Britain's largest property website had its busiest ever day last week as millions of Britons stuck inside by the coronavirus lockdown look to swap city living for a move to the coast or countryside.

Rightmove recorded more than six million visits on Wednesday, an increase of 18 per cent compared to last year and the highest number since it launched in 2000.

And last Saturday was also a record day for the amount of time would-be buyers spent browsing the site, after at least 400,000 property transactions were being put on hold during the lockdown.

The biggest jump in buyer interest compared to last year was seen in Canterbury, Kent, while coastal areas of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset were also popular. 

A range of stunning seaside properties in those areas are available for £1million - as well as an eight-bedroom house in Whitby, North Yorkshire - the same price as a one-bedroom flat in the most central parts of London. 

Rightmove also said Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester, Warrington and Wigan are proving a hit with buyers.   

The huge uptick in property viewings came just over two weeks after Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick allowed the property market to reopen. 

One Hampshire-based estate agent said the level of interest has been 'crazy', with some buyers even chartering helicopters to ensure they stick to social distancing rules. 








Rightmove recorded more than six million visits on Wednesday, an increase of 18 per cent compared to last year. Truro, in Cornwall, has seen a 20 per cent jump in interest. Pictured: This five-bed home in Newquay, Cornwall, is on sale for £1.5million









This five-bedroom detached house is for sale in Torquay, Devon, for £1.5million with uninterrupted sunrise views







An expansive five-bedroom detached house on the Suffolk coast at Southwold is on the market for £900,000







A five-bedroom detached house for sale over three floors near the Dorset market town of Bridport for tour thác bản giốc £1.2million







This modern property in Poole, Dorset, comes with four double bedrooms and harbour views for £1.25million







This six-bedroom Victorian villa with stunning views in the Devon town of Torquay is available for £1.15million


The huge uptick in property viewings came just over two weeks after Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick allowed the property market to reopen. 

It was closed in March as part of lockdown measures to try to stop the spread of coronavirus.