Rural properties tend to be older than modern new builds in urban environments. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but generally, it will be the case. This means that if statistically a certain type of property is older, it’s more likely to be in a state of disrepair also. As such, there are many fixer-uppers in rural environments, perhaps with nice plots of land, in beautiful stretches of countryside, and sleepy villages worth knowing.
It’s easy to see these properties as a lot of work on the surface. Sometimes, they are. But they can also present a wonderful investment if you know how to make the most of it. If you don’t need somewhere to move into immediately, or at least have some of the house habitable and secure for your needs, then planning a long-term renovation effort to get this beautiful space the way you want it can be great.
Of course, it will require careful budgeting and a willingness to commit to a long-term project, but the pride you’ll feel once finished is hard to replicate, outside of becoming a parent of course.
With that in mind, ; let’s consider why a damaged rural property could be a fantastic investment, given the right circumstances:
The Chance To Renovate & Refit
Older rural properties often need full updates to their plumbing, electrics, and insulation, and sometimes even entire rooms have to be reimplemented. While that sounds quite intense, it actually gives you a blank canvas, on a great plot of land, with most of the structure already intact. That means instead of working around existing systems, you can plan exactly where you want power outlets, build in modern heating solutions, and add proper insulation from the ground up.
This means potentially lower bills in the long run and a house that works exactly how you want it to, something most homeowners dream of, you won’t need to wonder if that mysterious wire in the wall is still live for instance, you’ll know exactly what’s where because you put it there.
This way you can also renovate and change the property in smart but effective ways, perhaps instead of refitting those flat windows you could go for a wonderful bay window design that looks out into more of the garden and provides you with a calm reading nook.
Plots Of Land To Extend Into
Rural properties usually come with more land than their urban counterparts, as even half an acre of space is pretty impressive compared to the tight-fitting spaces of most urban environments.
This extra space gives you room to grow, putting it quite simply. Maybe you want to add a conservatory to catch the morning sun, or perhaps build a proper country kitchen. The point is, you have options. You’re not hemmed in by neighboring houses or tiny gardens if the rural property is isolated enough, but even with semi-detached houses you have space. That means you can take your time planning extensions that make sense for how you live, and even leave space for future ideas you haven’t thought of yet.
However, this comes with the caveat that some rural areas are protected against redevelopment and development by certain codes. If you live in “an area of outstanding natural beauty” in the UK, for instance, that can limit how far you extend. Sometimes this is for the better because that means you won’t have a 200-house new plot built half a mile from your property, but you may need to rethink your planning permission. Luckily, you can learn what restrictions are in place before you buy that fixer-upper.
Exterior Buildings & Structures
Old barns, stables, and outbuildings might look shabby at first glance, but you’d be surprised. Some who are familiar with rural properties would tell you they can be gold dust for anyone with imagination.
If the foundations are solid and the renovation potential is there, these spaces can become home offices, guest accommodation, or workshops to name a few option. That’s true even if the barn itself was supposed to keep horses or used for another purpose, though of course you may have to render it more habitable for humans, which takes effort and design care.
In some areas, people turn converted brans into rental properties for extra income. Even if they’re beyond repair, you’ve got the footprint to build something new and materials to salvage. Planning permission tends to be easier when you’re replacing an existing structure rather than starting from scratch, which neatly helps to sidestep that issue above, but of course renovating it without notifying the correct department is inadvisable, because they could demand it to be taken down.
Solar Compatibility
Not all of them do, but because they’re less obstructed by general urban infrastructure, rural properties often have unobstructed roof space that’s perfect for solar panels. As energy prices are rising, this could make a big difference to your bills and help you feel more sustainable, which is often a motivation for people heading to the countryside.
Keep in mind that south-facing roofs are ideal, but even east or west aspects can work well if the roof is relatively unobstructed. Moreover, many older properties also have space for ground-mounted panels if the roof isn’t suitable. You might even have room for a small wind turbine, depending on local planning rules. Perhaps you even have a water wheel in a river you can upgrade to convert to electricity.
Character & History
New builds all look pretty similar and some have even said modern architecture is pretty terrible compared to historical standards. We’ll leave that question of taste up to you, of course. Yet every old rural house has its own story, which is appealing to most people.
The house might still contain its original beams, wonky walls, and old fireplaces which give heartfelt character you can’t replicate. Yes, some features might need work or even to be restored, but preserving them adds real value if you can. Estate agents love terms like “period features” and “original character” because buyers do too, and it’s perhaps the one time they’re not trying to overemphasize something. This can be priceless, and the more you look after the home, the more valuable this becomes.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily enjoy a damaged rural property, seeing for what it could be as opposed to what it is now. After all, who among us hasn’t required a makeover once in a while?
