A (Business) Place in the Country

Demand for commercial property in rural locations has gradually increased over the last decade with the impacts of recent global issues further accelerating this.

Some of the key reasons for the growth in the rural commercial property sector includes a combination of financial and staff welfare factors.

 

Why the Demand for Rural Commercial Properties is Growing

Rental and purchase costs of properties are usually lower in rural areas compared to equivalent sized commercial properties for sale in a town or city.

Although sometimes further to travel to, the amount of time spent commuting is often reduced for staff as traffic congestion is decreased, and businesses are often provided dedicated parking space in rural locations which can be rare for urban commercial properties.

Businesses who rely on frequent delivery and despatch services also benefit from the quieter locations, avoiding the delays of travel in busy urban areas whilst the rural commercial property is often located near transport links.

How Employees Benefit from Rural Business Locations

Dan Smith, director of M4 Property Consultants provides his thoughts on the ongoing increase in demand for out-of-town commercial locations: “We had to work from home during the pandemic and employees became accustomed to, and dare I say enjoyed not having to endure the daily commute to and from busy town and city centres.

Whilst many are now returning to their previous daily routines, there has been an increase in the number of businesses who have made the decision to leave the hustle and bustle and find suitable alternative workspaces in rural business locations.

Talking to business owners, many of them have said that their staff prefer the quieter, easier to access locations and being able to go out and enjoy the fresh air and countryside at lunchtime. It is important to note that some companies choosing to locate in the countryside also benefit from cheaper rents.”

He continued, “It is also worthwhile noting that there has been a significant increase in the number of enquiries from rural property owners concerning further investment into their property to convert buildings into business suites and office spaces, to build and develop suitable properties on their rural land to match the growing demand.”

 

Investing in Land for Business Development

A good local example to demonstrate the increase in demand for rural commercial properties in South Wales is Llancayo Business Park on the outskirts of Usk in the rolling Monmouthshire hills.

With further investment into the property, the owner converted the former farm buildings into office and industrial premises over two decades ago.

Four units were vacated by previous tenants at the beginning of the year with three already being let leaving just one 823 sq ft first floor office in the Oak Barn on the business park remaining at an asking rent cost of £10,000 pa.

Please Click Here for further information regarding the final available unit space at the business park.

Property Advice for Your Business

Are you considering relocating your business to the countryside? Or perhaps you are a landowner of a property in a rural location and are seeking commercial property investment advice?

If you would like to discuss the many options available please contact Dan Smith: [email protected] | 01633 740740