Moving to the countryside can be a dream come true for many, offering a quieter and more peaceful way of life. However, the idea of relocating can be daunting, particularly when it comes to the cost.
The good news is that, there are ways to make your countryside dreams a reality without breaking the bank. In this blog post, I wanted to share with you few practical tips and strategies to help you afford a move to the countryside, one penny at a time.
From budgeting and downsizing to taking advantage of rural relocation incentives, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your countryside dreams a reality.
![](https://www.practicalfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Pretty-Countryside-Home.jpg)
Why consider moving to countryside?
Moving to the countryside carries several health benefits, including less stress and higher quality food.
With the cost of living being what it is and the many potential benefits, you stand to gain, it would not be surprising if you’ve considered moving into the countryside.
There are many reasons why people choose to move to the countryside. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Peace and quiet: The countryside offers a slower pace of life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Closer to nature: Living in the countryside provides easy access to green spaces, fresh air, and natural beauty.
- Better quality of life: Studies have shown that living in the countryside can have positive effects on mental health and well-being.
- Lower cost of living: The cost of living in the countryside is often lower than in urban areas, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money.
- More space: Homes in the countryside tend to be larger and more spacious than those in urban areas, providing more room for families and hobbies.
- Community: Rural communities often have a strong sense of community and neighborliness, which can be appealing to those seeking a close-knit social network.
- Safer environment: Crime rates tend to be lower in rural areas, making it a safer place to live and raise a family.
Now the question will be: how can you afford the move? Thankfully, there are several simple ways to do so.
READ MORE
- How to save money when buying an older property >>
- How to get a great deal on your mortgage >>
- Selecting the right property insurance >>
![](https://www.practicalfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Family-walking-in-the-countryside.jpg)
Compare countryside Locations
The first step in starting your moving fund is to know what your goal is. A good way to determine what that would be is by comparing different locations across your country of residence, as they may have different asking prices.
For example, in the UK, Inverness has an average asking price of £201,654, while Shetland has £184,432, according to Rightmove. Other more affordable countryside areas in the UK include
- County Durham
- Copeland, Cumbria
- West Devon
- North Norfolk
- Powys, Wales
- East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
- Northumberland
- Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Gwynedd, Wales
- Scottish Borders
Another tip is to look at other countryside locations in other countries like the US: Texas Hill Country land, for example, is available in abundance, and often marked at affordable prices. Having a clear goal will give you an idea of how much you’ll need to set aside to afford it.
![](https://www.practicalfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Doing-the-house-laundry.jpg)
Consider Being A Property Guardian
Moving to the countryside can be quite an adjustment, and can catch you unaware. A good way to test out your dream and save is by becoming a property guardian.
The UK is well-known for its many countryside property listings that include stately manors, and even castles.
As a property guardian, rent can either be extremely low or non-existent.
You can try out living in the countryside without having to pay massive mortgages, and with the affordable rent, you’ll have a better opportunity to save up so you can purchase a more permanent home in the countryside that you’ve acclimatised to.
And what is it like being a property guardian? Being a property guardian is a unique housing arrangement where individuals live in vacant properties as a form of security and management for property owners. Being a property guardian typically involves taking up temporary residence in a property that would otherwise be empty. The property in question isn’t necessarily residential, but could just as easily be a commercial property, such as a vacant office, church, or pub.
As a property guardian, you would pay a small rent for the property, plus bills. In return, you would be responsible for maintaining and securing the property, which may involve tasks such as cleaning, gardening, and reporting any maintenance issues. Property guardianship can be an affordable way to live in a unique and interesting property, while also providing a valuable service to property owners.
However, it’s important to carefully consider the responsibilities and potential drawbacks of this housing arrangement before committing to it.
![](https://www.practicalfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Frugal-Living-Tips-for-Small-Living.jpg)
Raise money by Decluttering Months Ahead (and save space too)
One of the things that can make moving to the country a bit costly is the freight expense when you’re moving your things. A good way to avoid this cost is by decluttering and selling things that you no longer need.
If you have a lot of heavy electronics, you can consider reselling them at a lowered price, or selling them for scrap. Having fewer things reduces moving costs, and gives you extra to go towards your moving fund.
Seeking a brand new start in the wide-open space of the countryside doesn’t have to be a daunting or an uphill slog. Much like all things, affording the move to the country requires careful planning and willpower.
It helps to seek out other tips to help you save up and apply them accordingly so you can fulfil your dream of moving to the countryside.
![](https://www.practicalfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Jars-of-money-with-plants.jpg)
Check for any financial rural relocation incentives
This might not be applicable for all countries, but it’s worth checking if there are any rural relocation incentives where you are. So, far I found that Japan, Portugal, Ireland, and Australia are offering rural relocation incentives.
In Japan, individuals who have lived and worked in the Tokyo metropolitan area for at least five years could receive 600,000 yen ($4,500) if they moved to rural areas.
In Portugal, direct financial support of up to 4,827 euros is granted to those who move from the coast to the interior of Portugal.
In Australia, the government offers relocation grants of up to $18,000 for people and up to $23,000 for families to move to the countryside.
Look into buying an old house for a renovation project
Buying an old house in the countryside that needs doing up can be a cost-effective way to get onto the property ladder and save money in the long run.
Older homes tend to be cheaper to purchase than newer homes, and they often have more character and charm. Additionally, renovating an older home can be a smart investment, as it can increase the home’s value and potentially save money on maintenance costs in the long run.
However, it’s important to carefully consider the costs and potential challenges of renovating an older home. Renovations can be expensive and time-consuming, and unexpected issues may arise during the process. It’s important to have a thorough home inspection and budget in place before committing to a renovation project. In my experience, older homes may require more maintenance and repairs over time, so it’s important to factor in those costs as well.
![](https://www.practicalfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Home-owner-painting-wall.jpg)
Look into buying a property that’s not a house (just yet!)
Apart from old houses, you can also look into buying a property that’s not currently used as a home. Sadly a lot of businesses are closing down in the rural areas, but the properties are being sold both for potential business buyers and with permission to be changed into a private dwelling.
I’ve seen many pubs, post offices, barns and shops in rural areas that are being sold and the prices are always lower than a comparable sized house in the same area. There is of course the refurbishment cost to consider, but if you are into DIY and prepared to do the work (mostly) yourself, the cost can be very low.
If you are buying a pub with the intention of converting it into a house in the UK, you will need to apply for a change of use. Here are the general steps to follow:
- Check the planning regulations: Before buying the pub, check the planning regulations in your area to ensure that a change of use is possible. You can do this by contacting your local planning department or checking their website.
- Submit a planning application: Once you have confirmed that a change of use is possible, you will need to submit a planning application to your local planning department. This will require detailed plans of the proposed conversion, including any changes to the exterior of the building.
Consider compromise to move to the suburbs of a smaller town or a village
If the cost of moving to a remote countryside location is above your budget now, consider moving to a the outskirts of a smaller town or a village which are just outside the countryside location you want.
Living in the suburbs or outskirts of a smaller town or a village offers larger and more affordable homes, quality schools, and plenty of nearby amenities. It’s important to consider factors such as access to healthcare, job opportunities, and social life when making a decision.
![](https://www.practicalfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Lady-looking-after-horse.jpg)
Find a job that offers a living accommodation
This option is perfect, if you like working in the countryside as well as wanting to live close to the nature. There are still jobs (both in the UK and USA) where you can find jobs that offer living accommodation as part of the job. This is often in very rural areas, where commuting is difficult, so be prepared to embrace the slower pace of life (well outside of your work, anyway!)
There are several jobs that offer to live in accommodation in the countryside in the UK and USA. So, far I’ve come up with these examples for you:
- Farm work: Many farms offer live-in positions for farm workers, such as farmhands, gardeners, and animal caretakers. These positions may include accommodation on the farm or nearby.
- Estate management: Estate managers are responsible for overseeing the management and maintenance of large rural estates. Many estate management positions offer live-in accommodation as part of the job.
- Hospitality: Many hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts in the countryside offer live-in positions for hospitality workers, such as housekeepers, chefs, and front desk staff.
- Caretaking: Caretakers are responsible for the maintenance and security of properties, such as holiday homes or estates.
- Outdoor education: Outdoor education centers and camps in the countryside often offer live-in positions for instructors and staff. This might be only temporary – for spring/summer seasons, but it is a great way to test the waters and try if you like living in the countryside.
- National park jobs: National parks in the UK offer a variety of jobs, such as park rangers and conservationists, which may include live-in accommodations.
Stay in touch
Hope this post inspires you and of course, I’d love to know what you think! Let me know in the comments below or find me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and add the hashtag #practicalfrugality so that I can see your post.
Or why not subscribe to my weekly newsletter with frugal living tips and recipes straight to your mailbox.
Magdalena
Leave a Reply