"If you’re keen to live in the Southwest, one way of making it much more affordable is to forget the traditional bricks and mortar market and opt instead for a park home."
- Spokesperson for Regency Living
Analysing both regional crime rate & average sold price data, Regency Living has revealed the safest areas in England & Wales as well as how much downsizers can expect to pay for a property in these low-crime areas.
Dominating the top 20 safest postcodes were Cornwall and Exeter, representing six spots each. Meanwhile, the South West region had fifteen of the twenty safest areas. The lowest crime rate of the two nations was Exeter’s EX24 postcode district which saw just twelve reported crimes per 1k residents in 2023.
South Hams’ PL8 followed this district with fourteen reported crimes, and Exeter’s EX37 scored sixteen in 2023. In Wales, Conwy’s LL27 had a crime rate of eighteen, which was closely followed by yet another Exeter postcode, EX21 at twenty reported crimes.
The average house price across the twenty safest areas to live in England & Wales was £351,707 which is significantly higher than the current average price which stands at £297,739 - according to the UK House Price Index.
Properties in the South West and South East were the most expensive low-crime postcodes, with Surrey Health’s GU18 postcode district boasting an average house price of £494,582. In the Southwest, South Hams’ PL8 had an average price of £460,854.
For downsizers looking to live in a safe area without paying a higher house price, Wales could be a good solution. Conwy’s LL27 had an average price of £230,074 and Pembrokeshire’s SA63 averaged £265,648 for properties.
“The South West dominates when it comes to low crime rates, so it’s the perfect destination for downsizers who’re looking for an idyllic lifestyle in a safe neighbourhood. But both regions command relatively high house prices that might not be suitable for every downsizer budget,” explained a spokesperson for Regency Living.
They said: “Wales offers an affordable and safe alternative, but if you’re keen to live in the South West, one way of making it much more affordable is to forget the traditional bricks and mortar market and opt instead for a park home."
