Mortgage Advice in Ratby: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Ratby
A buyer’s guide to Ratby — property prices and council tax, schools and their real Ofsted position, transport, healthcare, flood risk, the local lending realities, and the questions worth asking before you commit.
- Quick Answers
- Prices
- Market
- Why Ratby
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
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That’s Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, award-winning, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, with no obligation.
Figures in this guide were correct when it was produced and do change. Always verify council tax with the local council, school ratings with Ofsted and journey times with the operator before you rely on them. This guide is information, not financial or mortgage advice.
Mortgage Advice in Ratby: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Whether you're buying your first home in Ratby, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching this quieter commuter village north-west of Leicester — in the Borough of Hinckley & Bosworth near Bradgate Park and Martinshaw Wood, with its ancient Ratby Burroughs earthworks and a mix of period cottages and newer estate housing — this guide covers what buyers and homeowners actually want to know.
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Quick answers about Ratby
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Ratby a good place to live?⌄
Yes — a quieter, well-placed commuter village on the Bradgate edge.
Yes — Ratby is a quieter commuter village north-west of Leicester (LE6), in the Borough of Hinckley & Bosworth. It has strong appeal for families, professionals and commuters: quick road access to Leicester and the A46 and A50, a green setting near Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood and the Charnwood Forest, a Good village primary, the ancient Ratby Burroughs earthworks, and a mix of period cottages and newer estate housing. The main things to weigh are that there is no railway station (the commute is by road or bus), and construction, flood and (on the Charnwood fringe) radon checks worth doing on a specific home.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratby | rightmove.co.uk — Ratby
Is Ratby expensive?⌄
A well-placed Leicestershire commuter village; averages often £270,000–£330,000.
Ratby is a well-placed commuter village on Leicester’s north-west edge, with prices around the wider Leicestershire average — overall averages are often in the region of £270,000 to £330,000, with terraces and flats offering the more accessible ways in (often around £180,000 to £230,000), semi-detached family houses commonly around £260,000 to £330,000, and larger detached and period homes running to £380,000, £600,000 and beyond. Its Leicester and A46 access, its Good primary and its Bradgate-edge setting all support steady demand. Always verify current prices via Land Registry data or independent valuation advice for the exact property.
Sources: rightmove.co.uk — Ratby | landregistry.data.gov.uk
Does Ratby have a railway station?⌄
No — the commute is by road or bus; Leicester is the nearest station.
No — Ratby does not have its own railway station. The nearest mainline station is Leicester, about six miles south-east, with fast trains to London St Pancras, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield and the East Midlands. Most Ratby journeys are by car or bus: the village links to Leicester and to the A46 (the Leicester western bypass) and the A50, giving access to the city and the wider network, with buses to the city centre. Always check current timetables and traffic before relying on a specific journey.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratby
What is Ratby known for?⌄
Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood & the Ratby Burroughs earthworks.
Ratby is known for its green, Bradgate-edge setting near Martinshaw Wood and the Charnwood Forest, and for the Ratby Burroughs — ancient earthworks and the site of Bury Camp in Burroughs Wood, an Iron Age and Romano-British settlement that gives the village a deep history. It is a quieter, well-placed commuter village in the Borough of Hinckley & Bosworth, popular for its road access to Leicester and its countryside surroundings, with a mix of period cottages and newer estate housing.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratby
Where is the nearest A&E to Ratby?⌄
Leicester Royal Infirmary (a drive into the city).
The nearest major hospital with a 24-hour Type 1 Accident & Emergency department is Leicester Royal Infirmary, a drive south-east into the city; Glenfield Hospital (specialist services) is closer but does not run a general emergency department. There is no A&E in Ratby itself, with GP provision locally. As NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, always confirm the nearest current A&E and the arrangements directly with the NHS.
Sources: leicestershospitals.nhs.uk
Is Ratby right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others — here is how Ratby rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | ★★★★★ | Ratby Primary (Good) in the village, Bradgate Park and Martinshaw Wood on the doorstep, and a safe, quieter village feel make this a genuine family choice; the secondary Brookvale Groby Learning Campus (which serves Ratby and neighbouring villages) was judged Good across all areas at its recent ungraded inspection — check catchment. |
| Commuters | ★★★★☆ | Quick road access to Leicester and to the A46 (Leicester western bypass) and A50 suits commuters — though there is no railway station, so the commute is by car or bus. |
| Upsizers | ★★★★☆ | Larger detached and period homes, and newer estate housing on the village edges, give real family space and gardens on the Bradgate edge — good value for the countryside setting. |
| Professionals | ★★★★☆ | A green village setting with fast links to Leicester and the A46 ring road suits professionals wanting space and connectivity within reach of the city, if quieter than the larger suburbs. |
| First-time buyers | ★★★☆☆ | Terraces, flats and smaller semis (often around £180,000–£260,000) offer a way into a well-placed commuter village — though it is a quieter village, so weigh the amenities and the road commute. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Ratby does brilliantly — and what to weigh carefully — before you commit.
Ratby at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & councils | Leicestershire (Leicestershire County Council + Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council + Ratby Parish Council) |
| Postcode district | LE6 |
| Approx. character | A quieter, green commuter village on the Bradgate edge |
| Average house price | Overall often £270,000–£330,000; terraces/flats from ~£180,000, larger detached £380,000–£600,000+; sources vary |
| Railway | No station in Ratby — Leicester (~6 miles) is the nearest, for London St Pancras, Birmingham & the East Midlands |
| Nearest A&E | Leicester Royal Infirmary (a drive into the city) — verify with NHS |
| Schools | Ratby Primary (Good); secondary at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus (serving Ratby & neighbouring villages) |
| Known for | Bradgate Park & Martinshaw Wood nearby, the Ratby Burroughs ancient earthworks, a quieter Charnwood-fringe setting |
| Character | A mix of period cottages and newer estate housing in the Borough of Hinckley & Bosworth |
| Roads | Links to Leicester, the A46 (Leicester western bypass) & the A50 |
| Green space | Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood, Burroughs Wood, the Charnwood Forest & the village recreation grounds |
| Council tax (Band D) | £2,440.13 for 2026/27 (Hinckley & Bosworth + Ratby Parish; verified) — confirm your exact band |
Property prices & council tax in Ratby
Ratby is a well-placed commuter village on Leicester’s north-west edge, with prices around the wider Leicestershire average. It offers terraces and flats, post-war and 1960s–90s semi-detached houses, larger detached and newer estate homes, and a scattering of period cottages. Published figures vary by property and area, so treat the ranges below as a broad guide and verify for the exact home.
| Property type / area | Typical position in the market | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Terraces & flats | Indicatively around £180,000–£230,000 | First-time buyers; downsizers; the more accessible ways in |
| Semi-detached houses | Indicatively around £260,000–£330,000 | Families & upsizers wanting classic village space |
| Detached houses | Indicatively around £360,000–£600,000 | Families wanting more space and a garden on the Bradgate edge |
| Larger & period homes | Indicatively £600,000–£800,000+ | Buyers wanting the premium end, including period cottages and the largest detached homes |
| Ratby average | Overall often £270,000–£330,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the village |
What income might you need?
These illustrative figures use roughly 4.5x household income and assume a typical deposit. They are a starting point for budgeting only — not a quote or advice.
£230,000
Terrace / smaller semi
~£51,000
household income (guide)
£300,000
Area benchmark
~£67,000
household income (guide)
£500,000
Larger detached (indicative)
~£111,000
household income (guide)
Ratby affordability & stamp duty calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Ratby and what stamp duty you'd pay. Illustration only — real figures depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Illustration only, not a mortgage offer or personalised advice. Lenders' income multiples and criteria vary. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Borrowing ready-reckoner (around 4.5× income)
| Yearly income | Rough maximum mortgage |
|---|---|
| £40,000 | ~£180,000 |
| £60,000 | ~£270,000 |
| £75,000 | ~£337,500 |
| £90,000 | ~£405,000 |
| £120,000 | ~£540,000 |
Stamp duty (SDLT) in 2026 — England
| Portion of price | Standard rate | First-time buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £125,000 | 0% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £125,001 – £250,000 | 2% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £250,001 – £925,000 | 5% | 5% on £300,001–£500,000 (no relief over £500,000) |
| £925,001 – £1.5m | 10% | — |
| Over £1.5m | 12% | — |
Worked examples: a £250,000 home = £2,500 stamp duty (£0 for first-time buyers); a £450,000 home = £12,500 (£7,500 first-time buyer); a £650,000 home = £22,500 (first-time buyer relief doesn't apply over £500,000). An additional-property surcharge of 5% applies to second homes and buy-to-lets.
SDLT rates as at 2026 (England & Northern Ireland). Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) differ. Figures are a guide — confirm with your conveyancer.
The Ratby property market in depth
Ratby offers a quieter, well-placed village market — terraces and flats, post-war and later semis, larger detached and newer estate homes, and a scattering of period cottages — with its Leicester and A46 access, its Good primary and its Bradgate-edge setting all driving steady demand.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Terraces & flats | The more accessible way in; popular with first-time buyers, downsizers and investors. | £180,000–£230,000 |
| Semi-detached houses | The classic Ratby family home — a signature part of the village. | £260,000–£330,000 |
| Detached & newer estate houses | Handsome larger homes, including newer estate housing on the edges — the heart of the family market. | £360,000–£600,000 |
| Larger & period homes | Period cottages and the largest detached homes — the top of the local market. | £600,000–£800,000+ |
Ratby’s appeal — a quieter commuter village north-west of Leicester, near Bradgate Park and Martinshaw Wood on the Charnwood fringe, with the ancient Ratby Burroughs earthworks, a Good village primary, and quick road access to Leicester and the A46 — makes it a steady, in-demand market, from terraces and flats to larger detached and period homes.
That mix means budgeting and the right mortgage matter. New-build and estate homes on the village edges bring service-charge and management-company questions that lenders assess, while period cottages and older properties can need survey work, so advice pays off. A whole-of-market mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans — the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Ratby so popular?
Ratby’s appeal is a quieter, green Bradgate-edge commuter village, with Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood and the ancient Ratby Burroughs earthworks close by and quick access to Leicester.
Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park, Leicestershire’s best-loved country park — deer herds, ancient Charnian rocks, Old John tower and the ruins of Lady Jane Grey’s childhood home — is a short drive north from Ratby through the Charnwood countryside.
Martinshaw Wood & the National Forest
Martinshaw Wood, on the village edge, is a large area of woodland and part of the National Forest — trails for walking and family days out right on the doorstep.
The Ratby Burroughs earthworks
The Ratby Burroughs — ancient earthworks and the site of Bury Camp in Burroughs Wood, an Iron Age and Romano-British settlement — give the village a genuine slice of deep local history in a green woodland setting.
Transport & commuting from Ratby
Transport in Ratby is road-based — there is no railway station, but Leicester and the A46 ring road are close. These indicative times are a starting point — always verify current traffic and timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ratby → Leicester city centre | ~20–30 min | By car or bus (traffic dependent) |
| Ratby → Leicester railway station | ~25–35 min | For London St Pancras, Birmingham & the East Midlands |
| Ratby → A46 (Leicester western bypass) | ~5–10 min | For Coventry, Newark and the ring road |
| Ratby → M1 (junction 22) | ~10–15 min | Via Groby / the A50 — for the motorway network |
| Ratby → East Midlands Airport | ~25–35 min | Via the M1 — for flights |
| Ratby → Hinckley | ~20–25 min | Via the A47 / M69 — for the borough town |
| Leicester → London St Pancras | ~65–75 min | Direct from Leicester station (verify the timetable) |
| Ratby → Birmingham | ~55–70 min | By road via the M1 / M69 / A46 (traffic dependent) |
Getting around Ratby
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through — the practical picture.
By road
The village links to Leicester and to the A46 (Leicester western bypass) and the A50, with the M1 (junction 22) a little further on via Groby — quick access to the city, the ring road and the motorway network.
By train
There is no station in Ratby; Leicester (about six miles south-east) is the nearest mainline station, with fast trains to London St Pancras, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield and the East Midlands — most people drive or bus to the station.
By bus
Buses link Ratby to Leicester city centre and to neighbouring villages — useful for the commute and for those without a car, though less frequent in the evenings.
For the airport
East Midlands Airport is about half an hour away via the M1 — genuinely handy for flights and freight.
On foot & by bike
Martinshaw Wood, Burroughs Wood, Bradgate Park and the Charnwood countryside give walkable green space and cycling right on the village edge.
For the commute
Ratby suits Leicester and A46-corridor commuters by road, with the bus and the Leicester rail hub for longer journeys — a well-placed village, if not a rail one.
Schools in Ratby
Ratby has a Good village primary, with secondary schooling at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus nearby, and Leicestershire runs a comprehensive system (there is no eleven-plus or state grammar here). Because catchments and admissions matter, confirm the current position directly for a specific address.
| School | Type | Inspection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratby Primary School | Primary (state academy, co-ed, 4–11) | Good | The village primary on Main Street, Ratby (LE6 0LN), part of the Bradgate Education Partnership, rated Good at its most recent inspection (February 2024) — check catchment and admissions. |
| Brookvale Groby Learning Campus | Secondary (state academy, co-ed, 11–19) | Read report | The nearest secondary and sixth form, on Ratby Road in neighbouring Groby (LE6 0FP), which serves Ratby and neighbouring villages. Its most recent inspection (October 2024) fell under Ofsted’s new framework, so it did not receive a single overall grade — but every area inspected (quality of education, behaviour, personal development, leadership and the sixth form) was judged Good. Read the latest report and check catchment and admissions. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Ratby
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check — policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Ratby.
Interactive map of Ratby — view it on the online guide at thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk.
Popular parts of Ratby & nearby
Where you buy in and around Ratby shapes both your budget and your character — from the older village core to the post-war and newer estates and the countryside edges near Martinshaw and Burroughs woods, and the neighbouring villages. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Ratby
Ratby packs a country-park neighbour, ancient woodland, deep earthwork history and a quieter village feel into one Bradgate-edge commuter village. A few of the best-loved local highlights.
Sports, leisure & community in Ratby
For a quieter village, Ratby offers a lot of green space and history — a country-park neighbour, ancient woodland and earthworks, and easy access to Leicester’s city amenities.
Days out & the outdoors
Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood, Burroughs Wood and the Charnwood Forest give walking, wildlife, cycling and family days out, with the Great Central Railway and the National Forest attractions close by.
The parks & green space
Martinshaw Wood, Burroughs Wood, the village recreation grounds and the Charnwood countryside give walking, playgrounds and open space close to home.
Shopping & eating out
Ratby has local shops, pubs and takeaways for the everyday, with Groby, Glenfield, Leicester and Fosse Park a short drive away for bigger shopping.
Healthcare & local services in Ratby
Healthcare access is reasonable for the area — GP provision locally, with the major A&E a drive away at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Ratby has GP provision locally, with dentists and pharmacies in and around the village and neighbouring Groby and Glenfield; the nearest major Type 1 A&E is at Leicester Royal Infirmary, with Glenfield Hospital nearby for specialist (but not general emergency) care. GP and dental registration availability changes over time, so always check directly with a practice about its current catchment before relying on it for a move.
Living in Ratby
Day to day, Ratby is a quieter, community-minded commuter village on the Bradgate edge — Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood, ancient earthworks and a Good primary, with Leicester and the A46 close by. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Ratby has the amenities of an established village — local shops, pubs and takeaways, a Good village primary, sports and community clubs, Martinshaw Wood, Burroughs Wood and the Charnwood countryside on the doorstep. The big everyday pluses are the green space, the quieter village feel, the primary school and the quick access to Leicester and the A46, with larger amenities in neighbouring Groby and Glenfield.
Connectivity for working is generally good — superfast (and in places gigabit) broadband reaches much of the village, so home and hybrid working is very possible, complemented by the road links for office days. The main trade-offs are the lack of a railway station (the commute is by road or bus), the quieter village scale (more shops are in neighbouring towns), and (on newer estates and period cottages) service-charge and construction questions — but for green space, a Good primary and a quieter village life on the Bradgate edge it is a strong choice.
| Everyday amenity | In Ratby? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (in the village) | Ratby Primary (Good); check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Nearby (Groby) | Brookvale Groby Learning Campus (11–19) in neighbouring Groby serves Ratby; check catchment |
| GP & hospital | Local / A&E a drive | GP provision locally; major Type 1 A&E at Leicester Royal Infirmary |
| Nearest A&E | A drive (Leicester city) | Leicester Royal Infirmary (University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust) |
| Railway station | No | No station in Ratby — Leicester (~6 miles) is the nearest; commute by road or bus |
| Shops | Yes (village centre) | Local shops, pubs & takeaways; Groby, Glenfield, Leicester & Fosse Park close by |
| Green space | Yes (extensive) | Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood, Burroughs Wood, the Charnwood Forest & the recreation grounds |
Working & connectivity in Ratby
More people than ever work from home or hybrid, and Ratby is well set up for it — so it's worth being realistic about connectivity.
Superfast broadband reaches much of Ratby, with gigabit-capable full-fibre available in parts of the village (and in most newer estates), so home and hybrid working is very possible — complemented by the road links to Leicester and the A46 for office days. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in older and outlying properties, so check the specific property on the providers' and Ofcom's coverage checkers before you commit.
| Connectivity | Typical picture |
|---|---|
| Fixed broadband | Superfast reaches much of the village; gigabit full-fibre in parts and most newer estates — check the exact address |
| Mobile coverage | Generally good across the village, patchier on the countryside fringes |
| Road for the commute | Links to Leicester and the A46 (Leicester western bypass) and A50; M1 (junction 22) via Groby |
| Rail & air | Leicester (~6 miles) for mainline trains; East Midlands Airport ~30 min via the M1 |
Flood risk in Ratby
On flooding, most of Ratby sits at lower risk of river flooding, but low-lying land and surface water in heavy rain can affect some streets, and the Rothley Brook and its tributaries are a local consideration, so it is worth checking carefully for a specific home.
Cost of living & running a home in Ratby
Beyond the mortgage, it helps to picture the ongoing costs of a home here. Indicative only — always confirm for a specific property.
| Typical ongoing cost | Indicative figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council tax (Band D, 2026/27) | £2,440.13 | Hinckley & Bosworth + Ratby Parish (verified) — confirm your band |
| Buildings insurance | Varies — check flood risk | River and surface-water flood risk near the Rothley Brook can affect premiums; get a quote and flood check before committing |
| Radon | Check the postcode (Charnwood fringe) | Ratby sits on the Charnwood fringe near the granite belt — check UKradon for the exact postcode; where indicated, an inexpensive test is worthwhile |
| Water & wastewater | ~£450–£750/yr | Severn Trent area — check the supplier for the address |
| Broadband | ~£30–£50/mth | Superfast widely available; gigabit full-fibre in parts and newer estates — check the address |
Financing a home in Ratby
A quieter, green, well-placed commuter village on the Bradgate edge is a rewarding thing to buy into — a few points on the mortgage side are worth understanding first.
Ratby’s quieter setting and steady demand mean the right mortgage matters — from terraces and semis to larger detached, newer estate and period homes. Newer estates bring service-charge and management-company questions, and period cottages and older properties are cases lenders and insurers assess carefully, so a survey is wise on an older home. Getting the right lender for your circumstances is where good advice pays off.
A whole-of-market approach really helps here. That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser and introduces you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers who search across lenders to fit your circumstances, and we make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Conveyancing & the searches to expect in Ratby
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Ratby — especially construction on period and older homes, estate service charges on newer schemes, flood risk near the Rothley Brook, and radon on the Charnwood fringe.
History, heritage & famous connections
Ratby is an ancient village on the edge of Charnwood Forest, its story reaching back well before the Norman Conquest. On the wooded high ground to the north-west lie the Ratby Burroughs — earthworks and the site of Bury Camp, an Iron Age and Romano-British settlement, evidence that people have lived and farmed here for more than two thousand years. The village name is of Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon origin, and Ratby appears in the Domesday Book as an established farming community.
For centuries Ratby was a quiet agricultural village on the forest fringe, close to the Grey family’s great estate at Bradgate. The twentieth century brought suburban and commuter growth as Leicester expanded, with post-war and later estates filling out the village around its historic core, though Ratby has kept much of its quieter, green character. Today it is a well-placed commuter village in the Borough of Hinckley & Bosworth — near Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood and the National Forest — that still guards its ancient earthworks and its countryside setting.
Ratby through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Iron Age / Roman | People settle at Bury Camp in the Ratby Burroughs — earthworks and a Romano-British settlement on the wooded high ground. |
| Domesday (1086) | Ratby appears in the Domesday Book as an established farming village on the edge of Charnwood Forest. |
| Medieval | A quiet agricultural village on the forest fringe, close to the Grey family’s estate at Bradgate. |
| 20th c. | Suburban and commuter growth as Leicester expands; post-war and later estates fill out the village around its historic core. |
| 21st c. | Ratby is a well-placed, quieter commuter village in Hinckley & Bosworth — near Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood and the National Forest, keeping its earthworks and green setting. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Ratby on the map.
The Ratby Burroughs & Bury Camp
The Ratby Burroughs — ancient earthworks and the site of Bury Camp in Burroughs Wood, an Iron Age and Romano-British settlement — a genuine slice of deep local history.
Bradgate Park & the Grey heritage
Bradgate Park and the ruins of Lady Jane Grey’s childhood home, a short drive north — the great estate that shaped this corner of Leicestershire.
Martinshaw Wood & the National Forest
Martinshaw Wood on the village edge and Ratby’s position on the National Forest — a distinctive woodland and landscape heritage.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Ratby is a major commitment — and the mortgage is only part of the picture. Whatever you buy, the right protection makes sure the home stays yours if life does not go to plan.
Life cover
Pays out a lump sum if you die during the policy term — typically arranged to clear the mortgage so your family can stay in the home.
Critical illness cover
Pays out if you are diagnosed with a serious illness the policy covers — helping you keep up payments while you focus on recovery.
Income protection
Replaces part of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury — often the most overlooked, and most valuable, cover of all.
That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser — life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection are what we do. We don't arrange mortgages ourselves; we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, and make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Things people don't always tell you about Ratby
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Ratby compared with nearby towns
How Ratby sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it — a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratby | ~£270k–£330k | No (Leicester ~6 miles) | Quieter Bradgate-edge commuter village; Martinshaw Wood; ancient earthworks |
| Groby | ~£300k–£360k | No (Leicester ~6 miles) | The larger, desirable Charnwood-gateway village neighbour to the north, with Groby Pool |
| Glenfield | ~£250k–£320k | No (Leicester edge) | The larger suburb towards Leicester, with more amenities and Glenfield Hospital |
| Markfield | ~£260k–£320k | No (M1 J22) | The M1-junction National-Forest village to the north-west, a touch more affordable |
| Anstey | ~£240k–£320k | No (Leicester edge) | The neighbouring village to the north-east, on the Rothley Brook and the Bradgate edge |
Pros & cons of living in Ratby
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| A quieter, green Bradgate-edge commuter village | No railway station (road/bus commute to Leicester) |
| Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood & Burroughs Wood | A quieter village — more shops in neighbouring towns |
| A Good village primary | Secondary schooling is in neighbouring Groby |
| Quick access to Leicester & the A46 | Period cottages & older homes need survey/construction checks |
| The ancient Ratby Burroughs earthworks | Newer estates can carry service charges |
| A strong village community & green space | Radon to check on the Charnwood fringe |
| Larger detached & newer estate homes available | River & surface-water flood risk near the Rothley Brook |
Villages & areas around Ratby
Many buyers who love Ratby look just outside it too — a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Ratby?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
Families
People wanting a Good primary, green space and a quieter village feel within reach of the city — Ratby Primary (Good), Bradgate Park and Martinshaw Wood, with secondary schooling at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus and quick access to Leicester.
Commuters & professionals
People wanting quick road access to Leicester and the A46 ring road — a quieter, green village base with fast links to the city, if without a station of its own.
Upsizers
People wanting a larger house and garden — detached and newer estate homes, and larger period cottages — on the Bradgate edge, at good value for the countryside setting.
What your money buys in Ratby
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure — indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Ratby, step by step
A simple order of play that keeps things on track.
1. Get your budget straight
Work out your deposit and the true monthly cost (mortgage, council tax, insurance, which flood risk can affect, and SDLT), and get a mortgage in principle so you can move quickly in an in-demand village.
2. Do your homework on the property
Check river and surface-water flood risk (especially near the Rothley Brook) and radon (on the Charnwood fringe), get a full building survey (wise on period cottages and older homes), review any estate service charge on a newer home, check the school catchment, and confirm your commute — before you fall in love.
3. Line up the right people
A whole-of-market mortgage adviser, a good surveyor and a local conveyancer will save you time, money and stress. We can introduce you to the first.
Already live in Ratby?
This guide isn't just for people moving in. If you already own here, a few moments now can save a lot later.
If your current mortgage deal is within about six months of ending, it's usually worth reviewing your options rather than drifting onto your lender's standard variable rate, which is often more expensive. And whether or not you're moving, it's worth checking that your protection still matches your life. We can introduce you to a whole-of-market, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser, and review your life cover, critical illness cover and income protection alongside it.
Review my options →In summary: buying in Ratby
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Ratby
- Enjoy the village — Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood, Burroughs Wood and the Ratby Burroughs earthworks on the doorstep.
- Plan the commute — no railway station, so it is by road or bus to Leicester, with the A46 and A50 close and the M1 (junction 22) via Groby.
- Note the setting — a quieter commuter village on the Bradgate edge of Charnwood Forest.
- Check river and surface-water flood risk near the Rothley Brook, and confirm insurance.
- Check radon on the Charnwood fringe — use UKradon for the postcode and consider a test where indicated.
- Confirm the council tax and band — Ratby Band D is £2,440.13 for 2026/27 (verified).
- Budget realistically — prices are around the wider Leicestershire average; use a whole-of-market adviser.
- Verify the nearest current A&E (Leicester Royal Infirmary) with the NHS.
- Get a full building survey on a period cottage or older home, and check estate service charges on a newer one.
- For schools, check catchment for Ratby Primary (primary) and Brookvale Groby Learning Campus (secondary).
- Explore Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood and the Ratby Burroughs to get a feel for the area.
- Note there is no station — factor the road or bus commute to Leicester into your plans.
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle before you start viewing in earnest.
- Review your protection at the same time as your mortgage — important for family buyers.
- Take your conveyancer’s advice on the flood, radon, construction, boundary and standard searches.
Nearby areas worth considering
If you are weighing Ratby against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Groby
The larger, desirable Charnwood-gateway village neighbour to the north, with Groby Pool and granite heritage.
Glenfield
The larger suburb towards Leicester — more amenities and Glenfield Hospital.
Markfield
The M1-junction National-Forest village to the north-west, with Hill Hole nature reserve.
Anstey
The neighbouring village to the north-east, on the Rothley Brook and the Bradgate edge.
Leicester
The city to the south-east — jobs, shops, the railway station and full city amenities.
Hinckley
The main town of the borough to the south-west — more shops, amenities and its own market history.
Family Protection
Whichever area you choose, the right life cover, critical illness cover and income protection matter just as much as the mortgage.
Talk to us →Speak to Us
Researching Ratby or a nearby area? We are always happy to point people in the right direction.
Get in touch →Frequently asked questions
Is Ratby a good place to live?
Is Ratby expensive?
Does Ratby have a railway station?
What is Ratby known for?
Where is the nearest A&E to Ratby?
Does Ratby have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Ratby?
How much is stamp duty on a Ratby property?
How much is council tax in Ratby?
Which police and fire services cover Ratby?
Is Ratby a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Ratby?
What is broadband like in Ratby?
Is Ratby affected by radon?
Is Ratby good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Ratby?
Is flooding a problem in Ratby?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Ratby?
Can existing homeowners in Ratby benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Ratby, planning a move, reviewing your finances or simply exploring your options — we're always happy to point people in the right direction.
By submitting your details you agree that your contact information will be passed to a carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.
That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers.
Transport information is approximate and can change; Ratby has no railway station of its own — the nearest mainline station is Leicester (about six miles south-east) for London St Pancras, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield and the East Midlands, and most journeys are by car or bus, with links to Leicester and to the A46 (Leicester western bypass) and A50, and the M1 (junction 22) a little further on via Groby — always verify current timetables and service updates at nationalrail.co.uk before travelling. Ofsted information is based on the most recent publicly available reports. Ratby has Ratby Primary (rated Good at its February 2024 inspection), with secondary schooling at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus (11–19) in neighbouring Groby, which serves Ratby and neighbouring villages; Leicestershire runs a comprehensive system with no eleven-plus or state grammar — confirm catchment and admissions with each school and Leicestershire County Council. From September 2024 Ofsted no longer awards a single overall effectiveness grade at routine state-school inspections, so Brookvale Groby’s October 2024 report gives graded judgements on individual areas rather than one overall rating; read each school’s latest report in full. Healthcare: the nearest major hospital with a 24-hour Type 1 A&E is Leicester Royal Infirmary, a drive south-east into the city, with Glenfield Hospital nearby for specialist (but not general emergency) care and GP provision locally; NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, so always verify the nearest current A&E and arrangements with the NHS. References to Bradgate Park, Martinshaw Wood, Burroughs Wood, the Ratby Burroughs and Bury Camp, the National Forest, the Charnwood Forest and the Great Central Railway are for context. Crime information is general — check current data at police.uk. Flood-risk: most of Ratby sits at lower risk of river flooding, but some low-lying streets and land near the Rothley Brook and its tributaries can be affected by river and surface-water flooding in intense rain, which can affect insurance; always check the exact postcode at check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk and confirm buildings insurance availability and cost before committing. Radon: Ratby lies on the Charnwood fringe near the granite belt, a geology associated with higher indoor radon in places, so parts of the village may fall within a radon Affected Area — check the exact postcode at ukradon.org and, where indicated, carry out an inexpensive radon test. Council tax: Ratby is in Leicestershire (a two-tier area) in the Borough of Hinckley & Bosworth; the Band D total for 2026/27 is £2,440.13 (verified from Hinckley & Bosworth’s published council tax charges by band for 2026/27), made up of a county-and-borough base of £2,339.58 (Leicestershire County Council including the adult social care precept, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, the Leicestershire Police & Crime Commissioner and Leicestershire Fire & Rescue — the same figure that applies in a zero-precept parish such as Cadeby) plus the Ratby Parish Council precept of £100.55; there is no Greater London Authority element; confirm your exact band with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. Property prices are indicative and based on recent public sold-price data — Ratby is an LE6 village where overall averages are often around £270,000 to £330,000, with terraces and flats from around £180,000 and larger detached and period homes well beyond £380,000, with a wide range by property and area; verify current values via Land Registry or an independent valuation for the exact home. Salary and affordability figures are illustrative only and do not constitute financial advice. Stamp duty figures should be verified using the official GOV.UK SDLT calculator.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. That's Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034).
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