More people want to live in remote locations (& Captain Tom’s village)
With most of us having spent lots more time indoors lately, it seems many are turning to Rightmove to see what living in a more remote location might be like.
The top ten list of the biggest uplifts in buyer searches in April compared to a year ago reveals plenty of scenic postcodes.
Topping the list is Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, where searches are up 167%, followed by the Shetland Isles, up 131%. For those seriously thinking of moving, the average asking price of a property in Inverness is £201,654, making it an affordable alternative to a number of cities around the UK.
Number three on the list is one of the most luxurious places to live in the UK, Sandbanks in Poole. A six bed waterfront house is currently on Rightmove for almost £7 million, likely to be high up on a lottery win wishlist.
People browsing Rightmove continue to dual-screen (home-hunting on a phone or tablet whilst watching TV), with searches of homes in Belgravia up 42% compared to last April, thanks to the new ITV historical drama of the same name.
Those browsing the mansions will find it is one of the most expensive areas of the UK. The lowest price for a three bed property currently on Rightmove is over £1 million in Belgravia, compared to just over £100,000 in Inverness. Mayfair also makes it in to the top ten list.
Captain Tom Moore, who has captured the nation’s hearts while fundraising millions to help the amazing work of the NHS, has ignited interest in his hometown of Marston Moretaine in Bedford. Searches for the town are up 46% this April compared to the same month last year.
Agents’ views
Duncan Chisholm, Director of Munro & Noble in Inverness, says:”The city has been developing quickly in recent years and so the fact that it’s still relatively affordable compared to other cities around the UK makes it an appealing place to live. Not to mention the amazing scenery, beaches and hillsides that we’re fortunate to have on our doorstep.
“It’s a close knit community, something I imagine is quite unique for a city. It’s like we have the best of both worlds as we have the amenities of a city but the feel of a village. In usual circumstances I could be in the middle of the beautiful Highlands with nobody about and then in 20 minutes I can be sitting at my desk in the city.”
Steve Isaacs, Director of Luxury & Prestige in Sandbanks, adds: “Sandbanks is the ultimate lifestyle location in the UK though we know there’s only a fortunate few who are lucky enough to afford to live in the area. It has miles and miles of fabulous beaches, the second largest harbour in the world and unrivalled leisure amenities.
“Add a sprinkling of glamour in the form of an increasing number of celebrities making their homes here and it’s no wonder our beautiful properties have a unique attraction as well as a certain mystique.”
Top ten biggest increases in searches on Rightmove, April 2020 versus April 2019:
Buy your own slice of the Shetland Isles
This hugely characterful seven-bedroom home occupies a gloriously commanding position overlooking the voe of Olna Firth.
Voe House itself is an historic, listed property that boasts almost two acres of land and is surrounded by utterly sensational views of the marina and countryside.
Inside, the house is arranged over three floors and retains some original, charming features, and seven en-suite double bedrooms. The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, are located approximately 100 miles north of mainland Scotland and 200 miles west of Bergen, Norway.
This property is listed for sale with Harper Macleod.
