Top Locations in Lake District, Cumbria to Consider When Buying a Property
If you dream of retiring to Cumbria and the Lake District, there are several superb locations to consider for buying a property in this idyllic region with breathtaking scenery and quaint villages:
1. Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere
2. Ambleside
3. The Langdale Valley / Great Langdale
4. Grasmere and Rydal
5. Keswick
6. Ullswater
7. Coniston
8. Hawkshead
9. Kendal
10. Borrowdale and Buttermere
11. Elterwater and Langdale
12. Wasdale and Eskdale
These locations offer a mix of picturesque villages, bustling market towns, and stunning landscapes. They are popular for their natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming communities. When choosing a location, consider factors such as amenities, accessibility, and the type of community you prefer.
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Top Cumbria Locations to buy houses
When searching for your perfect Lake District home, be sure to explore:
- Keswick – Known as the “Adventure Capital” with scenic lake views, lake district holiday, and for buying a second home
- Ambleside – Charming market town near Lake Windermere
- Grasmere – Peaceful village beloved by poets like Wordsworth
- Windermere – Larger town with great amenities and transport links
- Kendal – “Auld Grey Town” with city amenities and countryside access
Read also: Top Lake District Estate agents to consider
What Makes These Locations Appealing
Keswick – Ancient market town and hiking hub near Derwentwater
Ambleside – Cinematic theater, shops, and walks near Stock Ghyll Force waterfall
Grasmere – Tranquil Grasmere Lake, trails, and connections to Wordsworth history
Windermere – Bustling Bowness-on-Windermere, cruises, and Beatrix Potter attractions
Kendal – Culture, shopping, dining, and fast links to M6 motorway and Oxenholme station
Ready to Search for Your New Cumbrian Home?
With so much to offer, these prime Lake District locations give you the best of Cumbrian life. Consider what appeals most before you search for properties.
What to Consider When Buying a House in the Lake District
When buying a house in the Lake District, consider:
- Location – Popular towns like Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick offer amenities, while villages like Grasmere provide more seclusion.
- Property type – Detached homes, terraced cottages, apartments each suit different lifestyles.
- Budget – Property prices vary across the region, so set a realistic budget. Average prices are around £300k.
- Lifestyle – Ensure the Lake District’s slower pace and outdoor access suits your hobbies.
- Support – Research estate agents, solicitors, mortgage advisors and surveys to provide legal and purchase support.
- Commute – While remote, transport links via rail, bus and major roads help connect the Lake District.
- Services – Larger towns have more services like shops and restaurants versus rural villages.
Learn how to write a letter to buy a house in the Lake District, a popular destination for homebuyers and holiday cottage seekers. Personalize your letter, express your interest, and showcase your unique lifestyle preferences to make your offer stand out.
Purchasing a Home or Holiday Cottage in England's Lake District
Consider these key factors carefully to find the right Lake District property for your needs and budget. The region offers a wonderful quality of life if matched with the perfect home.
Purchasing a home in the Lake District National Park is a dream for many looking for a second home in the lakes or an investment property as an income generator. When buying a house in this idyllic part of England’s northwest, there are several things to consider.
You’ll first want to decide where in the Lake District you’d like to buy to best cater to the audience you want to attract.
Options range from market towns like Keswick that offer plenty of amenities, pubs, and restaurants and are in proximity to major attractions, to more rural villages like Grasmere that provide direct access to the countryside, wildlife, and mountain peaks like Skiddaw.
The type of property is also key – you can choose anything from a cozy two-bedroom cottage to a spacious six-bedroom detached home.
Holiday cottages near Lake Windermere remain popular. Log cabins tucked away in rural areas also attract certain buyers looking to get back to nature.
Work with local estate agents like Hackney & Leigh, Matthews Benjamin, and Coniston Properties to find the right Lake District property.
Monitor local prices and growth, and consider interest rates and mortgage options as part of budgeting. Hire a qualified surveyor and solicitor to handle the transaction.
Owning a holiday home in the lakes can provide rental income but also comes with costs and responsibilities like maintaining occupancy rates, handling bookings, and keeping current with property market conditions.
Do your due diligence before investing in a second home in this tourist destination.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a House in the Lake District
Purchasing property in the Lake District requires weighing several important factors. This ensures you find the perfect home aligned with your needs and budget.
Location and economy in lake district
Consider the accessibility, amenities, and vibe of different Lake District towns before deciding where to buy. Popular options like Windermere and Kendal offer more amenities and transport links, while villages like Grasmere provide peaceful seclusion.
The local economy is primarily driven by tourism, with a variety of businesses catering to visitors, including shops, restaurants, and leisure activities
Tourism is a significant contributor to the local economy, with a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors. The town also has a strong focus on education and family life.
The local economy is primarily driven by tourism, with self-catering cottages, chalets, and traditional cottages being popular accommodations.
The local economy is supported by tourism, with a range of properties available for visitors, including flats, houses, and apartments.
This market town in Cumbria has a population of 5,243 and is located within the Lake District National Park. The town‘s economy is closely linked with tourism, and it was historically an important mining area.
The Ullswater Valley Plan was a pilot project set up to identify opportunities and ambitions of the local community within the Lake District Valley. The Ullswater Catchment Management CIC works with farmers and landowners to improve flood resilience and the natural environment through practical projects and solutions. The local economy is highly dependent on tourism.
The local economy is driven by tourism, with outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and water sports being popular.
The local economy is supported by tourism, with a range of businesses catering to visitors, including shops, restaurants, and leisure activities
The local economy is driven by a mix of tourism, manufacturing, and other industries.
The local economy is primarily driven by tourism, with self-catering cottages, chalets, and traditional cottages being popular accommodations.
These townships in the St Bees parish of Cumberland have a history of agriculture and mining.
The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (‘the Ratty’) became a tourist attraction from the mid-20th century, and Wasdale Head has been a center for rock climbing since the late 19th century.
The local economy is also supported by tourism, with outdoor pursuits being a significant draw for visitors.
Property Types / Average price house per location
The Lake District offers diverse property types – analyze your options to select the right fit. Detached family homes, cozy terraced cottages, and modern apartments each appeal to different buyers.
House prices in Windermere, Ambleside, The Langdale Valley, Grasmere and Rydal, Keswick, Ullswater, Coniston, Hawkshead, Kendal, Borrowdale and Buttermere, Elterwater and Langdale, and Wasdale and Eskdale vary due to several factors.
Some of the key factors affecting house prices in these areas include:
- Supply and demand: The balance between the number of available properties and the number of interested buyers can significantly impact house prices. In areas with high demand and limited supply, prices tend to be higher.
- Location: The attractiveness of a location, including its natural beauty, amenities, and proximity to employment opportunities, can influence house prices. For example, the Lake District’s premium property market has seen significant growth due to its picturesque landscapes and tourist appeal
- Property type and size: The type and size of properties available in an area can also affect house prices. Larger homes and those with unique features or historical significance may command higher prices
- Local economy: The strength of the local economy and employment opportunities can impact house prices. Areas with strong economies and job markets may see higher demand for housing, leading to increased prices
- Interest rates: Changes in interest rates can affect the affordability of mortgages, influencing the demand for housing and, consequently, house prices
- Demographics: Changing demographics, such as age, income, and regional preferences of buyers, can impact house prices
- Infrastructure and development: The availability of public services, transportation, and other infrastructure can affect the desirability of an area and, in turn, house prices
Consider your:
- Space requirements
- Budget limitations
- Amenities needed like parking
- Aesthetic preferences
- Future plans or resale potential
Detached properties are popular in this area, with an average selling price of £828,767, while semi-detached properties fetch around £356,667.
Flats and terraced houses are also common, with average prices of £251,932 and £307,909, respectively.
The average price for property in Ambleside is £441,629. Flats in Ambleside sell for an average of £279,524, and terraced houses for £251,694
The Langdale Valley / Great Langdale: While specific property types are not mentioned, the area is popular for self-catering cottages, chalets, log cabins, and traditional cottages.
The area offers a range of properties, including flats, houses, and apartments. Ambleside and Grasmere are known to be the most expensive areas in South Lakeland, with a median house price of £307,094 in 2022 since HM Land Registry was last updated.
- The average house price in Keswick is £331,188 over the last year according to Rightmove.
- Prices have continued to rise, with the average price in November 2022 being £193,576, a 0.7% increase from October.
- Prices rose 2.8% from February to March 2022, with the average price reaching £188,009
- Properties in the CA11 0RX postcode area of Ullswater have an average house price of £270,000
- This postcode covers the village of Glenridding by Ullswater lake.
- According to Zoopla, average sold prices in the Lake District overall in the last 12 months are £318,129 for detached properties, £214,118 for semi-detached properties and £179,771 for terraced properties
Recent estimates for house prices in Coniston, range from £186,250 to £635,000, with most sources reporting averages between £300,000 – £400,000. Prices have fluctuated over the past year but remain high compared to nearby areas. Making it more expensive location in Lake District than nearby Hawkshead but cheaper than Outgate.
Most house prices in Hawkshead, Cumbria, seems to range from £245,000 to £532,000 based on estimates from property websites. The national average house price in the UK was £288,000 in June 2023. More localized data on specific streets shows lower average prices, around £125,000.
Average house prices in Kendal range from around £160,000 for flats to over £550,000 for detached houses, with the overall average being around £300,000 to £350,000. Prices have risen nearly 9% over the last year.
In 2023, the average house price in Elterwater is £1,500,000, while in Langdale, the average house price is £913,333.
These prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific area within Langdale or Elterwater.
In 2023, the average house price in Wasdale is £640,000, while in Eskdale, the average house price is £490,001. These prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific area within Wasdale or Eskdale.
Set a Realistic Budget
Property prices vary greatly across the Windermere and Lake District. Set a budget aligned with average costs in your target locations. Prices range from around £200k in villages to over £500k+ in popular towns.
Factor in:
- Target locations’ average sale prices
- Property size and features
- Condition – modernized or renovations needed
- Future local market growth predictions
Research sales records to accurately gauge property values and set a feasible budget.
The Lake District Lifestyle
Ensure your new home supports the leisurely Lake District lifestyle you desire. This region offers direct access to nature, walking trails, water sports, cultural events, and tight-knit communities.
- Good for Leisure and Recreation
- Bowness-on-Windermere is a popular holiday destination in the Lake District, offering easy access to Windermere lake.
- It is an excellent base for water activities, including boating, leisurely water attractions, boat hire, and family watersports.
- The town has a variety of shopping options, from local merchants providing bespoke gifts to everyday items.
- Bowness-on-Windermere is a popular holiday destination in the Lake District, offering easy access to Windermere lake.
Good for Education and Family Life
- Ambleside is home to a private Christian school called Ambleside Boerne, which follows the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
- The Ambleside lifestyle allows families to spend their evenings on rest, recreation, conversation, and meals together, fostering a strong sense of community.
- Ambleside is recommended as a base for visiting Bowness-on-Windermere, as it offers easy access to the lake via the steamer from Waterhead.
Good for Outdoor Activities and Scenic Beauty
- Great Langdale is a valley in the Lake District National Park, popular among hikers, climbers, fell-runners, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
- The valley is known for its dramatic landscape, featuring the Langdale Pikes, a group of peaks on the northern side of the dale.
- Great Langdale has a rich history, having been an important site during the Neolithic period for producing stone axes and one of the centers of the Lakeland slate industry.
Good for Cultural Heritage and Natural Beauty
- Grasmere and Rydal are known for their association with the poet William Wordsworth
- The area offers stunning landscapes, historic buildings, and a strong sense of community.
Good for Vibrant Community and Outdoor Activities
- Keswick is a lively market town in the Lake District, surrounded by stunning mountains and lakes.
- The town offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Good for Scenic Beauty and Outdoor Activities
- Ullswater is a beautiful lake in the Lake District, offering stunning scenery and a range of outdoor activities.
Good for Outdoor Activities and Tranquility
- Coniston is a charming village in the Lake District, popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and water sports.
Good for Charming Atmosphere and Outdoor Activities
- Hawkshead is a picturesque village in the Lake District, known for its historic buildings and vibrant community.
Good for Cultural Heritage and Modern Conveniences
- Kendal is a historic market town in the Lake District, offering a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Good for Scenic Beauty and Tranquility
- Borrowdale and Buttermere are beautiful valleys in the Lake District, offering stunning landscapes and a serene atmosphere.
Good for Natural Beauty and Tranquility
- Elterwater and Langdale are charming villages in the Lake District, surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes.
Good for Scenic Beauty and Tranquility
- Wasdale and Eskdale are picturesque valleys in the Lake District, offering stunning landscapes and a serene atmosphere.
Consider whether the home and village/town:
- Suits a relaxed, outdoorsy life
- Allows easy access to walking routes
- Offers connections to appreciate natural beauty
- Fits with your hobbies and interests
Choose a property aligned with the Lake District lifestyle you hope to enjoy.
Seek Specialist Agent
Buying in the Lake District requires guidance from estate agents, solicitors, and mortgage advisors familiar with the local market. Lean on top-rated agents to find suitable properties and negotiate deals. Hire specialists like to handle legal work and secure financing through.
Seeking support ensures you:
- Find the right property at fair value
- Navigate legal processes and paperwork
- Secure a mortgage tailored to the purchase
- Avoid pitfalls as an outside buyer
Finding Your Dream Home in the Lake District
Purchasing property in the Lake District is a big decision – but carefully weighing the options can lead you to the perfect home.
When you’re ready, visit their websites to:
- Browse available Lake District properties
- View listing photos, details, and pricing
- Book viewings for promising homes
- Contact agents directly with any questions
Based on extensive research, we recommend partnering with these top-rated estate agents:
- AshdownJones has deep knowledge of the local market and wider networks to expose your listing.
- Poole Townsend earns rave reviews for transparent fees and guiding clients through viewings.
- F&C, Lake District branch leverages beautiful staging and photography to sell homes faster.
