Home Sweet Home Counties

By choosing to live in one of the counties bordering London you can reap all the benefits of a rural lifestyle while still enjoying easy access to the buzz of the city.

Location, location, location – how many times has this been advised to be the vital factor to take into account when purchasing a property? However, it has to be said that in the case of the Home Counties, no truer word has been spoken. Anouar Elkhadraoui, Land & Sales director at Newcourt Residential comments, “There is an undeniable increase in demand for elite country estates from buyers who are seeking specific attributes from their primary residence. Whether purchasers prioritise placing their family in a secure environment with access to superior schooling within a relaxed, countrified setting, or they are inclined to a more compact, lock up and go investment. Those seeking spacious family homes in locations such as these are in high demand, particularly as residents will benefit from being surrounded by an abundance of land and greenery.”

Bruce O’Grady, managing director of Sherbourne Developments, reports that at the top end of the Home Counties market, there is strong demand amongst buyers looking to purchase their own mini estate that is equipped with an array of entertaining spaces and functions, allowing them to host the ultimate in weekend retreats. He explains, “The new country homeowner demands a level of luxury that is not historically seen in period country houses and which is more akin to the standard expected in luxury country house hotels. Whilst attracted to period features and charm, these buyers don’t want the hassle of maintaining a period home and instead increasingly want all of the necessary mod cons that they have become accustomed to. This is where our ‘listed buildings of the future’ come into their own; our clients increasingly want the best of both worlds with period style, detailing and craftsmanship, with contemporary layouts and infrastructure.

“Only a few years ago, a tennis court or swimming pool would have sufficed. However, the new luxury country homeowner has come to expect much more out of their country entertaining pad. It is now not uncommon for our clients to request homes with their own cinema, bowling alley or dedicated party room. Prime Home Counties’ locations remain the most popular and areas within striking distance of London are the most desirable, thereby commanding a premium.”

Making a move

According to Jason Corbett, director of Country Sales & Lettings, the ‘must move’ market is a significant driver in the Home Counties at the moment. “This is particularly prevalent throughout the sub £1 million market where everyday occurrences such as expanding families, divorce, jobs or death requires these vendors to move,” he explains. “However, we are starting to see more and more buyers playing the current market conditions to their advantage and upsizing while prices are steadily decreasing due to the current uncertainty around Brexit. We could see a return to normality and a correction of pricing back to the highs of 2014 if the government provides more certainty around Brexit and a beneficial deal is struck with the EU.

“The Home Counties has traditionally proved popular with commuters looking to enjoy a tranquil countryside setting whilst benefiting from quick links into the capital. However, it is now not enough to just have a station which offers services into London nearby, buyers are more and more interested in the quality of service run by the rail providers and whether they will get a seat on the train. Surrey remains a strong favourite amongst our clients, with Cobham, Guildford, Esher and Woking offering journey times into London of under 40 minutes yet with the glorious Surrey Hills on their doorstep.”

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