Rural property 'is the ideal UK home'

Posted: 27 Oct 2011 16:46:56 GMT

People dream of living in a rural retreat with close access to local facilities, it has been found.

A dream home for the majority of Brits is one that is located in a rural retreat with easy access to nearby facilities, new research has shown.

Carried out by Go Compare, the study revealed the average person would be satisfied with a detached new-build that boasts around half-an-acre of private land.

In addition, individuals said they would find it handy to be situated close to a pub, corner shop and post office.

A school, doctor's surgery and supermarket all need to be under two miles away, while a person's place of work should be located at a distance of no more than ten miles.

Other key factors highlighted in the survey include a good relationship with neighbours and to be on first name terms with five or more other local residents.

Being able to call on at least three individuals residing close by was earmarked as another preference.

Phil Paterson-Fox, head of home insurance at the price comparison website, noted many people do not simply dream of owning a mansion, as other factors independent of the building itself serve to make up a dream home.

The industry figure observed: "Location is key, as is having friends and relatives close by. The study also shows how important local amenities are to people with a library, post office, school, pub, a doctor and dentist all required within two miles."

He went on to point out it therefore does not seem unrealistic that some individuals may well end up living in their ideal abode, adding: "When house hunting it is difficult to tick every box, but most people know exactly what they want."

The findings come shortly after the latest annual Halifax Rural Housing Review revealed homes located in the countryside tend to be more expensive than properties found in urban centres, with prices rising substantially over the last decade.
 

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