This month we hop over the border to a town on the edge of the New Forest National Park with easy access to Southampton, Bournemouth and East Dorset’s beautiful beaches

The proximity of Ringwood to the A31 to Southampton and London, as well as the A338 between Bournemouth and Salisbury, is one of this town’s biggest selling points. People also come to the quaint market town to enjoy easy access to the New Forest and the South Coast.

The property market throughout the area is buoyant, particularly for individual family homes with character. Luxury bungalows in the desirable residential communities of Ashley Heath, St Leonards and St Ives are also very popular as retirement homes. The diverse mix of property, ranging from retirement apartments in the town centre to large luxury homes backing on to the River Avon in Avon Castle, have always made Ringwood popular.

Last year most property sales in Ringwood involved detached properties which sold for on average £443,648. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £273,160, while flats fetched £151,225. With an overall average price of £328,785 Ringwood was more expensive than nearby Fordingbridge (£249,802), but cheaper than Ashley Heath (£473,404) and Burley (£703,124). During the last year, sold prices in Ringwood were 5% up on the previous year.

Tom Williams, Valuations Manager at YOUhome explains the possible reasons for this price rise. “Ringwood is a popular area for home buyers attracted by its semi-rural, market town feel whilst still being within easy reach of major towns such as Bournemouth and Southampton,” he says. “The vast range of properties from character apartments to large detached family homes means there is something for everyone. We have buyers registered seeking quality homes in Ringwood so whether you are already on the market or thinking of moving, we recommend you register with your local agent first.”

As far as the town’s facilities go, Ringwood is home to a mix of individual, family run shops, coffee shops and restaurants, together with the larger supermarkets. The New Forest provides a year round source of endless walks and outdoor leisure pursuits like riding and biking. It is also home to several successful local breweries.

The excellent local schools, including Moyles Court, are a particular draw for the family market. Ringwood’s position, close to the New Forest and the South Coast, and its easy access is also a big selling point for those retiring to the area.

.

Ringwood’s Property Market (average prices in 2014)

• Flats: £151,225

• Semi-detached house: £273,160

• Overall average property price: £328,785

House prices from Rightmove.co.uk

***

READ ON

• How Dorset’s landscape could reveal secrets about our early ancestors - Dr Sally Reynolds, a Research Fellow in Human Evolution at Bournemouth University, reflects on how Dorset’s landscape could reveal secrets about our early ancestors

• Dorset walk - Poundbury Hill Fort and Wrackleford - Edward Griffiths takes a walk through history encountering one of the county’s lesser known hill forts, a Roman road and a Durnovaria town house