As the country basks in spring sunshine, it comes as no surprise that new research from Yopa has revealed that rural housing markets are enjoying hotter market conditions than their urban counterparts, with average price growth surpassing that of towns and cities, as well as the national average.
But despite price rises of up to 9.6%, country homes remain the most affordable in England & Wales.
Yopa has analysed annual house price growth in England & Wales (Jan 2025 – Jan 2026, latest available) to see how rural housing markets compare to urban markets, and how both compare to the overall national performance.
The analysis reveals that England & Wales’ current average house price of £297,453 reflects an annual increase of 1.6%.
In the nation’s urban markets, however, the performance has been slightly subpar, with towns and cities seeing prices rise by an average of just 1.5%, leaving the current average at £298,169.
Meanwhile, it’s the green and pleasant land of England and Wales’ countryside that is enjoying the hottest market conditions.
As we approach summer, growth of 1.9% puts the current average rural house price at £295,540. This means that rural house prices still sit below the urban and national averages despite recording stronger growth.
The strongest rural house price performance has been recorded in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Here, the average price has climbed by a stunning 9.6% over the past 12 months, reaching £301,455.
Northumberland has seen prices rise by 8.2% to reach an average of £210,293, while 7% growth in Newark & Sherwood brings the average up to £242,811.
Strong rural performances have also been seen in Bolsover (6.9%), West Devon (6.7%), Cumberland (6.1%), Wychavon (5.7%), Bassetlaw (5.7%), Horsham (5.6%), and North Kesteven (5.5%).
However, buyers who are looking to secure their own piece of countryside idyll without having to sell the farm might want to focus their search in County Durham, home to the most affordable rural house price of just £138,267.
Alternatively, Cumberland has an average price of just £173,919, while homes in North Lincolnshire (£179,047), Bolsover (£188,073), Denbighshire (£194,801), and Carmarthenshire (£195,754) can all be snapped up for less than £200,000.
Tom Greenacre, Director of Estate Agency Operations at Yopa, said: “Rural living in England and Wales continues to offer a compelling affordability advantage compared to many urban centres, making it an increasingly attractive option for buyers seeking better value and quality of life.
However, as demand grows and prices begin to rise, the gap is starting to narrow. For those considering a move away from the city, acting sooner rather than later could make a meaningful difference in securing both value and opportunity in the countryside.”
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