Quality over Quantity

Quality over quantity: Smaller country homes are growing in popularity

Smaller country homes are in high demand from buyers in 2025. Whether you are upsizing, downsizing or buying as a family, there is a demand for quality rather than quantity for buyers of all ages. Avoiding homes that come with endless expense is now a number one priority at every level and at every stage of life.

As people are starting to feel more confident about the market, we are receiving more enquiries from buyers searching for smaller country houses in prime locations. There are many benefits in doing so…. for example less maintenance, releasing equity to provide additional funds for education with the added VAT on school fees, and lower energy bills to name a few.

With that in mind, our Director, Jennie Hancock, shares some of her top tips for finding the perfect compact country home …

Start your search early

When you decide to sell, start considering your property search at the same time. It’s a buyer’s market, but in the most desirable villages there are still far more buyers than good quality homes for sale.  The best country houses are often sold off-market, so speak with local estate agents about what is coming up, or use a buying agent as they tend to have access to them before the general public does. Plus, there will probably be less buyer competition.

Downsize your belongings

Downsizing and organising belongings is always a good move, whether you are moving to a smaller or larger home. In order to avoid taking unwanted items to your next house, you will probably have to sell, donate or throw away quite a few things. Have a good look at the floor plan of your new property. Will it fit your belongings without feeling too cluttered, or will you need to reduce them?

Consider long-term flexibility

There may come a time where it would be very convenient to have flexible accommodation, for example a master bedroom downstairs so you have easy access to the kitchen, living room and garden if you are downsizing. An annexe outside is another option to consider, which can be helpful for families with teenage children, a nanny, or just for accommodating family friends to stay or a carer later in life.

Find a manageable garden for your time of life 

If you have a growing family then time may be tight, so make sure you don’t buy more land than you need. Smaller plots mean less upkeep. If you plan on hiring a gardener then size matters less, but if you are going to be responsible for looking after outside space then opt for something that is low maintenance.

Local communities are key

One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “does this area have a good local community?’. Community is the beating heart of many locations in West Sussex, and pitching in is a great way to integrate and get to know the locals. Some villages even have croquet lawns or tennis clubs. Close knit communities also come together to provide huge support for both young and old.

Don’t be too remote

Although it can be a luxury not to have a neighbour directly next door, you don’t want them so far away that there isn’t anybody around to help you. Think about the benefits of sharing lifts for children or having support from neighbours if you’re elderly.  Access to public transport will be very useful. In towns and cities there’s usually quite a good set up, but if you’re seeking a rural or village location be sure to check how far it is to the local shops, pub or café.

Do you want a ‘lock up and leave’?

Many of our clients want to travel more, so choose a home that allows you the freedom to do just that. Whether a weekend break or a global adventure, smaller houses mean you don’t need to worry about what might happen to the property or garden whilst you’re away. You want to literally be able to pack your luggage, close the front door and relax.

How many bedrooms do you really need?

While it can be tempting to have lots of space to accommodate visiting children and grandchildren, or big family Christmases, think about how much space you really need in your day-to-day life. Visits may be infrequent, so often having just one or possibly two spare rooms for visitors is plenty and will help keep running costs low.

For more information about the benefits of purchasing a smaller country house in West Sussex, contact Jennie Hancock on +44 (0)7776452128.