Estate agents are reporting a rise in demand for homes in countryside locations, since the pandemic had people on the hunt for more outside space.
Savills agents have said they’ve seen a 60% rise in interest for rental homes in the most desirable countryside areas. The new research by Savills, exclusive to The Telegraph, has unveiled the most desirable villages, including one Merseyside area.
Hightown has made the list, with an average property price of £299,304 being recorded. Frances Clay, analyst at Savills, said: “People want villages that have a bit of everything, from schools to stunning countryside, with accessibility to cities and transport infrastructure. Less-well trumpeted factors count too, such as the main road through the village should only lead to other villages.”
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Given Hightown's growing popularity on the market, we spoke to local property experts, who summed up why they believe it’s an in demand area. Liam Watts, marketing advisor for Kuavo sales Team in Maghull, described Hightown as a ‘hidden gem’ when compared to the more known neighbouring Formby and Crosby.
He said: “As an estate agent you can cover many different areas in and around the City and will often come across hidden gems in all parts. Hightown is a great example of this. Although relatively unknown in the city when compared to the neighbouring Formby and Crosby, from speaking with residents here this is an area that once you move in to, you will not want to leave.”
Liam added: “Having spent a couple of hours here on a sunny Saturday recently, I was greeted continuously by friendly residents out on their morning stroll. When you combine this with the Hightown pub and the row of traditional shops, this beautiful quaint village is reminiscent of a bygone era and a more simplified lifestyle.”
He said it’s also an ideal spot for commuters who want to work in the city but live in the countryside. It has links with both Southport and Liverpool direct on Merseyrail lines from Hightown Station. Easy road access is also available nearby onto the A565 linking directly to Southport, Liverpool city centre and M58/M57 motorways via the A5758.
Being close to the water, Blundellsands sailing club is also within walking distance for many homeowners. Liam said: “Hightown is perfect for other recreational activities such as walks along the mouth of the historic River Alt onto the shoreline, where you are likely to see a variety of local wildlife, a must for any avid birdwatcher.
“For those wanting some more activity, the Hightown club is a great way to socialise and meet friendly locals whilst staying in shape and a wide range of sports are on offer with something for everyone including, cricket, tennis, football and rugby. For cyclists, the Sefton Coastal Path from Seaforth to Southport is a popular route for all abilities away from busy roads.”
Purplebricks’ area director Lee Reynolds, said: “Hightown is a town that lies on the Formby coastline between Liverpool and Southport. The reason it will be so sought after is because it has that semi-rural coastal feel to it, as well as being close enough to Liverpool City Centre and all of the amenities there.
“Hightown has its own railway station on the Northern Live of the Mersey rail network and is close enough to transport links such as the M57 and M58, which connect to the M6 motorway network. Liverpool has huge demand in general, but it's rare you have the blend of a coastal location along with the benefits of being located in a city. That’s why Hightown has the highest average house price in Liverpool.”
Full list of most desired villages according to Savills:
Bedfordshire: Studham (average property price £700,494)
Berkshire: Sunningdale (average property price £1,101,285)
Buckinghamshire: Turville (average property price £1,463,240)
Cambridgeshire: Hemingford Abbots (average property price £829,437)
Cheshire: The Alderleys (average property price £1,268,175)
Clwyd: Rowen (average property price £363,214)
Cornwall: Rock (average property price £1,080,534)
County Durham: Brancepeth (average property price £390,238)
Cumbria: Hawkshead (average property price £460,001)
Denbighshire: Llanarmon-yn-Iâl (average property price £290,118)
Derbyshire: Edensor (average property price £670,644)
Devon: South Pool (average property price £999,000)
Dorset: Studland (average property price £972,831)
East Lothian: Gullane (average property price £356,615)
East Riding of Yorkshire: Sutton upon Derwent (average property price £409,071)
East Sussex: Kingston-near-Lewes (average property price £782,339)
Essex: Ramadan Bellhouse (average property price £1,017,722)
Fife: Elie (average property price £349,951)
Gloucestershire: Bourton-on-the-hill (average property price £799,348)
Greater Manchester: Haigh (average property price £257,020)
Hampshire: Beaulieu (average property price £1,524,287)
Herefordshire: Bosbury (average property price £452,954)
Hertfordshire: Little Gaddesden (average property price £1,333,501)
Isle of Wight: Fishbourne (average property price £509,356)
Kent: Ightham (average property price £836,260)
Lancashire: Great Eccleston (average property price £430,630)
Leicestershire: Newton Linford (average property price £692,157)
Lincolnshire: Uffington (average property price £467,548)
Merseyside: Hightown (average property price £299,304)
Monmouthshire: Shirenewton (average property price £474,775)
Norfolk: Burnham Market (average property price £826,770)
North Yorkshire: Kirkby Overblow (average property price £698,656)
Northamptonshire: Church with Chapel Brampton (average property price £681,450)
Northumberland: Warkworth (average property price £289,459)
Nottinghamshire: Colston Bassett (average property price £786,955)
Oxfordshire: Harpsden (average property price £1,307,182)
Pembrokeshire: Newgale and Roch (average property price £219,555)
Perthshire: Strathtay (average property price £287,476)
Rutland: Burley (average property price £737,762)
Shropshire: Cound (average property price £454,587)
Somerset: Wellow (average property price £954,993)
South Yorkshire: Cawthorne (average property price £512,288)
Staffordshire: Shenstone (average property price £575,613)
Stirling and Falkirk: Killearn (average property price £315,927)
Suffolk: Walberswick (average property price £832,131)
Surrey: Shackleford (average property price £1,161,183)
Tyne & Wear: Dinnington (average property price £210,671)
Warwickshire: Whichford (average property price £901,115)
West Glamorgan: Oxwich (average property price £309,519)
West Midlands: Barston (average property price £571,202)
West Sussex: The Lurgashall, Lodsworth and Lickfold Triangle (average property price £1,055,250)
West Yorkshire: Scarcroft (average property price £630,325)
Wiltshire: Avebury (average property price £422,413)
Worcestershire: Ombersley (average property price £435,943)
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