Which are the UK’s most expensive villages?

Since the start of the pandemic one of the big trends in the UK’s property market has been the demand for more outdoor space.

According to a study by Rightmove, estate agents saw a 126% rise in enquiries for village properties in June and July 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

“The lure of a new lifestyle, one that is quieter and has an abundance of beautiful countryside and more outdoor space, has led to more city dwellers choosing to become rural residents,” said Rightmove’s Miles Shipside.

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Demand for village life has “absolutely sky-rocketed” in the past year with estate agents witnessing a “rural renaissance”, Rightmove says. With country living in such demand the property website picks out the most expensive villages in the UK.

St. George’s Hill, Surrey: £2,132,924

“This effortlessly charming corner of Surrey is flanked by beautiful woodland and, once upon a time, is said to have counted John Lennon as one of its residents. The sense of exclusivity associated with St. George’s Hill is reinforced by the fact that there are only about 500 homes nestled on this private estate. It’s also home to its very own elite-level golf and tennis clubs, which both go a long way to making this village so popular with celebrities.”

Sandbanks, Dorset: £1,272,083

���Known as ‘Britain’s Palm Beach’, this exclusive peninsula at the mouth of Poole Harbour offers some of the best sea views in the UK and is home to chef Rick Stein’s restaurant. You’ll be hard pushed to find a greater variety of luxurious homes than on this south coast paradise.”

Hale Barns, Greater Manchester: £1,080,365

“A beautiful rural enclave and a real gem of the North West. Its population at the 2011 sensus was fewer than 10,000 and it’s said to be a very popular location among Premier League footballers looking to settle down with their families. It’s one of the most desirable villages in the north west.”

Scarcroft, west Yorkshire: £820,416

“For the people of Yorkshire this rural community is cited as one of the most sought-after places to live. The village has previously been home to some of the most expensive streets in Leeds, and with some absolutely stunning countryside on its doorstep, you can see why this village is so popular.”

Little Aston, Staffordshire: £820,415

“Another firm favourite with A-listers, this characterful village in south Staffordshire has previously been home to none other than iconic James Bond actor Roger Moore. This picturesque village is nestled less than 10 miles north of Birmingham, but is also just a stone’s throw from Sutton Park, a 2,400-acre park filled with forests, lakes and even wild ponies. At the last UK census there were fewer than 1,000 homes in the village.”