Rural housing markets in England and Wales are recording stronger annual price growth than urban areas and the national average, according to research from Yopa.
The estate agency analysed house price growth between January 2025 and January 2026 and found that the average house price in England and Wales rose by 1.6% over the year to £297,453.
Urban markets slightly lagged that performance, with average prices in towns and cities rising by 1.5% to £298,169.
By contrast, rural markets recorded average growth of 1.9%, taking the typical countryside house price to £295,540.
Yopa said this meant rural properties remained cheaper than both the urban and national averages, despite recording stronger growth over the period.
The strongest rural performance was in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, where the average house price rose by 9.6% over the year to £301,455.
Northumberland recorded growth of 8.2%, taking the average price to £210,293, while Newark & Sherwood saw prices rise by 7% to £242,811.
Other rural markets showing stronger growth included Bolsover, where prices rose by 6.9%, West Devon at 6.7%, Cumberland at 6.1%, Wychavon at 5.7%, Bassetlaw at 5.7%, Horsham at 5.6% and North Kesteven at 5.5%.
For buyers seeking more affordable rural homes, Yopa said County Durham had the lowest average countryside house price at £138,267.
Cumberland had an average rural house price of £173,919, while North Lincolnshire stood at £179,047. Bolsover, at £188,073, Denbighshire, at £194,801, and Carmarthenshire, at £195,754, were also below £200,000.
Tom Greenacre, director of estate agency operations at Yopa, said: “Rural living in England and Wales continues to offer a compelling affordability advantage compared to many urban centres, making it an increasingly attractive option for buyers seeking better value and quality of life.
“However, as demand grows and prices begin to rise, the gap is starting to narrow. For those considering a move away from the city, acting sooner rather than later could make a meaningful difference in securing both value and opportunity in the countryside.”
