Online rural real estate searches surge

Web searches for rural real estate properties has increased significantly since the start of 2020 as more and more people look to leave urban life in exchange for a change of pace and remote living.

Visitors to websites that focus on country homes, homes with land, log cabins, recreational and off-the-grid properties has more than doubled showing an average of a nearly 110 percent increase year-over-year as more people are looking for properties outside of urban markets, according to a news release from United Country Real Estate.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, cities are seeing a fast-moving sprawl of residents to the outer edges of development as people look to escape compact living styles and even social unrest.

 “The country offers wide-open spaces and the ability to own larger properties that give people room to spread out with their families and loved ones,” Mike Duffy, president of United Country Real Estate, said. “Living in the country gives you the peace, quiet and extra land so you can recreate in the outdoors, grow a garden, fish, hunt or just relax without worrying about being too close to others.”

Not only have online searches seen a jump, but real estate agents have also seen a large increase of buyers looking for rural property. This is in part due to a market that has been very strong and inventory of properties for sale are at historic lows, the release said.