In the sixth annual Halifax Quality of Life Survey, the Hampshire district of Hart has been named as the most desirable place to live in the UK. Hart beat Elmbridge to poll position despite the latter holding onto the top for the three previous years. The survey examines all 405 local authority districts.

The survey brings good news to those who live in southern England, with over half of the best places to live in the south. Nowhere in Scotland, Wales or northern England made it into the top 50.

The Quality of Life Survey takes into consideration education, jobs and the housing market as well as other factors such as health, crime rates, traffic flow and broadband access.

The survey found that the residents of Hart tend to be fit and well, with 95% saying they were in good health. With the lowest crime rates in the country, less rainfall per year than the national average and more weekly sunshine hours than the rest of the UK it’s no wonder that living the good life in Hart comes at a price: house prices are far above the national average.

However, Hart is an excellent district for commuters, providing excellent transport links to the capital – the M3 runs straight through the district and it has fast rail links into London. It’s definitely an option to consider if you’re on a tight budget and working in the capital.

At SilverDoor we feel it’s no coincidence that many of the best places to live in the UK are also the most popular locations among our clients. In the past year we have noticed a significant increase in demand for the St Albans area, so it came as no surprise to us when St Albans came 7th in the survey.

Charlotte Marks, Sales and Marketing Support