A rural home promises more green space, fresher air and an overall slower pace of life. For lots of us, this is a welcomed escape from the hustle, bustle and expense of city homes. Indeed, throughout the recent pandemic, more people looked to escape to the countryside than ever. In 2020, 51% of people in London considered a move outside the city — compared to 42% for the same period in 2019 — and 30% of buyers and sellers were more likely to consider a village or countryside location for their next move. Does this sound like you, or something you’re interested in? Learn all you need to know about rural homes here.

What Is a Rural Home?

Rural homes are properties located in a rural area. The Government’s Rural-Urban Classification defines areas as rural if they fall outside of settlements with more than 10,000 resident population.

Other than homes, country houses and estates, properties in rural areas range from commercial farms and industrial premises, to development land, paddocks and equestrian properties.

Other benefits of rural homes include a reduced cost of living, a stronger sense of community, enhanced wellbeing and more space to live.

How to Find Rural Homes for Sale or Rent

To find rural homes for sale or to rent, you should consult:

• Property portals, like Harris & Birt, Rightmove, UK Land & Farms, Zoopla, Boomin, and Relocation Agent Network.
• In-person estate agents, where you can speak to an expert.
• Property sales brochures.
• Advertisements in local, regional and national press.

Need help with selling your rural home?

At Harris & Birt, we offer a range of rural-related services to help you valuate and sell to our extensive database of buyers and contacts — for both full marketing campaigns and off market sales. Our in-house agents and land managers — who also specialise in equestrian, country house, new homes and development land — are there to guide you through the process, and provide pre- and after sales service.

Can You Build a House on Rural Land?

You can build a house on rural land but there is a difference between a building to support your farm (like a home or barn), and building houses to sell or rent. It is therefore crucial that you conduct a significant amount of research for the planning policies of the area, including the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015.

Other things to consider include how to supply water and electricity to your new build, and the distance to the nearest road and amenities.

Wales Rural Development Programme

The Rural Development Programme (RDP) supports businesses, farmers, the countryside, and communities in rural areas across Wales and is extended to 2023. The programme is part of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), funded by the European Union and Welsh Government.

As reported on the Swansea Government website, the Rural Development Programme can help rural Wales to:

• Increase the productivity, diversity and efficiency of Welsh farming and forestry businesses, improving their competitiveness and resilience, reducing their reliance on subsidies.
• Improve the Welsh environment, encouraging sustainable land management practices, the sustainable management of our natural resources and climate action in Wales.
• Promote strong, sustainable rural economic growth in Wales and encourage greater community-led local development.

To apply for the Rural Development Programme, your project must address one of RDP’s national themes* and you must qualify for grant aid.

• RDP’S national themes are,
• Adding value to local identity and natural and cultural resources.
• Facilitating pre-commercial development, business partnerships and short supply chain.
• Exploring new ways of providing non-statutory local services.
• Renewable energy at community level.
• Exploitation of digital tech.

This is a point of interest you want to give back to rural communities and businesses, and the environment.

We are Harris & Birt: Estate Agents & Chartered Surveyors based in Cowbridge and Cardiff, with over 100 years of combined experience in residential, commercial and rural property industry across South Wales.