So many of us dream of moving to a rural area, complete with country charms and offering the promise of a more relaxing lifestyle. In this article we take a look about what a move to the country really entails.

The role of rural areas has undoubtedly changed in the past few decades. Where once such regions provided the agricultural heartland for many industrialised countries, they are now increasingly seen as providing leisure opportunities for urban dwellers.

Such a change of circumstance has brought inevitable conflict. Those who have lived in village communities have sometimes resented "incomers" from towns and cities. Despite these issues, many people are choosing to make the move to the country. They've tired of life in the city and want something different.

There are numerous reasons why rural properties have become more popular. Many are tempted by the thought of being able to bring up a family in nicer surroundings, while the increase in office workers who are now able to work from home means that rural areas are nowhere near as remote as they once seemed.

Looking at the UK housing market, there are also good financial incentives to make the move into the country. Property prices in many rural regions have historically been very low when compared to London and the South East of England. As more and more people have snapped up properties in rural surroundings, so property prices have started rising considerably.

Rising house prices offer great investment opportunities. UK regions from Cornwall and the South West to Northern Ireland and Scotland have been experiencing a property boom.

People migrating from more populous, urbanised areas are seeing that the countryside offers opportunities for lifestyle change, as well as the possibility of making good investment returns from property purchases.

Average house prices in some regions are up to 50% lower when compared with major UK towns and cities.

It's little wonder that we are witnessing this great rush from town to country.

In the longer term there are obvious questions of sustainability. Most village communities are poorly served by public transport and other such services that are taken for granted by city dwellers.

Future governments will face new challenges as more of us look to make permanent moves to the country, or simply purchase second homes in rural regions.

One thing is certain - the countryside will continue to have a unique appeal for many of us.