Perched on the edge of one of the UK’s most beautiful natural areas, a town’s local estate agents have complained that they “can’t get enough properties”, such is the surge in demand.
Locals have sung the town’s praises, and even mentioned how builders from outside the town regularly tell them that they “love it”.
People are flocking to the north-east town of Consett, although it’s not just a nice town centre and cheap prices drawing them in, reports ChronicleLive.
Just 40 minutes from the centre of Newcastle, Consett offers an attractive rural escape for those working in the city, while not being too far away.
“A lot of people want to get out of the city and live somewhere more rural,” explained Clare Richardson of JW Wood Estate Agents, in the town, pointing out the larger garden space Consett offers.
It’s also just a stone’s throw from the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its rare wildlife and rugged landscapes. Clare added: “You don’t have to travel very far to end up in lovely parts of the world.”
But she was keen to highlight that it won’t cost an arm and a leg to get there. In fact, that’s probably what’s driving the sudden spate of incomers – they recently sold six properties in one day.
Over the last year, the average house price in Consett was £151,332 – way below the national average of closer to £370,000.
The town is currently undergoing a £1m revamp as part of Durham County Council’s Town and Villages regeneration scheme, earning praise from locals.
“Consett has so much more going for it than I think people realise,” explained Amy Craggs, an owner of a cafe in the town centre.
People were also keen to highlight the community spirit – “there is still a proper community. Everyone knows everyone… the people really are lovely here and I think that’s a big part of it too,” explained Clare.
The town is home to one main school – Consett Academy – which has been consistently rated Good by Ofsted. It is also where England cricketing legend Paul Collingwood went to school, as well as New Tricks actor and AFC Wimbledon fan Alun Armstrong.
