Living Off-Grid in Wales | Living Cheaper & More Fulfilled – Closer to Nature
Living off-grid in Wales? Why would anybody do such a thing?
Well, plenty of reasons actually.
Now, I’ll admit I’m biased being a Welshman myself, but I think it's fair to say Wales is objectively pretty darn beautiful. We’ve got rolling hills, old-growth forests, pristine A* beaches, wildlife, and—of course—welshcakes. You get the picture. We’ve got stuff.
What’s more, some of our most stunning regions (in my humble opinion) are also the most rural—and therefore among the cheapest places to shop for your dream slice of off-grid life.
Whether you're after a forest, a field, or something in between, you won’t struggle to find bargains here. Wales is a largely rural country with a small population, which means there’s still plenty of land to go around.
And as if saving heaps of cash while living nestled among green hills wasn’t enough, Wales also stands out as one of the most off-grid-friendly countries in Western Europe—government policy-wise.
The One Planet Development programme is a big part of that. It allows for eco-friendly buildings to bypass many of the usual planning headaches and build on plots that would otherwise be off-limits.
Of course, that’s all contingent on meeting a pretty detailed set of criteria (which we’ll cover shortly), and rightly so—no one wants their local greenbelt turned into a housing estate. But if you’re dreaming of a simpler, more connected way of life—living closer to nature, causing less harm, and feeling more fulfilled—Wales might just be the place to do it.
So, let’s take a closer look.
What is Off-Grid Living?
In essence, off-grid living is a lifestyle where you provide for your own needs, instead of relying on the utilities and systems most of us take for granted.
Some folks go all the way—generating their own power, growing food, recycling waste, and collecting water. Others opt for a hybrid model, perhaps staying on the grid for electricity but becoming self-sufficient in food or water.
Whatever route you choose, if you’re considering off-grid living in Wales, you’ll need a plan for covering your key needs—especially if you’ve got a family in tow.
Let’s look at some of the major areas.
Water
If you’re off-grid in Wales, this one’s a relatively easy win. We get plenty of rain here, and rainwater harvesting systems are a cheap, low-maintenance way to achieve water independence.
Alternatively, boreholes or wells are a more permanent solution. They can be expensive (and aren’t very DIY-friendly), but they’re reliable, clean, and cost-effective in the long run.
Food
Annual vegetables like potatoes, leafy greens, and beans are the backbone of any productive garden. They're nutrient-dense, space-efficient, and yield well.
But don’t overlook perennial veg. Crops like rhubarb, asparagus, and Babington’s leek are long-lived, low-effort, and provide heavy yields once established.
We’re also big fans of fruit and nut trees and bushes on our own little homestead. Once mature, they’re high-yield and low-maintenance. If you’re planting in Wales, stick to Welsh heritage cultivars that thrive in this climate—apples, plums, hazelnuts, and gooseberries are top picks.
Livestock is another route—chickens, bees, goats, even ducks. We’ve kept a few of these ourselves, and found them surprisingly productive without being a massive time drain.
And don’t forget to preserve your harvest—fridges and freezers are great, but also consider pickling, jamming, and canning to create a truly resilient food system.
Energy
Solar
Despite our fondness for grey skies, solar panels still make sense in Wales. Prices have dropped considerably, making it more achievable than ever. And while feed-in tariffs are long gone, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of excess generation—like powering a workshop or home business.
Wind
Wind turbines are a solid Plan B. Off-the-shelf models can be expensive and less efficient than solar, but depending on your site they might actually perform better. DIY versions are increasingly popular too, with loads of free plans available online.
Biogas
Less common but worth a mention, biogas systems convert food and organic waste into usable gas for cooking or heating. They're not a complete solution, but they’re a great addition to a diverse off-grid setup.
Wood
And finally, good old-fashioned wood. Renewable, versatile, and free (with some effort). If you’ve got space to grow and coppice your own trees, you’ll have a long-term supply of cooking and heating fuel. A wood-burner is practically a rite of passage for any off-grid Welsh household.
Income
Online Work
Living off-grid in Wales means living cheaper—but a little income never hurts. Freelancing is more accessible than ever, and remote work opportunities are everywhere. No fancy degree required—just a willingness to learn.
Land-Based Income
You can also build income into your homestead. Market gardening, honey, livestock, orchards—there are dozens of low-capital ways to turn your land into your livelihood.
Keeping Your Job
Of course, if your job is flexible or part-time, you might be able to keep it—especially if your living costs are lower. Less pressure, more freedom.
Why Wales?
Affordable Natural Beauty
Wales is stunning—no arguments there. From the Gower Peninsula to the Brecon Beacons to the quirky magic of Portmeirion, we’ve got natural beauty in spades.
And land here is relatively cheap, especially in rural areas. Arable land can sometimes be had for under £10,000 an acre, with poorer quality pasture or forest plots going for even less.
One Planet Development Scheme
Here’s the real game-changer. Wales’ One Planet Development scheme makes it legal (yes, legal!) to build eco-homes on agricultural land—something that’s usually impossible under UK planning law.
There are rules, of course. A few highlights:
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You must enhance the environment through your activities.
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Your setup must meet basic needs for food, income, energy, and waste within five years.
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Your ecological footprint must be minimal (2.4 global hectares per person initially, ideally dropping to 1.88).
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You’ll need very low carbon buildings.
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A binding management plan is required.
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The development must be your sole residence.
That’s just a quick overview—the full guidelines go much deeper. But in my opinion, they’re fair, realistic, and align with off-grid values anyway.
Plenty of folks have already started down this road, so you won’t be alone if you choose to take the leap.
Final Thoughts
All in all, living off-grid in Wales is a pretty sweet deal.
* Land is affordable
* The scenery is breath-taking
* You’re never too far from a town or city
* And—maybe most importantly—the government is actually encouraging it
Not a bad option when all things are considered.
But then again… I am biased.