK.