Escape to the Cotswolds as buyer searches double

• Searches for homes to buy in the Cotswolds more than doubled in the second half of last year, as people looked to relocate for a quieter life in the countryside
• The number of sales being agreed by agents in the Cotswolds also outperformed the South West as a whole, peaking in September with a 100% annual rise
• Wotton-under-Edge saw the biggest increase in average asking prices of all areas in the Cotswolds in 2020, up £38,290 (+14.8%) from 2019
• The Cotswolds location with the biggest annual increase in buyer searches was Chipping Norton (+109.5%)

 

Home-movers looking for a slice of country life are escaping to the Cotswolds, according to new data out today from the UK’s biggest property website Rightmove.

Rightmove’s data analysts found that searches for homes to buy in the Cotswolds more than doubled (+102%) in the second half of last year, compared to the same period in 2019.

The demand for Cotswold property has significantly outstripped the national average, with buyer searches across Great Britain increasing by 50% during the same timeframe.

The number of sales being agreed by agents in the Cotswolds also outperformed the South West as a whole, peaking in September with a 100% annual rise.

The Cotswolds outpaced the rest of the South West for six consecutive months in terms of the annual growth in the number of sales being agreed.

The Rightmove study also found that Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire is where property prices increased the most in the Cotswolds in 2020.

Average asking prices in the leafy market town were up 14.8% on 2019, an annual increase of £38,290.

The place with the biggest annual increases in buyer searches in the Cotswolds was Chipping Norton, up by 109.5%, followed by Burford (+82.3%) and Chipping Campden (+68.5%).

Rightmove’s Director of Property Data Tim Bannister said: “The headline market trend to emerge from 2020 was a huge jump in demand for rural areas and countryside living, and the Cotswolds ticks pretty much every box for home-movers seeking an escape to the country. As a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, brimming with endless walking trails and tight-knit village communities, the Cotswolds represent much of what we hold dear about the great British outdoors. It’s easy to see why the area is a magnet for people looking for a quieter life, and with remote working seemingly here to stay for many, I expect the popularity of the Cotswolds will continue to grow this year.”

Agent’s views

Rupert Sweeting, Partner, Knight Frank Country Department, said: “The Cotswolds’ property market has been completely frantic since the market re-opened in May, with an initial abundance of stock on the market, and buyers paying premiums to achieve their dream homes.  

“In addition to the traditional reasons that have always attracted buyers to the Cotswolds, including the beautiful scenery, good schooling, and well established transport links, the pandemic has drawn attention to how the Cotswolds can also offer a dreamy countryside lifestyle, strong broadband networks, and space and gardens without compromising convenient facilities.

“After experiencing being cooped up during the multiple lockdowns with a small or no garden, city dwellers quickly realized the benefits of moving to the countryside. The abundance of well-equipped towns and villages in the Cotswolds means that these urban buyers are able to achieve their dream countryside retreat without having to completely isolate themselves. “Additionally, having the likes of Soho Farmhouse and Daylesford Farmshop, whilst only ever being approximately an 1 ¼ hrs – 1 ½ hrs from the centre of London is certainly an attraction for many buyers. 

“The widespread ‘cottagecore’ trend, made hugely popular and embraced by many during 2020, romanticized the escapism and tranquillity associated with the countryside. This idealisation of the country perfectly reflects how the pandemic has seen people revaluate their day-to-day lives and consequently propelled the Cotswolds’ property market into a frenzy.”

 

View these stunning Cotswolds properties for sale:

1)

This stunning six-bedroom residence is tucked away in the Gloucestershire countryside and is on the market for just under £1.5 million.

The family home sits in around seven acres of land and even boasts its very own equestrian facility, including  a stable yard and a manège.

View the property now on Rightmove:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/76264212#/

 

2)

The charming Hoo Cottage is a wonderful period property nestled in Chipping Campden that’s up for sale for £555,000.

The cosy two-bedroom home comes with an array of characterful features, including a partially beamed ceiling and a beautiful stone fireplace with a raised hearth and chimney beam.

View the property now on Rightmove:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/87750586#/

 

ENDS

Notes to editor

The time period for searches and sales agreed is June 2019 to November 2019 versus June 2020 to November 2020.

The time period for town-level search data is December 2020 versus December 2019.