Don’t land in hot water: top tips for a successful rural relocation

It’s only June, and 2026 is already proving to be a record-breaker when it comes to maximum temperatures. In towns and cities, the searing heat was amplified even further by buildings and roads, with thermal imaging recording surface temperatures of 57C in some London locations.

If you’re thinking about trading your hot urban home for a cool country idyll, this blog by our Residential Property specialists will help you prepare for the practicalities of relocating to a more rural setting. From planning rules and running costs, we share top tips for a successful move to the coast or country. 

What’s it like to live in a rural location?

Life in a small village will be very different to a big town or city. It’s important to think about whether this will not only be practical but also enjoyable for you and any other family members. Will the broadband be good enough to work from home? Are there exercise classes and special interest clubs to join? Is there somewhere for teenagers to hang out? Researching the availability and viability of local amenities is essential: schools, GP surgeries, petrol stations and post offices could involve long travel times or be at risk of closure due to a lack of demand. Read more here

Is it cheaper to live in a rural home than an urban one?

Although property prices can be lower, running costs might actually be higher. It’s important to check common overheads, such as Council Tax, house insurance and energy bills in advance. For example, if you buy a thatched cottage, insurance premiums will often be higher due to the potential fire risk, while listed properties might have to be repaired using specialist materials that come with a hefty price tag. You can learn more about urban versus rural living costs in our free guide.

Are all rural properties connected to the mains and utilities?

Many rural properties are ‘off-grid’. Think septic tank for sewage, oil for heating or a borehole for drinking water. Although this can make your property more self-sufficient, it can also make it more expensive and complicated to maintain. It’s a good idea to check the quality and accessibility of any  

off-grid services – which are sometimes managed and funded in partnership with neighbours – at the beginning of the conveyancing process in case it influences your plans and budgets.

Can you make changes to listed properties?

Alterations and additions to listed properties are subject to different planning rules. Properties are listed for different reasons, which will impact what features you can or can’t change – it might be a single garden wall or every internal door. Even something as simple as adding an alarm box or CCTV system to a listed property will often need permission from the local authority.

If you fail to gain the necessary consent, you could be looking at a fine and a substantial bill to reverse any unauthorised alterations. You can read more about the implications of buying and maintaining a listed property in this Attwaters blog.

What’s the impact of living in a conservation area?

Some conservation areas are subject to special controls, which might prevent you from making changes to some property features, such as doors or windows. These are called ‘article 4 directions’ and impact work that wouldn’t normally require planning permission, such as installing an air conditioning system.

If your home is situated in a conservation area, then you also need to consider any plans for the outdoor space, such as building a garden cabin or creating a patio. Trees on your land might be subject to a preservation order, which prohibits them from being cut down or lopped without consent. Even if a tree is not legally protected, then you will still need to notify the local authority in advance of any planned tree works.

Understand the challenges, embrace the opportunities

These are just some of the practical and financial considerations that you need to make when considering a move from an urban location to a more rural setting. To make sure your country idyll doesn’t become a house of horrors, it’s important to appoint a solicitor who understands the challenges  – and the opportunities – of a rural relocation.   

Attwaters has been handling complex property transactions since 1902. We ask the right questions, so you can make the right decisions for you and your family. Find out more about how we can support and simplify your next property purchase or sale on enquiries@attwaters.co.uk or 0330 221 8855 or fill in an online form.