Why are so many people escaping to the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds emerged as one of the most popular destinations for home-hunters in 2020, so we’ve taken a look at what’s drawing so many people to the area.

Our data analysts found that searches for homes to buy in the Cotswolds more than doubled (+102%) in the second half of last year, compared to the same period in 2019.

The demand for Cotswold property has significantly outstripped the national average, with buyer searches across Great Britain increasing by 50% during the same timeframe.

We also saw the number of sales being agreed by agents in the Cotswolds outperform the South West as a whole, peaking in September with a 100% annual rise.

These statistics illustrate that many thousands of home-movers looking for a slice of country life are looking to escape to the Cotswolds to do so.

What are the headline figures?

• Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire saw the biggest increase in average asking prices of all areas in the Cotswolds in 2020, up £38,290 (+14.8%) from 2019
• The place that saw the biggest search increases in the Cotswolds was Chipping Norton (+109.5%)
• The Cotswolds saw bigger annual growth in the number of sales being agreed than the entire South West for six consecutive months

View these stunning Cotswolds properties for sale:

What do the experts say?

Our resident property data expert Tim Bannister explained that with more people continuing to work from home in 2021, the popularity of rural areas such as the Cotswolds is likely to increase.

He said: “The headline market trend to emerge from 2020 was a huge jump in demand for rural areas and countryside living, and the Cotswolds ticks pretty much every box for home-movers seeking an escape to the country.

“As a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, brimming with endless walking trails and tight-knit village communities, the Cotswolds represent much of what we hold dear about the great British outdoors.

“It’s easy to see why the area is a magnet for people looking for a quieter life, and with remote working seemingly here to stay for many, I expect the popularity of the Cotswolds will continue to grow this year.”

What are local agents seeing?

Rupert Sweeting, Partner, Knight Frank Country Department, said: “The Cotswolds’ property market has been completely frantic since the market re-opened in May, with an initial abundance of stock on the market, and buyers paying premiums to achieve their dream homes.

“In addition to the traditional reasons that have always attracted buyers to the Cotswolds, including the beautiful scenery, good schooling, and well established transport links, the pandemic has drawn attention to how the Cotswolds can also offer a dreamy countryside lifestyle, strong broadband networks, and space and gardens without compromising convenient facilities.

“After experiencing being cooped up during the multiple lockdowns with a small or no garden, city dwellers quickly realized the benefits of moving to the countryside. The abundance of well-equipped towns and villages in the Cotswolds means that these urban buyers are able to achieve their dream countryside retreat without having to completely isolate themselves. “Additionally, having the likes of Soho Farmhouse and Daylesford Farmshop, whilst only ever being approximately an 1 ¼ hrs – 1 ½ hrs from the centre of London is certainly an attraction for many buyers.

“The widespread ‘cottagecore’ trend, made hugely popular and embraced by many during 2020, romanticized the escapism and tranquillity associated with the countryside. This idealisation of the country perfectly reflects how the pandemic has seen people revaluate their day-to-day lives and consequently propelled the Cotswolds’ property market into a frenzy.”

READ MORE: How do I get my home ready to sell?