Why Now Might Be the Smartest Time to Act in the Country Property Market

As the property market continues to make headlines, with mortgage rates, inflation, and a trade war all creating uncertainty, it’s easy to feel that now isn’t the time to make a move. But the truth is more nuanced.

At Chartwell Noble, we believe that this market presents a very real opportunity for those who are well-informed, properly advised, and positioned with the right agent.

The Reality: It’s Not a Boom Market, But It’s Not a Crash, Either

We’re not going to sugar-coat it. Transaction volumes could potentially drop and they have been down across the board. The latest data from HM Land Registry and Rightmove confirms what most already suspect: many would-be sellers and buyers are pausing. But for the upper quartile of the market, particularly rural and lifestyle-led property, that doesn’t mean it’s time to sit still. We have seen a a noticeable increase in activity since the weather has improved with both buyers and sellers being more active in the market.

Prices in the best-connected rural areas are holding firm, and in some cases, edging upwards. There is still strong demand from equity-rich buyers, downsizers, lifestyle relocators, and families prioritising schooling, space, and long-term living. These people aren’t driven by interest rates. They’re driven by life.

There is always a market.

What We’re Seeing on the Ground

We speak daily to homeowners across central England and beyond, and a few clear patterns have emerged:

Stock is limited. Truly special homes - those with charm, land, views, or pedigree - are still in short supply.
Cash buyers are active. With savings earning modest returns, many are choosing to buy now and secure the home they really want.
Vendors want discretion. There’s a growing appetite for quiet, off-market conversations with serious buyers, not just a listing on a portal but through our "Whisper List".
Decisions are considered, but still happening. Buyers and sellers are moving, but they want confidence and clarity. That’s where we come in.

Our Advice to Sellers: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Market

We understand the instinct to wait. But the truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect market, only perfect timing for the right kind of property, with the right buyer, matched by the right agent.

If you're considering selling a premium rural or country home, now is the time to position it correctly, whether that’s via a full marketing campaign or discreet, pre-market introductions through our buyer network.

🗣️ “Some of the best sales we’ve agreed in the past six months have never made it online. They’ve happened through both relationships, and our clever algorithms!”

Some buyers have been waiting and want to get moved, they could have been waiting for your home.

Our Advice to Buyers: Be Ready and Be Smart

If you're hoping to buy, especially in the upper quartile price bracket, waiting for an unlikely 'crash' is a genuinely risky bet. The homes you want rarely come up, and when they do, they often don’t wait around.

We recommend:

Getting financially organised now
Letting us know exactly what you’re looking for (and what you’re not)
Being open to off-market or upcoming opportunities that might come through our "Whisper List".

We don’t just show what’s available, we find what others can’t.

For the Cautious, the Curious, and the Committed

Whether you’re cautiously exploring a move, ready to act, or simply unsure what your next step should be, we’re here to give you clarity, not pressure.

We’re confident because we’re well informed and experienced in all market conditions. We’ve seen markets rise and fall. What never changes is the value of genuine advice, honest feedback, and a trusted relationship.

Talk to Chartwell Noble

If you're wondering whether now is the time to act, whether buying, selling or both, let’s talk. We’ll give you a frank, expert view of your position and the market around you.

No fluff. No hype. Just honest advice, rooted in experience, relationships, and results.