When it comes to quality of life, it doesn’t get much better than the New Forest. This heavenly patch of British countryside covers 218 square miles, straddling the counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire, and embodies the joy of modern National Park living.
Here you’ll find inspiring countryside, flourishing wildlife and wild coastal beauty – all combined with community spirit and energy bursting from the New Forest’s collection of thriving towns and villages. It’s hardly surprising that property for sale or rent in the New Forest is in high demand right now.
If you enjoy walking, riding, wildlife spotting or water-based activities you’ll love the New Forest, and there’s heaps of history, culture and great food and drink to be uncovered as well.
Let’s look more closely at some key spots where you’ll find houses for sale in the New Forest, and just why it’s such a fantastic place to live.
Lyndhurst
Average house price: £449,652
Average rental price: £1,375pcm
Why you’ll want to live here: considered the “capital” of the New Forest ever since William the Conqueror proclaimed the area a royal forest, Lyndhurst is a large village with loads going on. The high street is crammed with independent shops, and if you’re after a bargain, Lyndhurst’s a great place to look for a house to buy or rent in the New Forest as property prices here have dropped in the past year. Just don’t expect them to stay down for long.
Brockenhurst
Average house price: £750,167
Average rental price: £1,910pcm
Why you’ll want to live here: the largest village in the New Forest, Brockenhurst effortlessly combines charm and convenience. Named by The Times as one of the UK’s best places to live in 2020, this exceedingly pretty spot is also home to great amenities, schools and a varied selection of properties. It also boasts a direct train link to London so you can get from the heart of the New Forest to the centre of London in as little as 1hr 30mins.
Ringwood
Average house price: £540,564
Average rental price: £1,865pcm
Why you’ll want to live here: this bustling market town on the western fringes of the New Forest has countless stunning walks nearby, as well as a great community feel with plenty of events going on throughout the year. Indulge in farm shops, craft markets, cosy pubs, and explore the miles of woodland on the doorstep, plus the beach under 30 minutes’ drive away.
Fordingbridge
Average house price: £366,837
Average rental price: £1,040pcm
Why you’ll want to live here: this small riverside town in the north of the New Forest is bursting with character. Such idyllic rural surroundings make it an ideal place for anyone who enjoys walking, cycling, fishing or river sports, and you’ll find plenty of independent shops, pubs and restaurants in the town, as well as a cinema.
Lymington
Average house price: £575,141
Average rental price: £2,069pcm
Why you’ll want to live here: stylish, cosmopolitan Lymington sits by the sea on the southern edge of the New Forest, and strikes an enviable balance between rural and coastal living. It’s fantastic for foodies, with excellent restaurants, and families will appreciate the great schools. There’s plenty of shops and galleries, and you can choose between the seaside or the New Forest for days out on the doorstep.
Browse property to rent and properties for sale in the New Forest or contact Carter & May today to discuss buying or selling in the area.