Homebuyers are ready to pay a premium to live in smaller market towns where locally owned stores and service providers resist the invasion of supermarket giants and national chains, says a survey by County Homesearch.

The house-hunting agency claims that when potential buyers assess the desirability of an expanding town, a Good Pub Guide recommended inn or a Michelin star restaurant "is more sought after than a High Street chain bar or restaurant".

And independent food shops, particularly delis, organic butchers and patisseries, tend to score higher points and are seen as "much more indicative of up-and-coming country towns" than national brand supermarkets, which can be "specifically seen as devaluing an area".

Jonathan Haward, chairman of County Homesearch, says: "The response reveals that people really value access to locally owned organisations that offer individuality."

"This is indicative of a changing attitude. Not only do people increasingly see the importance of supporting local businesses through the downturn, they also see the presence of independent traditional services as highly desirable in a small town."

"This said, it is only natural that, while many prefer the High Street to offer choice and avoid being dominated by the same chain stores, they still appreciate access to a supermarket for convenience and economy and these companies will always have a significant role to play."

Shops which score most points to indicate a desirable country town include an upmarket homeware store (backed by 62 per cent of the 1,000-plus respondents); an independent bookshop (46.4 per cent); an antique dealer (44.2 per cent); and an independent estate agent.

An independent deli (59 per cent) is seen as almost three times as likely to indicate an up-and-coming town than a national chain supermarket (22 per cent).

There is also huge support for a private art gallery (50 per cent), a bespoke florist (47 per cent) and an independent cinema (35 per cent). The "typically English" classic car garage also scores highly (30 per cent).