What to consider when moving from London to the country

If you’re thinking about moving from London to the country, there a few things you need to consider. This blog post aims to transform your dream of moving to the countryside into a reality (on a practical level). So, let’s dive on in.

How will the move affect your career?

If you’re retiring, you can skip this section because it’s probably not relevant for you. If you’re planning to continue working, however, you need to carefully consider how you’ll manage this alongside your move to the country. Typically, you have three options:

• Commute to your current job.
• Apply for work closer to your new home.
• Take this opportunity to set up your own business.

Practicality is the most significant factor that’ll influence where and when you move, especially if you’re taking out a mortgage.

If you’re sticking with your current job, you need to research both the length and cost of your commute (including things such as the cost of parking at the railway station etc). These factors will narrow down your potential relocation options.

Conversely, there are still things to think about if you work from home.  For example, you’ll need to check whether the rural property can access high-speed internet. If it doesn’t, you may have to consider a different place.

How busy is the new area?

If you have lived in London for many years’ and are looking forward to some peace and quiet in the countryside, do bear in mind that what may be a “buzzy” little town during the Summer, with lots going on, may become very quiet in the Winter. Maybe, too quiet for you. Do check out your options so that you don’t end up going stir crazy.

And don’t forget that transport links are not likely to be as regular or as plentiful as you get in a city. Will you need to buy a second car?

Take time to research

Spend plenty of time investigating the location before you up sticks and relocate your family. Head online, and source as much information as you can. Here are a few points to help kickstart your research:

• Is it a safe area, what are the crime statistics like?
• Check out reviews for your local doctors’ surgeries, restaurants, shops, etc.
• If you have kids, read Ofsted inspections for the local schools.
• Get a feel for the cost of living, for example, utility costs, fees for parking in the local multi-storey, the average price of a meal out, etc.

Once you’ve gathered all this information, you’ll have a better understanding of what it will be like to live there, as well as the costs involved.

However, never solely depend on online research. Before you even begin considering a move to the country, spend some time there. Perhaps hire an Airbnb for a week, and see if you like the feel of the place?

Explore the local shops, restaurants, and amenities and get a sense of the community spirit. You’ll get an inkling of whether the move is a good fit for you and your family.

How about natural hazards?

Sometimes country villages and towns suffer more from natural hazards. Not only can this be a pain to deal with, but it can also affect your home insurance policy both in terms of the cover offered and the price.

Be sure to call various insurance providers and get a rough quote. This is the only way to factor this into your budget accurately.

For example, if your house is at the bottom of a hill, it’s more likely to suffer from flooding, chiefly if you’re residing close to a body of water.

Do you remember the terrible flooding of Boscastle, Cornwall in 2004? They’ve since put measures in place to ensure it never happens again. Take heed of this incident and do your due diligence. Make inquiries and see what methods have been implemented to prevent flooding in the area you’re considering moving to.

It doesn’t matter how beautiful the property is and how much you love the area; if it’s a danger hazard, it might not be a prudent investment.

How close is the property to a doctor’s surgery?

If you have a known medical condition that needs frequent care and attention, see whether the property is close to a doctor’s surgery with a good reputation. Head online and review their latest CQC report.

Often rural communities don’t have a plethora of practices for you to choose from, so do your research before making a final decision. Check to see if your new local doctors are accepting new patients.

Leaving the city

Getting away from London and moving to the country is such an exciting prospect that it’s easy to overlook a few of the things mentioned in this article.

Hopefully, this advice has given you a better idea of how to plan this new chapter in your life, so you’ll make a move you won’t regret.

At Garrington we can help you make your next house move. Please contact us to find out more about our one stop property service.