Moving to the countryside
Are you considering a move to the countryside? Buying a house in a village has many advantages, such as more peace, space, and a tighter community. But it's also important to consider the possible disadvantages. In this article, you'll discover what to expect when moving to a village and we'll provide practical tips for finding your dream home!
Go directly to:
- What makes moving to the countryside so popular?
- What are the biggest changes when moving to the countryside?
- How do you determine in which village you want to buy a house?
- How do you find the right home in your favorite village?
- How do you ensure a pleasant transition to village life?
- Find the right local purchase real estate agents & selling real estate agents quickly
What makes moving to the countryside so popular?
Are you considering exchanging the busy city life for the peace of the countryside? You're certainly not alone. Many people are attracted to the idea of a home in a village. Firstly, because of the lower house prices. In the city, you pay a fortune for a small apartment, if you can afford it at all. In the countryside, you get a much more spacious house with a garden for the same price.
Besides having more space for yourself and your family, the peace and quiet is also often mentioned as a reason to move to the countryside. In a city, life rushes past you. It's great to have all amenities close by, but the hustle and bustle and the number of people can be too exhausting for some people. In a village, you don't have that problem. There is less traffic and fewer people on the street.
Let's not forget nature, of course! The countryside is often located in the most beautiful areas. You'll find green landscapes with forests and lakes nearby. If you enjoy outdoor activities, like walking, biking or swimming in nature, then the countryside is the ideal place. You might not have a cinema or restaurants nearby, but you do have nature as your backyard!
Which groups of people choose to move to the countryside?
Most people who swap the city for a village are people between the ages of 30 and 60. They move, for example, to Drenthe, South Friesland, or the Achterhoek. The largest groups are parents, empty nesters, and starters.
- Parents may consciously choose to let their children grow up in the quiet, safe environment of a village. Due to the lower house prices, they can buy a larger home, which provides extra space for the family.
- Empty nesters are people who decide to move to a quieter place after a busy career. Often these are retirees or people who want to exchange their career for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Starters in the housing market often have a limited budget. In villages and rural areas, the house prices are often lower, so they get more value for their money. It could also be the case that they can only buy a house in the countryside, because the house prices in the city are simply too high. This is common among single earners, but also among dual earners. The choice is often: rent in the city or buy in the countryside.
Read more about buying a house at an older age or as a starter
What are the biggest changes when moving to the countryside?
Before you make the decision to move from the city to the countryside, it's good to be aware of the differences between the city and the countryside. The difference lies not only in peace and house prices. In a village, you also deal with completely different customs and expectations. Below you can read what the biggest changes are.
- Life in a village often progresses at a slower pace. Facilities are limited and many shops are closed on Sundays. The supermarket is not always around the corner. For a spontaneous dinner, gym, theater visit or outing, you often have to travel to a larger city.
- The social life in a village is usually much closer, which can give a cozy and warm feeling, but can also take some getting used to. The lack of anonymity can be a change, especially if you are used to going your own way without much interference. On the other hand, this close-knit community can also provide a lot of connection and support, something you may have missed in the city.
- Village life often offers more peace and security. Children can play outside freely without much traffic danger, and burglaries and thefts occur less often (although this difference is smaller nowadays than in the past). However, keep in mind that you often have to drive to the nearest city for many daily conveniences, such as sports facilities or medical care.
- Villages are often further from large cities, which means that you may have to plan longer travel times for your work. In addition, the connections with public transport are often more limited. This can make you more dependent on a car to arrange your daily activities.
If, after reading the above points, you are still convinced that moving to the countryside is for you? Then it's now time to find the right location!
How do you determine in which village you want to buy a house?
It is important to take the time to determine the right village you want to move to. First, make a list of things you find important in your new living environment. You can set hard requirements and ‘nice to haves’. Think about the proximity of schools, sports clubs, supermarkets and public transport. But also about medical care and travel distance to family.
Consider whether you want to live close to a big city or further away for more peace and nature. Every village has its own character and advantages, so also look at the community and the social activities. What is being organized? What traditions exist? Visit various villages, walk around and talk to the local residents to get a feel for the atmosphere and the environment.
In addition, it is useful to pay attention to the cost of living, such as house prices and local taxes. Make sure you have a realistic picture of your budget and the economic aspects of the village. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make a well-considered decision and find a village that suits you well.
Tip: Go for a trial live for a week!
Think you found the right village? To be sure whether you and your family can settle here, it's a good idea to go for a trial live. For example, book an AirBnb for a week and experience what it's like to live there. Preferably, don't take a vacation, but do your weekly routine from the village instead of from the city. This way you can experience how village life suits you.
Also chat with the neighbors and people in the area. This way you quickly discover the ‘hotspots’ and the way people fill their days. You will quickly notice whether there is a click and whether you can find your way around.
How do you find the right house in your favorite village?
With the following tips, you increase the chance of finding your new home.
Tip 1: Engage a local Real estate agent
If you are looking for a home in the countryside, a local Real estate agent is your best partner. These professionals have a sharp overview of the available houses and are often aware of new houses before they officially come on the market. By engaging a reliable Real estate agent, you save yourself a lot of time and effort, especially if you are not yet familiar with the region.
Tip 2: First find out in which price range you can search
To determine in which price range you can search, it is wise to request a free conversation with a mortgage advisor. During this conversation, you discuss your financial situation and you get an estimate of the maximum mortgage you can get.
If you already have a home, also have a free value determination performed to get an idea within 1 minute of the value of your current house. This helps you in determining your budget. For an accurate value determination, you can have an official appraisal done, but a free online value determination already provides a good starting point.
Tip 3: Find out what percentage is usually overbid
With a clear budget, your local Real estate agent can help you stay informed of new housing offers and advise you on the price range. They can also tell you how often homes are sold above the asking price, so you can adjust your search accordingly.
For example, if an average of €30,000 is overbidding, it is wise to set your search filters €30,000 lower.
Tip 4: Schedule multiple viewings in one day
Schedule multiple viewings in one day to avoid having to make long trips each time. Because Real estate agents often have access to homes before they become public, you can more easily schedule viewings and have more choice of times. This is useful if you have to travel from the city to the countryside each time.
Download our handy Viewing House Checklist and take it to the viewings. This way you can be sure that nothing has escaped your notice during the visit!
Tip 5: Include the right suspensive conditions in your bid
Always make sure to include the right resolutive conditions in your bid if necessary. Your Real estate agent will help you with this. If you still need to sell your own home, for example, you can include a resolutive condition for selling your own home. And if you need a mortgage, you can include a financing resolutive condition. Read more about making a bid on a house.
Discover what a Real estate agent can do for you
Through our platform, you can quickly find the best local real estate agents in the village where you want to buy. Sign up for free and receive multiple proposals from purchase real estate agents in your mailbox over the next few days. If you want, you can also immediately schedule a free conversation with a mortgage advisor and request a free valuation.
Do you need a sale real estate agent for your current house in addition to a purchase real estate agent? Good news! You can also find sales real estate agents easily through our platform. Register your house and receive multiple proposals from real estate agents in the neighborhood over the next few days. Compare based on rates, working method, costs and performance.
- Receive proposals from multiple real estate agents
- Get clarity about the costs and working method beforehand
- Choose based on performance and results
- Over 3000 people have preceded you
- Free & non-binding
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Do you have questions about our service? Read here how it works or contact us!
How do you ensure a pleasant transition to village life?
Moving to a village can be a big change, and it takes time to adjust. Be patient with yourself and be open to new experiences. Although the village community is often friendly and helpful, it may take a while before you truly feel at home. An active attitude helps you feel comfortable more quickly and enjoy the wonderful life in the countryside.
Get to know your new neighbourhood
Start by getting to know your new surroundings. Get to know your neighbours by simply having a chat or greeting them. This can mean a lot and helps you to feel welcome.
Visit local events
Local events such as markets, parties and village meetings are great ways to experience the atmosphere of your new community. They offer a fun opportunity to meet other residents and show your involvement.
Discover local shops and catering
Visit the local shops, cafés and restaurants not only to get to know the neighbourhood better, but also to support the local economy. This not only helps you to find your way in your new environment, but also contributes to your integration into the community.
Become active in the village
To really feel at home, it can help to actively participate in activities in your new village. Look for clubs, associations or volunteer organizations that match your interests. Whether it's sports clubs, hobby groups or volunteering, by getting involved in these activities you meet nice people and you quickly feel at home in the village.
