DORSET is arguably the best place to live in the UK, with gorgeous rolling countryside, the magnificent Jurassic Coast and great forests to wander through - not a lot could beat our stunning county.
With an array of chocolate box villages, beautiful beaches and bustling towns it comes as no surprise that the county has seen a huge surge in buyer searches, according to the latest Rightmove statistics.
The new data reveals the five most desirable places to live in the county that have seen an increase in searches over the last 12 months on the site.
Here are Dorset’s most searched for areas to buy property in:
Wareham
Annual increase in buyer searches: 87%
(Image - Google Maps)
At the head of the Wareham Channel on Poole Harbour sits the beautiful market town of Wareham.
Boasting a stunning riverside location Wareham is one of the few remaining Saxon walled towns in the country. The historic town is steeped in history with a story to be told at every corner, from Viking attacks to executions.
The town has nearly 30 pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes so residents are spoiled for choice on where to eat out.
Close to Poole, Lulworth and Corfe Castle there’s plenty for people of all ages to get up to in their free time.
The average house price in Wareham is £376,736.
Swanage
Annual increase in buyer searches: 85%
Swanage is a thriving coastal town sitting in the south east of Dorset, described as pure nostalgia the town boasts a Victorian pier and you can even ride a steam train through the town.
Popular attractions nearby include Corfe Castle, Studland and Worth Matravers making the area ideal for families and outdoor-lovers alike.
The average asking price in the area is £378,743.
Broadstone
Annual increase in buyer searches: 76%
(Image - Google Maps)
A suburb of Poole, Broadstone is becoming an ever popular area for people looking to buy property.
Ideal for commuters and business people, Broadstone has an array of upmarket properties and boasts a close proximity to Hamworthy Railway Station and Bournemouth Train Station.
Broadstone is just a 22-minute drive to Bournemouth airport and has lots of places to eat and drink nearby including Poole, Ashley Cross and Lilliput.
Properties in the area average at around £453, 734.
Bridport
Annual increase in buyer searches: 75%
(Image - Google Maps)
The popular market town of Bridport is a bustling hub along the south coast, with a range of shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy in your free time, there is even an antiques quarter.
The gorgeous stone town is just one mile from the Jurassic Coast at the village of West Bay, made famous by the hit show Broadchurch.
Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorchester and Weymouth are all just a short drive away.
The average property in Bridport costs £353,301.
Gillingham
Annual increase in buyer searches: 75%
(Image - Google Maps)
The quieter town of Gillingham sits in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, close to Shatesbury which is one of the oldest and highest towns in England.
Gillingham is the most northern town in Dorset, bordering Somerset and Wiltshire. The town enjoys stunning countryside and has connections to the famous oil painter John Constable.
Properties in Gillingham average at £287,712.
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