Buying a house in Hampshire
Hampshire is a county located on the southern coast of England, known for its beautiful countryside, historic towns, and vibrant cities.
With such a varied choice of places to live, from the surrounding borders of Surrey, Dorset, Sussex, and Berkshire, right through to the stunning Isle of Wight and a brilliant road and rail network, it can be tough to know and understand where to buy the perfect home for you and your family.
Below I have listed just the surface-level best of Hampshire. Buying a house through a property finder or great buying agent, such as Rowallan Exclusive Property Buying Agents, will save you time and serious amounts of money and ensure that you shortcut the journey to the very best house for you.
Natural beauty
Hampshire is well known for its beautiful and enriching countryside, walks and endless views.
The New Forest National Park is one of the most iconic attractions in Hampshire and in the UK, covering over 220 square miles of ancient woodland, heathland, and grassy plains. The forest is home to various wildlife, including wild ponies, deer, and rare birds such as the Dartford warbler and the European nightjar.
In addition to the New Forest, Hampshire has a stunning coastline stretching over 45 miles, with beautiful beaches, harbours, and estuaries. The Solent, which separates Hampshire from the Isle of Wight, is particularly popular for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Many of the coastal towns in Hampshire have a rich maritime history, with ports that were once busy with trade and industry.
Away from the coast, Hampshire has a range of beautiful countryside areas, including the South Downs National Park, which covers over 600 square miles of rolling hills and chalky cliffs. The park is popular with walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, with a network of footpaths and bridleways that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Other natural attractions in Hampshire include the Beaulieu River, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a haven for wildlife, and the Basingstoke Canal, which offers tranquil waterside walks and boat trips.
Overall, the natural beauty of Hampshire is a major highlight of living in the county, with endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you prefer hiking through ancient woodland, relaxing on a beach, or sailing on the Solent, Hampshire has something for everyone who loves nature. With all these choices, it can be incredibly hard to know where to start on your journey of buying a house in Hampshire.
Historic towns
Hampshire has many charming towns with rich histories, including Winchester, which was once the capital of England, and Portsmouth, which has a proud naval heritage.
Winchester
Winchester is a city that has played a significant role in English history, being the capital of Wessex and then England before London. It is home to many historic buildings, including Winchester Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century. Winchester also has thriving shops, café’s, pubs and a cultural scene with various galleries, museums, and theatres.
Romsey
Romsey is a market town famous for its historic abbey, founded in the 10th century. The town also has a range of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Alresford
Alresford is a picturesque market town known for its Georgian architecture and its role in the watercress industry. Like Romsey and Winchester, Alresford also has a thriving range of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Petersfield
Petersfield is a market town in the heart of the South Downs National Park and is home to the Petersfield Museum, which tells the story of the town’s history.
Basingstoke
Basingstoke is a modern town with various cultural attractions, including the Haymarket Theatre and the Willis Museum, which tell the story of the town’s history and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Andover
Andover is a market town on the edge of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town has a range of cultural attractions, including the Museum of the Iron Age and the Andover Museum and the Museum of the Hampshire Regiment.
Vibrant cities beyond Windsor
Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke and Andover are lively cities and towns with various cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and theatres.
Southampton
Southampton is a port city that has a rich maritime history. It is home to many cultural attractions, including the SeaCity Museum, which tells the story of the city’s connection to the Titanic, and the Southampton City Art Gallery, which has a modern and contemporary art collection. The city is home to a large university, giving the city a youthful and dynamic vibe.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a historic naval city that played a vital role in defence of England during the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. It is home to the historic dockyard, with famous ships such as HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. The city also has a vibrant waterfront area, with restaurants, bars, and shops overlooking the harbour.
Good transport links
Hampshire is well-connected to the rest of the UK, with good road and rail links to London and other major cities. The county also has several airports, including Southampton Airport and Bournemouth Airport.
The M3 and M27 motorways provide quick and easy access to London, the South East, and the South West, while the county’s numerous train stations connect residents to major cities such as London, Bristol, and Southampton.
Good Schools
Hampshire has many good schools, including state, independent, and international. Several top-rated schools in the county include Winchester College, St Swithun’s School, and Portsmouth Grammar School.
Whilst not an exhaustive list, the following schools are perhaps the best known in Hampshire for excellent educational opportunities.
Winchester College
Founded in 1382, Winchester College is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious boarding schools. The school is known for its academic excellence, emphasising the classics, and offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service. The school is highly selective, and admission is based on academic merit, although scholarships are available for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in a particular area.
St Swithun’s School
St Swithun’s School is an all-girls boarding and day school in Winchester. The school has a solid academic record and offers a range of extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and outdoor pursuits. The school is known for its excellent facilities, which include a modern sports centre, a performing arts centre, and extensive outdoor grounds. Admission is competitive and based on academic merit, although scholarships are available for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in a particular area.
Portsmouth Grammar School
Portsmouth Grammar School is a co-educational day and boarding school located in Portsmouth. The school has a solid academic record and offers many extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service. The school is known for its excellent facilities, which include a modern sports centre, a performing arts centre, and a state-of-the-art science centre. Admission is based on academic merit, although scholarships are available for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in a particular area.
Bedales School
Bedales School is a co-educational boarding and day school located in Petersfield. The school is known for its innovative educational approach, emphasising creativity, independence, and critical thinking. The school offers a range of subjects, including art, drama, music, and outdoor education, and encourages students to pursue their interests and passions. The school’s facilities include a modern theatre, an art and design centre, and extensive outdoor grounds. Admission is based on academic merit and an interview process.
Canford School
Canford School is a co-educational boarding and day school located in Wimborne. The school has a solid academic record and offers many extra-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and outdoor pursuits. The school is known for its excellent facilities, which include a modern sports centre, a performing arts centre, and extensive outdoor grounds. Admission is based on academic merit, although scholarships are available for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in a particular area.
Activities
Hampshire is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, sailing, and many other activities. The New Forest is particularly popular for walking and cycling, while the Solent offers excellent sailing and windsurfing. However, there are many other enjoyable weekend pursuits away from walking and sailing.
With various festivals and events throughout the year, including music festivals, food festivals, and cultural events, Hampshire offers some of the best entertainment in the UK. Some of the most popular events include the Portsmouth Festivities, the Winchester Festival, and the Southampton Boat Show and the annual Isle of Wight festival.
There are several professional sports teams, including the Hampshire County Cricket Club, Southampton Football Club, and some fabulous local rugby clubs.
With several museums and galleries, including the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the Winchester Science Centre, and the Southampton City Art Gallery there is plenty of educational fun to be enjoyed.
Hampshire offers a range of shopping opportunities, from high-street shops to independent boutiques. Some popular shopping destinations include Westquay in Southampton and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.
Buying a house in Hampshire
Hampshire offers a diverse range of houses, from historic period properties, including Tudor and Georgian-era properties that feature unique architectural details, such as exposed beams and thatched roofs, to modern new builds with various styles and sizes and prices to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a spacious detached house in the countryside or a compact terraced house in the heart of a city, using a buying agent for renting or buying a house in Hampshire is not only sensible, it is also incredibly informative and time-saving.
Using a property search agent or buying agent
There are several reasons why you might consider using Rowallan Buying Agents when buying a house in Hampshire:
Expertise and Knowledge:
A property search agent is an expert in the local property market and can provide valuable insights and advice on buying a house in Hampshire. They have in-depth knowledge of the local property market, including prices, trends, and potential risks or issues.
Time-Saving:
Searching for the perfect property can be time-consuming and stressful. A property search agent can save you time by handling the property search and selection process on your behalf, arranging to preview, and then accompany you on selected viewings.
Access to off-market properties:
Property search agents will have access to properties that are not publicly listed, including those that are not yet on the market or are being sold privately. This gives you a better chance of finding your ideal property before it becomes available to the broader market.
Negotiation Skills:
Property search agents can also negotiate on your behalf, using their knowledge of the local market and property values to help you secure the best possible price and terms for your new home.
Reduced Stress:
Buying a house can be stressful, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area or the property market. By using a property search agent, you can reduce the stress of the buying process by having an experienced professional guide you every step of the way.
Overall, using Rowallan Buying Agents when buying a house in Hampshire will be incredibly rewarding, particularly if you seek a stress-free and efficient buying experience with access to off-market properties, expert advice and guidance and perhaps most of all, to save yourself a considerable amount of money.