Property Types Prospective Buyers Can Expect to See in Dorset
In this article we’re revealing the property types that prospective buyers can expect to see in Dorset.
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Dorset, prospective homebuyers find themselves presented with a diverse range of property types, each offering a unique charm and lifestyle.
Dorset is one of the UK’s most diverse counties in terms of real estate, from quaint cottages to modern apartments, Dorset’s property market caters to a broad spectrum of preferences and needs. Between property agents and conveyancing solicitors in Christchurch, finding the perfect home in Dorset couldn’t be easier.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the various property types that grace the charming county of Dorset, providing prospective buyers with insights into what they can expect to encounter on their home-buying journey.
Why Choose Dorset?
The jewel of England’s South West region, Dorset snuggles up to Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and is perhaps best known for its hugely popular seaside destination, Bournemouth.
There’s a lot more to Dorset than sea and sand though – the county is filled with areas of natural beauty, cultural sites and great nightlife – and has been voted 13th on the ONS list of happiest places to live.
Common Types of Property in Dorset
As with many regions of the UK, Dorset has something for everyone and offers a wide range of property types in different areas and to suit different budgets and we’re going to explore some of these in this section:
Modern Apartments
If you like to be where the action is then one of Dorset’s fantastic cities might be the right choice for you. Cities such as Bournemouth, Dorchester and Christchurch offer a number of different property options including ultra-modern apartments, terraces and large family dwellings.
A two bedroom flat in Dorchester will set you back around £185,000 and a three bedroom end of terrace will set you back about £495,000. Family homes in Bournemouth, however, tend to be a bit more pricey and you won’t get much change from £600,000 for a three bedroom house.
Seaside Homes
With its miles of Jurassic coast, Dorset is a dream for those who love to hear the crashing of the waves – but coastal properties don’t come cheap. While sea view properties in Bournemouth, Poole and Weybrdige fetch eye-watering prices, you can however find more affordable homes in places such as Portland where family homes start from around £250,000.
Village Cottages
Dorset is quite literally crammed with picturesque villages; many of which feature cosy cottages dating back to the 1800s. Villages such as Evershot offer a real sense of community reminiscent of days gone by, however, if you’ve got your sights set on Dorset village life you may be in for a bit of a wait.
Cottages in these much sought-after villages rarely come up for sale and, when they do, you’ll need a budget of around £600,000 for one of these delightful properties.
Unusual Types of Property Available in Dorset
If apartments leave you feeling flat and a house is not your bag, Dorset has some slightly more unusual types of property on offer, including:
Lighthouses
There’s no shortage of lighthouses along Dorset’s Jurassic coast, many of which have now been converted into residential properties. Although most of these are short term lets for holidaymakers, every once in a while, a converted lighthouse will come up for sale in the region for those who prefer more alternative accommodation.
Treehouses
For those who love to get back to nature, a Dorset treehouse might be the right move for you. Quirky, eco-friendly and extraordinarily beautiful, treehouse homes don’t come onto the market too often and are usually snapped up quickly.
House boats
While some people dream of living by the water, others take this a step further. House boats have been having a moment in recent years due to their low price and sense of freedom and a house or canal boat in Dorset can be yours for as little as £129,000. There may, however, be additional costs such as mooring so you will need to check these out before making a commitment.
If these unusual properties are not right up your street, Dorset also offers a wealth of new builds and affordable homes in its many towns and city suburbs.
Making the move to Dorset…
While Dorset can be a great place to live, it is made up of many different cities, towns, villages and hamlets – some of which may not offer all of the amenities and conveniences that you are used to in your current location.
Because of this, it’s really important that you conduct thorough research on your shortlisted areas and, where possible, pay each a visit to check out essential factors such as local transport, schools, banks and shops.
While city centres like Bournemouth are immensely popular, they are usually very expensive and become very busy in the summer months and so your best bet may be to speak to a local estate agent about the areas that might be right for you and your family.
