Where to buy house with land under 400k

[Turning25]

We have had long term plans to move abroad in order to afford a very rural property with land (as in 1 acre minimum). Unfortunately DH is undergoing investigations for a health condition which would make our move abroad very difficult with the cost of health insurance.

I've not done any research at all into staying in the UK (or maybe a move to Ireland), but it's looking like I might need to start or we will have to give up on our dream.

We would have a budget of up to 400k, happy with small renovations and as above want something very rural (as in being able to stand outside the front door naked kind of rural!!), with at least an acre of land. Obviously we have experience living very rurally ( both grew up with over an hour to the nearest supermarket!) And we have done basic renovation on our current house.

From a very quick search, it looks like Wales or Scottish Highlands and islands are the only places this is possible. Does anyone have any ideas of where to start my research?

If there's health issues, I would strongly advise against living in medical deserts.

In middle Wales, where the property would suit you, it's a complete shit show for getting treatment or care.

NW Scotland is probably your only option OP.

I’m not sure anywhere in the uk is quite this rural tbh. There are always hikers, farmers, gamekeepers around. What will you do for money?

like a pp said, I would be cautious of where you moved because of the health issues in terms of highlands or islands. I’m currently having to go on a ridiculously long trip for my cancer treatments, checkups as the local hospital doesn’t deal with them.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/149312579#/?channel=RES_BUY

Lincolnshire? If you don't mind it flat.

Try looking in the North Pennines - there are some properly remote properties here. I've done a search within 20 miles of Alston and have found the following. Searched slightly over your budget just in case a lower offer was accepted:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150342731#/?channel=RES_BUY

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/149493296#/?channel=RES_BUY

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/148586414#/?channel=RES_BUY

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150169139#/?channel=RES_BUY

cumbria? I love this one. If I was younger and didn't feel the cold so much.

Parts of North-East Scotland, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, as well as north of Scotland.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/148675886#/?channel=RES_BUY

This one's a semi, but otherwise v remote

That carpeting in the last photo - both hideous and wonderful at the same time!

More wonderful carpet!

I wouldn't suggest the Highlands if you have health concerns... We only have one hospital which can be hours away depending where you end up!

That’s so pretty.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150065903#/?channel=RES_BUY

Kirsty and Phil would be impressed!

A terrace, but...

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/151793261#/?channel=RES_BUY

I live in the Scottish highlands and medical care is far away and patchy. Depends what your priorities are. Look at the catchment area for Raigmore. It’s huge and the hospital is overstretched. You are basically left to fend for yourself. And don’t get me started on dentists.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/150451508#/?channel=RES_BUY

Thank you all!! Without going into too much detail, the condition is fairly manageable from home so we don't need to be too close to a hospital- only for checkups.

For work, we own a business which we work on remotely, so we only need Internet. But I suppose some of these areas may have bad Internet.

Thanks again- this is just a starting point so time for a lot of research!

Internet and mobile reception - and indeed radio - is indeed patchy in places in the Highlands. We also get power cuts in winter (high winds and snow etc). Not convenient if you have a work deadline. If relevant, the post takes longer. Deliveries can take a seriously long time.

Raigmore hospital covers a vast area from the Outer Isles to Inverness, and as far south as Fort William. It does its best but waiting lists - even for check-ups - are long at the moment. I hope your DH will never require emergency help, but, if so, that can be dangerously inadequate in remote areas. It takes an ambulance well over an hour to reach many villages (if one is available) and then it's often over 2 hours or more to the nearest small local hospital. Look up what happened when a patient died on Skye fairly recently, for example. There may alsobe an issue of getting to local GP and/or chemist for regular medications.

In summer, the local reads can be clogged up with campervans and tourist coaches; they are often very icy - and not gritted -in the winter. Litter left by tourists - and irresponsible fires lighted by them - are also a problem. Some communities are thriving, but some now have so many holiday homes that they no longer have a 'normal' social dynamic. There are local primary schools - some very good, some less so - but secondary schools are widely spaced and pupils often have long journeys to get there. Social life for children is difficult, unless parents are prepared to do a lot of taxi-ing. In some remote areas, drugs/alcohol can be a problem. Public transport is patchy. Many local shops are closing...

Most important of all, housing is in short supply. You might be lucky to find somewhere remote with land, but, while land can be fairly cheap, planning permission for housing outwith settlements can be difficult to obtain, and the cost of building/renovation and of getting services (access roads, drains, electricity etc) can be very high indeed. Remember, when looking at property, that the Scottish system of 'offers over' means just that. A desirable property can go for 20% or more over the asking price.

Am NOT intending to be discouraging, just realistc. I wish you well.