The best of everything: why in-between locations are booming

Whether you love to ramble through the woods in muddy boots or prefer a busy city lifestyle, there’s a good chance your preference will stay with you, even as you move home. Research from Nationwide shows that while demand for rural locations has been increasing, most of us stick with what we know, moving from one city to another or between different rural locations.

However, the past few years have seen huge demand for a new type of location: the in-between places that combine access to towns and cities with everything country living has to offer. At Brookworth, it’s something we’ve seen across some of our most desirable developments, from Crowborough to Burgess Hill.

Today’s buyers no longer want an all-or-nothing choice between densely packed urban and remote rural. They want the perfect blend that only an in-between location can offer.

Property trends 2026: between town and country living

In January 2026, The Times reported that almost 75% of people in the UK want to live somewhere with easy access to the countryside, with the caveat that it also boasts good transport links and affordability. The importance of connected countryside may be increasing, but few of us would be willing to completely compromise on convenience, accessibility and cost.

At the same time, the traditional factors that drive lifestyle moves have changed considerably in the past few years. The shift to hybrid working has reduced the importance of an everyday commute, while the pandemic made the value of outdoor space and a tranquil, balanced home undeniable.

This transition is something you can also see in lists of the best places to live in the UK. When Money Week revealed its Top 20 list in early 2026, there was just a single city (St Albans) in the top five.

What makes a good in-between location for quality of life?

Beyond cost and the property itself, UK homebuyers tend to prioritise the same key criteria when comparing locations, including:

• Proximity to outdoor spaces and parks (74%)

• Transport links (74%)

• Distance to nearest city or town (70%)

• How built-up the local area is (70%)

This is a good foundation for comparing in-between locations – and just some of the factors we consider when we’re choosing a location for our next Brookworth development. To reach the right blend of commuters, downsizers and growing families, we carefully curate our locations based on how they deliver the best of both worlds.

Crowborough, East Sussex

For semi-rural living, Crowborough is an historic town that’s part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. On the edge of the Ashdown Forest, you’ll be moments from woodland walks in Winnie the Pooh’s home, while a mainline train station gives you fast connections across the county.

Explore our Warren Grove development 

Burgess Hill, West Sussex

Despite being just 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport and under an hour from London by train, Burgess Hill has that communal, close-knit feel you only get from a smaller market town. Alongside the sprawling South Downs National Park, you’ll find endless countryside pursuits to enjoy, including a stunning nature reserve at nearby Bedelands Farm.

Explore our homes at The Vale and Fairways

Welford-on-Avon, Warwickshire

The home of tranquil village living, Welford-on-Avon is a small parish built around a 12th century church and streets lined with charming thatched roof cottages. You’ll love its local feel, from traditional pub food to local shops, with the convenience of Stratford-upon-Avon’s extensive amenities and train connections just 15 minutes away by car.

Discover our iconic Braeburns development

The impact of a new build home

There’s an assumption that rural homes tend to be older – and the data supports this idea. A late 2025 DEFRA report estimated that 28% of rural properties in England were built before 1919, compared to 18% in urban areas. These older homes are likely to come with more maintenance and refurbishment costs, as well as higher bills through outdated heating and boilers.

That’s why we’ve seen increased demand for luxury new build homes in these in-between locations because, like the locations themselves, they offer the best of both worlds. Our emphasis on quality and convenience keeps maintenance costs down, while we equip every home with the latest technology for automation and energy efficiency.

We also take steps to preserve the semi-rural feel that makes our locations so special, not just with sympathetic and location-specific architectural details, but also through locally sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship.

Brookworth Homes: for a new way of living

As the traditional split between country and city living becomes less relevant, we create homes to support real lifestyles, not short-term trends. Our continual focus at Brookworth is on locations that are enduring and timeless, supported by all the amenities today’s homebuyers are looking for.

Crucially, this approach to locations helps to create a sense of community. Integrated naturally into their surroundings, our developments are designed for how people work and live today, appealing to a broad range of people across life stages. Whether you’re a hybrid worker, a busy commuter or looking for a peaceful place to escape, there’s no need to compromise. 

Get in touch with our experienced sales teams about our homes.