January 15th 2024.
When it comes to living in London, the cost of living is no secret. If you're looking for a home that doesn't require you to sleep, bathe, and live all in one room, you might want to consider expanding your search beyond the city limits. However, just because you leave the capital doesn't necessarily mean that property prices will suddenly become more affordable. In fact, many commuter towns have high demand for housing, which can drive up prices. For example, popular choices like St Albans and Redhill have average house prices of £636,725 and £520,854 respectively, which may be out of budget for many people.
But fear not, because there are still options for those who work in London but prefer to live elsewhere. MoveiQ, a property advice website founded by Phil Spencer, has ranked the cheapest commuter towns to live in. And at the top of the list is the charming town of Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, where the average house price is just £250,492. Not only is this town affordable, but it also has a fast train that can get you to London in just 48 minutes (although keep in mind the cost of travel). Annual season tickets from Peterborough to London start at £7,824.
But Peterborough isn't the only affordable option for London commuters. Coming in second on MoveiQ's list is Purfleet-On-Thames in Essex, with an average house price of £253,952. And in third place is Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, a market town with good transport links not only to London but also to Nottingham and Leicester.
It's worth noting that all average house prices are based on data from the HM Land Registry as of October 2023. So, if you're considering a move to one of these commuter towns, it's important to do your own research and stay informed of any changes in the housing market.
If you do decide to settle in Peterborough, you won't have to rely on London for entertainment. This small town has its own attractions, such as a 900-year-old cathedral and the 17th century manor house, Elton Hall. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's Nene Park, where you can walk, cycle, or try your hand at windsurfing or kayaking on the lake.
When it comes to food and drink, Peterborough has plenty to offer as well. The Black Horse pub and Charters Bar, a real ale bar located on a barge, are local favorites. And for a change of scenery, you can easily take a day trip to nearby Cambridge, where you can go punting on the river and explore the charming cobbled streets.
Moving on to other towns on MoveiQ's list, Purfleet-On-Thames takes second place with its riverside location and affordable average house price of £253,952. And in third place is Wellingborough, a market town in Northamptonshire with good transport links to not only London but also Nottingham and Leicester.
Do you have a story to share about your experience living in one of these affordable commuter towns? We'd love to hear from you – get in touch by emailing us at [email] for a chance to be featured. And for more news and updates from London, be sure to visit The Agency's London news hub.
It's clear that these commuter towns offer more than just affordable housing. They have their own unique charm and attractions, making them desirable places to live for those who work in London. And with the rising cost of living in the capital, it's no surprise that more and more people are considering a move to these affordable and charming towns.
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