Perfect Homes Magazine - Issue 12 | Page 283

It’s Cheap In most major cities nearly every real estate agents will report that there is an exodus afoot, as growing numbers of homeowner’s cash in on their sky-high urban dwellings for more often than not a larger, more substantial rural retreat. Most are trading shoebox-sized flats or tiny terraces with postage-stamp lawns for substantial family homes with bigger gardens and, hopefully, a better quality of life. Some are even managing to reduce their mortgage at the same time, too. At the end of 2014 Property Company Hamptons International  issued research  showing that Londoners have bought 44,000 properties worth a total of £15bn outside the capital – the highest level in terms of both volume and value since 2007. Space and Nature   City dwellers chronically lack open spaces and children play computer games with less outdoor play. But in the country you could play with a ball, learn to ride a bicycle or simply have some fun outdoors. In the country, children have as much space as they want and do not have to share it with tens of other children, like that of most city parks and playgrounds. Privacy and Tranquillity Cities and towns are packed with people and it is virtually impossible to step outside without being seen by or see other people. At the same time, most cities especially the large ones never sleep. And to be able to get some peace, most city dwellers drive as far from their homes as possible. In the country, people have no problems with privacy or constant noise from the traffic. You do not have to see anyone if you do not want to and often do not hear a car driving by for the entire day. Low Crime Rate and Community Life in the country is much safer than in the city when it comes to crime which is virtually non-existent in the countryside. People are also friendlier and you don’t feel the need to get suspicious when people are nice to you.  In the country people say hello and “how are you” and generally mean it. You go to the grocery store and have a decent chance of seeing at least someone you know. Your doctor actually calls you back the same day you call with a concern. People don’t size you up constantly based upon your job, social status or income. Feeling Closer to Nature In the country, you are woken up by the singing of the birds rather than by the noise from the traffic. Homes in the countryside are surrounded by nature which has a soothing effect on both the mind and the body. In the country, you do not have to leave your home to feel closer to nature because here, the nature comes to you and it is quite common to see wildlife such as birds, butterflies, hedgehogs, foxes, rabbits and even deer from your backyard, it also offer you the ability to produce your own food. PERFECT HOMES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 283