Buying a house in Salisbury: Everything you need to know about buying a property in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Salisbury is a city in the South West of England in the County of Wiltshire. This historic city is famous for its beautiful medieval cathedral, which has the tallest spire in England. It is also known for its picturesque streets, museums, and other historic buildings.
With very competitive house prices, good local amenities and excellent transport links have made Salisbury a very popular area for those commuting to London and also those seeking a slower pace of life. Salisbury has become so sought after and popular that it was recently named one of Britain’s best places to live.
History of Salisbury
Salisbury has a long and rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Evidence of human settlement in the area dates back to at least 3,000 BC. During the Roman period, a settlement called Sorviodunum was established on the site, and it became an important regional center.
After the Romans left Britain in the 5th century AD, the Saxons established a new settlement in the area. The town of Old Sarum was built on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, and it remained an important centre of trade and commerce throughout the Middle Ages.
In the 13th century, a new town was established in the valley below Old Sarum. This new town, known as New Sarum, was built around a new cathedral that was being constructed on the site. Over time, the two towns merged into one, and the name “Salisbury” came to refer to the new settlement.
During the Middle Ages, Salisbury grew in importance and became a center of trade, commerce, and religion. The city’s cathedral, which was completed in the 14th century, is considered one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Europe.
In the centuries that followed, Salisbury continued to be an important center of commerce and culture. Today, it is a thriving city with a rich history and many attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Schools in Salisbury
Girls Grammar School South Wilts was voted the second best grammar school in the South West in 2022.
Girls private school Godolphin is a regular contender for top education facility and high performing academy.
For the boys next to the cathedral is Bishops Wordsworth which is Ofsted outstanding.
There are numerous primary and secondary settings throughout the city. Be warned they can fill up fast so it is worth talking with the head teacher at the earliest availability.
Transport links
Buses: Salisbury Reds run most bus services locally. They have unlimited day, multi-day and multi-trip bus tickets which are ideal for visitors. They also offer Salisbury Saver Zone and Network Zone tickets that are used in certain areas of the city to keep prices down for passengers, as well as group tickets and child tickets.
Train: Salisbury train station is located at the south western edge of the city and just a 10 minute walk from the centre: Salisbury Train Station, South Western Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7RS.
Salisbury is on the main London and Bristol railway lines and has direct links to Southampton, Bath, Basingstoke and Exeter.
Roads: The A303 to the North of Salisbury has direct roads in and out. To the East the A303 connects to the M3 and if travelling West will continue onto the M5.
There are great A road links to the New Forest, Southampton, Bournemouth and Dorset.
House prices in Salisbury
According to Rightmove, properties in Salisbury had an overall average price of £316,501 over the last year.
The majority of sales in Salisbury during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £293,704. Flats sold for an average of £188,624, with semi-detached properties fetching £328,280.
Overall, sold prices in Salisbury over the last year were 3% down on the previous year and similar to the 2020 peak of £313,430.
Smith Heritage Surveyors are Salisbury’s independent surveying practice
With a diverse range of properties in Salisbury ranging from new builds to medieval, a local surveyor is essential to ensure you get an expert opinion from a RICS qualified surveyor.
To find out more about our Smith Heritage and how we can help you make an informed decision contact us today.