Top tips for moving to the country

This is a guest article by Nikki McDonagh.

Like all big changes, there are many issues that need to be considered when deciding on a move to the country. This article looks into the common unexpected problems that are often missed when people decide to purchase a rural property and offers advice to ensure that the transition from hectic city to new tranquil surroundings is carefully thought through.

Why leave the city?

Firstly, a life in the country is cheaper, as property and farms for sale tend to be much cheaper than a simple house located in a bustling city centre. Furthermore, your bank balance would potentially be in a much better state than a few years ago if you decided to purchase a country retreat, largely due to the economic downturn.

Imagine waking up in the morning to the sound of birds singing outside and upon walking out the door you see small rabbits run by. Every morning when you wake up instead of the usual traffic you hear the sound of wildlife and running streams. Sounds perfect doesn't it?

Of course, but here are some things to consider before making this dream a reality:

Daily Commute

The biggest drawback for people from moving to the country from London or another city is the longer distance to infrastructure – the school for your children could be in a different town, it may be a while before the technician or computer expert you've called for arrives, etc.

Are you comfortable driving on windy country roads? It is good practice to time yourself on a dummy run of your possible daily commute, ideally on a dark and wet evening so you are aware of the travelling scenario for your commute during the winter months.

Environment

If you suffer from hay fever, then a move to the country probably isn't for you! There also may be major issues relating to mud out in the sticks…so you will probably need a good pair of wellington boots!

Is a downpour likely to make any form of travel (let alone a daily commute) impossible? Rural areas are susceptible to localised flooding – so check with the Environment Agency about the possibility of flooding, who provide flood information for any location simply by typing in your potential new home's postcode.

Planning Permission

Houses with a thatched roof are very charming and pretty, but you may not be able to change your thatched roof and you will have to maintain it. If you want to change anything about the house you must get the permission of the local authorities.

Therefore do your research before buying any property, via both building regulations to check if you need approval for any changes AND the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to receive any information regarding the area.

Explore the Area

Before moving to the country from the city check out the areas that appeal to you. Learn how close they are to the city and where the supermarkets, schools, and entertainment outlets are located.

Take a few trips to the areas that interest you before deciding on a property. Peruse the local shops and amenities, and go for a meal at the local pub and get a brief insight into the local community.

Contact Removals

So, have you decided to move to the country? Before you move, get in touch with different removal firms and ask for a free quotation. The approximate costs for relocating to the country largely depend on how much you have for moving, what you want to move and where. Also the prices of the different removals can differ greatly so quotations are a great way to avoid being overcharged.

In conclusion, ensure that you are fully prepared for such a move to the great outdoors. Of course, there is nothing worse than relocating to a new region then realising that you have made an error…and this anguish is doubled when combined with the isolation of country life! It is therefore extremely important that you ensure that you are fully prepared for your new greener life. Enjoy!

Nikki McDonagh is an experienced copywriter for leading estate agents and chartered surveyors Fisher German, with expertise in issues relating to farms and land for sale in the UK.