British, french opt for country living

An increased number of property searchers both in the UK and across the channel are trading in their high value city flats for a taste of country life, reports the Digital Property Group.

According to a survey from the UK-based group of property portals, 51.9% of those currently browsing for homes online are thinking of moving to the country in the next six months. Over a third of respondents cited quality of life as their main reason for considering a move, with the country thought to offer a more tranquil and healthier lifestyle to those thinking of retiring or starting a family. 

The current price gap between city and country was also presenting a particularly tempting opportunity for London home owners to make their rural dream a reality, said Bob Bickersteth, director of estate agents The London Office. "We have noticed a greater emphasis on buyers re-evaluating their properties - they are taking advantage of the price differential between London and the country in order to afford a better quality of life for their families", he said.

Over in France, enthusiasm for country living appears to be equally on the up - a recent report from French newspaper 20 Minutes indicated that 65% of those living in cities would prefer to be living in the country.

English language publication Connexions invited expats who had moved to the French countryside to share their experiences on the reality of rural living in a recent piece, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. "Since being on my own, I cannot visualise living anywhere but here", said Caroline Tocknell, a retiree who moved to the village of Tarn and Garonne with her late husband in the '90s. "The villagers are friendly and have been very kind during my husband's illness and since his death. Life here was all both of us had hoped for."