Key facts
- England's country-house market saw a miniboom during the pandemic.
- Prime rural property prices are now declining.
- Global turmoil, the rising cost of living, and return-to-office trends are cited as reasons for the decline.
The market for country houses in England experienced a significant upswing during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a trend of urban dwellers relocating to rural areas. However, this trend has reversed, with prime rural property prices now facing a downturn. Several factors are contributing to this shift, including broader global economic instability, increased living costs impacting household budgets, and the widespread return of employees to their physical workplaces, diminishing the appeal of remote rural living.