The 18 finest villages to put money into NOW

The property spotlight is firmly fixed on villages right now, both as desirable locations to live and as possible investment hotspots.

But with property prices in the most desirable locations already sky high, we launched a hunt for the hidden gem villages where prices are currently low – but are tipped to be the next hotspot.

Property experts and estate agents across the country helped us pick Britain’s top 18 villages to invest in, where house prices are set to continue to rise.

Their investment potential is great, not only because they are seen as family-friendly retreats which buyers gravitate towards when leaving cities, but because – in some cases at least – they are likely to see sizeable expansion if the government’s house building programme succeeds.

From a spot in Devon where you can buy a family home for just over £200,000 to a little-known commuter village that is now 40 minutes from London by rail, read on for the 18 top villages to invest in:

Abbotsbury, Dorset

Abbotsbury is a pretty village close to Weymouth, Dorchester and both the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site and the South West Coast Path. Part of Chesil Beach runs through the village.

Holiday letting is big business in Abbotsbury which is awash with attractions. ‘The village has changed little in appearance in centuries and has excellent facilities,’ says Ashley Rawlings of agency Savills. ‘Next to it lies a large saline lake, the Fleet Lagoon, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the setting for Abbotsbury Swannery.’

Average price: £387,562.

On The Market: Right on Chesil Beach with sea views from almost every window, this three bed home was built in 1834. £725,000 with Savills.

Alnmouth, Northumberland 

Alnmouth, Northumberland is a picturesque village known worldwide thanks to a painting of a row of terraced houses built by the Duke of Northumberland in 1860. Each house a different colour so it could be recognised from sea. Now the street can be seen from the East Coast rail line connecting Kings Cross and Edinburgh. Alnmouth has the oldest links golf course plus sailing and sports clubs – it’s a real activity centre. ‘Excellent connectivity to Newcastle, Edinburgh and London enables work and connections to family across Britain.’ says Gillian Greaves of agency Sanderson Young.

Average price: £428,250.

On The Market: Riverbank House is a four-bed Victorian stone property on the famous row of houses. £1m from Sanderson Young (sandersonyoung.co.uk)

Appledore, Kent

A historic village with medieval houses and a 14th century church, Appledore has long been an attractive spot in Kent. And with the new high-speed rail service from Ashford International, a 20 minute drive away, it is now drawing the attention of city workers who can commute via the 38-minute Southeastern service to Kings Cross. Cottages here could prove a solid investment for the holiday let market with the rapid expansion of Kent’s sparkling wine vineyards bringing weekend visitors to the area. Its high street, comprising a village pub, post office and tea rooms, leads down to the scenic Royal Military Canal which was built in 1804 as a measure against French invasion under Napoleon. There is substantial growth potential for property values which are currently 25 per cent less than in neighbouring village Rye, just six miles away.

Average price: £372,618

On The Market: This terraced cottage has two bedrooms and a large garden. £325,000 from Phillips & Stubbs.

Belford, Northumberland

The old coaching village of Belford is off the tourist track but close to popular visitor destinations like Berwick upon Tweed, Alnwick and the coastal village of Bamburgh, recently voted Britain’s best coastal destination by Which?. Belford itself has a close-knit, welcoming community and offers a cluster of independent shops, inns, restaurants and coffee shops. It’s off the tourist track but close to sandy beaches, making it a great location for a holiday let.

Average price: £324,000

On the market: Built of stone under a slate roof, Lindisfarne Cottage has three bedrooms arranged on one level, as well as a kitchen/dining area with a log burner. Externally there is a terraced seating area and driveway. £295,000 with Ayre Property Services (ayrepropertyservices.co.uk).

Downholland, West Lancashire

Commutable from Liverpool, Preston and Bolton, Downholland has the pretty Liverpool and Leeds canals running through it. This is village life at its most natural – volunteers undertake most of the work looking after public spaces, including preparing for a new village sculpture in the Jubilee Park.

 Average price: £259,000

On the market: Three-bed semi-detached barn conversion on the edge of an executive home community. £335,000 through Jackson Stops (jackson-stops.co.uk).

Laugharne, Carmarthenshire

A new high-speed train line from Carmarthen to London Paddington is set to increase property prices in Laugharne when it opens in December 2027. Laugharne, 12 miles from Carmarthen, is most famously associated with Welsh poet Dylan Thomas who lived here from 1949 until his death in 1953. He once famously described the village on the estuary where the River Taf flows as ‘a timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town’. Today, the picturesque riverside village has 2,700 residents who enjoy its pubs, restaurants and mighty castle dating back to the 13th century.

Average price: £300,500

On the market: This spacious four bedroom home in the centre of the village has retained much of its character and charm. It has a good sized garden and plenty of on street parking. £170,000 with John Francis (johnfrancis.co.uk).

Lavenham, Suffolk

Regarded as one of the UK’s best-preserved medieval villages, Lavenham is home to over 300 listed properties, including colourful wattle and daub houses which served as the back-drop for Godric’s Hollow in the Harry Potter film series. It was also home to author Jane Taylor who wrote Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Charlie Philip of Jackson Stops says: ‘Lavenham’s rare combination of traditional tranquillity coupled with its connectivity to the cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds, makes it a desirable destination for buyers seeking English village charm with contemporary comforts.’

Average price: £414,268

On the market: Invest in a three-bed detached home in a sought-after cul-de-sac position with sweeping countryside views. £365,000 with Fenn Wright (fennwright.co.uk).

Melrose, Roxburghshire

An hour’s drive from Edinburgh in the heart of the Scottish Borders is the historic village of Melrose. The community is seeing ‘growing interest from those seeking a balanced lifestyle’ according to Hopper, of Garington Property Finders, thanks to its blend of heritage, scenic setting and strong sense of community. ‘Melrose has a thriving high street, excellent schools, and a range of cultural and outdoor activities,’ he adds. ‘The town’s amenities are expanding, with new restaurants and community-driven initiatives appearing all the time. The picturesque setting and rising demand for rural properties have led to strong growth in the property market, with a mix of stone-built homes and modern developments appealing to a range of buyers.’ This is helped by its excellent transport links, being close to the A68 and A7 an roughly an hour’s drive from Edinburgh. ‘The Borders Railway station at nearby Tweedbank also offers direct train links to Edinburgh, making it a viable option for commuters,’ Hopper adds.

Average price: £313,000

On the market: This four-bed detached cottage comes with off-street parking and a well-maintained garden overlooking Eildon Hill. Offers over £320,000 with Rettie (rettie.co.uk).

Ogbourne St George, Wiltshire

This Wiltshire village is just two miles from the famous town of Marlborough but offers much better value. Sitting in the beautiful Marlborough Downs, Ogbourne St George is home to a population of around 400 people and has a rich history dating back to the Roman times. It has a community-run pub and a string of local resident groups. A national cycle route on a disused rail line plus its proximity to beauty spots makes this a great place for a holiday let or second home. St George’s Church, in the centre of village, dates back to the 12th century and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stonework.

Average price: £499,993

On the market: This well-presented three bedroom family home is in the centre of the village and has a large garden and driveway with space for four cars. The property offers generously proportioned rooms, including the sitting room which opens out to the open plan kitchen/dining room and French Doors open out to the rear patio. £335,000 with Carter Jonas (carterjonas.co.uk).

Old Alresford, Hampshire

Often described as one of Hampshire’s most beautiful villages, Alresford is known for its riverside walks and pastel-coloured Georgian buildings which rose from the ashes of great fires in the 17th century. Jonathan Hopper, of Garington Property Finders, says the area is becoming increasingly popular among families and professionals alike thanks to its independent shops, popular restaurants and excellent schools. ‘Recent investment has seen more cafes, artisan markets and family-friendly amenities,’ he adds. ‘Alresford is also well connected to Winchester, 15 minutes away by car, which offers regular rail services to London. The nearby A31 also provides easy access to the South Coast. And its mix of historic homes, cottages, and modern properties are drawing both downsizers and young families from London and across the South East.’

Average price: £491,247

On the market: This charming barn conversion has one bedroom and open plan living area. £275,000 with Homes more than Houses (homesea.co.uk).

Rufforth, North Yorkshire

Just a few miles from York, Rufforth retains a quintessential English village feel while benefiting from city amenities nearby. The village is expected to rise in popularity among those looking for a rural lifestyle while having easy access to York, Leeds and other cities via the A64 and A1237. Property development is on the rise, with housing projects for families, professionals and retirees. A strong sense of community remains in the village, with local events, clubs and societies as well as amenities including a primary school, pub and local shops.

Average price: £419,000

On the market: This gorgeous period cottage comprises two bedrooms, bi-folding doors onto a well-kept garden and off-street parking for up to three cars. £300,000 with Ashtons (ashtons.co.uk).

Sadberge, County Durham

Sadberge village is expected to benefit from the £20 million investment fund for nearby Darlington’s ‘community regeneration’. Darlington has been hailed the ‘gateway to the Tees Valley’ following major developments in the last four years. CrossCountry, Northern Rail and TransPennine Express railways all run through the town, providing links to Bristol, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Plymouth, while LNER runs fast trains to London King’s Cross in under two-and-a-half hours. Sadberge is already popular among Darlington commuters travelling via the A66, with amenities including a church, a village hall and two pubs. The area is also set for new housing developments including Middleton Waters offering waterside houses with two to five bedrooms at the edge of the village.

Average price: £209,496

On The Market: This five-bedroom detached new home in Middleton Waters has a turfed garden through the kitchen/diner’s stylish sliding doors. £530,000 with LSL Land and New Homes.

Sampford Courtenay, West Devon

Surrounded by Devon’s rolling countryside, Sampford Courtenay is a pretty conservation village with affordable property prices. The village, where large terraced houses have sold for as little as £217,000 in the past year, is currently served by a public bus service, but plans to reopen the Dartmoor Line railway station would connect it to Exeter. ‘The new rail link will open up Sampford Courtenay to more people who rely on public transport and it is already becoming more sought after as a result,’ says Kyle Hudson, sales negotiator at Stags. ‘When the line recently reopened in Okehampton, ten miles away, we saw property values rise and we would expect the same to happen here.’

Average price: £338,789

On the market: A historic Devonshire cottage. Offers over £300,000 with Miller Town & Country (millertc.co.uk).

St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire

House prices in pretty St Dogmaels, on the banks of the Teifi Estuary, are much cheaper than in villages further south in Pembrokeshire such as St Davids, Newport and Solva. The riverside village, home to 1,400 residents and a hugely popular fish and chip shop, is where the Pembrokeshire Coast Path starts or finishes here, depending on which way you’re walking it. Poppit Sands, a beautiful Blue Flag sweeping bay, is on its doorstep, while the thriving market town of Cardigan, home to bustling restaurants such as Printworks, Pizza Tipi and The Albion, is just one mile away.

Average  price: £337,495

On the market: This mid-terrace red brick 2 bedroom house is situated between St Dogmaels and Cardigan. It has a garden and modern kitchen. £130,000 with John Francis (johnfrancis.co.uk).

St Mabyn, Cornwall

St Mabyn is picture perfect; a pretty hilltop village of old cottages gathered around a popular inn dating back to the seventeenth century. Farms and cider producers surround the tiny community of 1,000 people, but tourism is an increasingly-dominant part of the economy due to the village’s close proximity to North Cornwall hotspots like Padstow and Wadebridge. Property prices are significantly lower than villages along the coast, just a 20-minute drive away. St Mabyn offers everything you could want from a village, including a church, primary school, post office, community shop and that popular pub. ‘The ripple effect is driving value for money as you move inland from the coast,’ says Josephine Ashby of John Bray Estates.

Average price: £262,100.

On The Market: This two bedroom stone cottage is already a holiday let and the sale comes complete with all forward bookings, and includes artwork inside the property. There’s a generous enclosed rear terraced garden and two stone outbuildings. £395,000 with John Bray Estates (johnbrayestates.com).

Wicken, Northamptonshire

This small village near Milton Keynes offers affordable housing with an average price tag below £300,000. Popular among families and retirees, Wicken is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has a strong sense of community. Its Roman history featured in an episode of the Channel 4 TV series Time Team which showed archaeological digs took place in the village. Despite its rural charm, it is close to major road networks, including the M1 and A5, attracting hybrid workers and commuters who can easily access Milton Keynes, Northampton and even London. Property values are steadily rising, according to experts, and housing developments are ongoing in the area including several eco-friendly initiatives.

Average price: £526,000

On the market: This Grade II listed thatched cottage has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a large rear garden. £575,000 with Stonhills (stonhills.co.uk).

Woolpit, Suffolk

Renowned for its historic charm, period properties and beautiful countryside, Woolpit is becoming increasingly popular among London leavers and remote workers who are drawn to its idyllic setting and more affordble house prices compared to Suffolk’s popular towns, says Jonathan Hopper, CEO of Garington Property Finders. ‘Recent investments have enhanced Woolpit’s amenities, making it more attractive to homebuyers seeking a blend of calm and connectivity,’ he adds. ‘This includes new cafes, shops, and community spaces while traditional pubs and local stores add to its appeal for families and professionals alike.’ Transport connections are another factor, Hopper adds. ‘The nearby A14 connects it to major hubs like Cambridge, Ipswich, and Bury St Edmunds. It is also within easy reach of rail stations in nearby Stowmarket and Elmswell, offering direct connections to London.’

Average price: £434,107

On the market: Two-bed terraced cottage with one bathroom, rear garden, parking and insulated cabin home office. £240,000 with Open House Estate Agents (openhouse.london).

Thorverton, Devon

Thorverton Devon

Thorverton is chocolate box charming, thanks to thatched cottages made from local stone and wonderful views of rolling Devon countryside. But as villages go, it’s thriving – two pubs, a doctors surgery, a post office, a farm shop, a church, and a village hall. 

Isabel Clifton of Strutt & Parker says: ‘It typically draws in young families who want to bring up their children in the countryside, but still want to be in good proximity to Exeter to get their city fix. A cottage in the centre of the village will come with a price tag of £300,000. If you’re looking for something larger and detached, you’re more likely to find it on the outskirts of the village, – and expect to pay somewhere closer to £1.5m.’

Average price: £578,333.

On the market: This refurbished three bedroom apartment is ‘in turnkey condition’, according to its listing. £340,000 with Wilkinson Grant & Co (wilkinsongrant.co.uk)