Cost Of Rural Homes

Rural properties are more expensive to buy than those in urban areas, according to the Halifax.

Figures show that an average premium for a rural property is more than £44, 000.

Buyers in Fife can expect to spend approximately £175, 000 on a home in the country, compared to £149, 000 for a property in an urban area.

Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, commented:

"It typically costs significantly more to buy in rural areas with a substantial premium existing in all the regions of Great Britain. This reflects the aspiration of many to own a property in the countryside. The relatively high prices, however, put rural homes out of the reach for many, particularly the young. This is reflected in first-time buyers accounting for a smaller proportion of homebuyers in the countryside than in urban areas."