Why Homebuyers Are Flocking To Kent

Natalie Perry, sales and marketing director at Barratt David Wilson Homes Kent, offers an insight into what to expect from the Kent property market in the new year.

“It’s no secret that 2020 has seen a rise in the number of homebuyers leaving the capital in search of pastures new – and Kent continues to be a desirable choice for many. With its excellent connections into the capital; vast access to the countryside and coast; and far more reasonable house prices than inner M25 locations, Kent is set for a property boom next year.

“Whilst traditionally those moving out of London may have opted for areas such as Dartford or Sevenoaks, over the last few months we have seen a willingness from buyers to relocate further into the county, with locations such as Staplehurst and Ashford proving popular. This is largely due to an increased move to working from home, which is set to stay even in a post-Covid world. As workers may only need to commute into London one or two days a week, they are happy to extend the commute slightly in exchange for a better quality of life.

“Our Dickens Gate development in Staplehurst has seen a number of buyers who have relocated from the capital – including one young first-time buyer couple, Georgina Goodwin (26) and her partner Ryan Harris (26), who swapped their rented one-bedroom flat in Ealing for a four-bedroom house at the development. Staplehurst is a hidden gem in Kent, set amongst beautiful countryside yet is less than an hour from London by train, so it offers a balance for those who need to travel into the city. Prices start from £394,995.

Chilmington Green

“We have seen a similar trend in Ashford at our Chilmington Green development, which is now over 70% sold. The wider development incorporates acres of green open space and parkland carefully design around protected woodlands, with plans for sports pitches, play areas and a number of primary and secondary schools. Ashford International Station is a 10 minute drive away, with services to London St Pancras in just 38 minutes via HS1. Prices start from £367,995.

With buyers looking to the Kentish coast for a new home, we anticipate our upcoming Barratt at Richmond Park development in Whitfield, Dover, to appeal to buyers. The development will boast onsite facilities including a new primary school and convenience store, whilst local amenities in the village are a short walk away. Residents will also be able to enjoy a network of walks along the white cliffs of Dover and surrounding countryside. For families looking to get across to the continent for a summer holiday, the ferry port is close by with a travel time across the English Channel in 90 minutes. Despite this, London is still very much accessible with London St Pancras just 1 hour 14 minutes away from Dover Priory.

Martello Lakes

“We will also be launching new phases at two of our most popular developments – Martello Lakes in Hythe, nestled between lake and coast, and Aylesham Village just outside of Canterbury. Both developments have proven to be popular with a range of buyers and we anticipate the latest phase of homes to go fast when they are released in the new year.

“We anticipate that the new year will see a continued strong demand for new homes in the Kentish countryside, as buyers look for property hotspots with green open spaces and access to the capital.”

Find out more about all Barratt Homes developments in Kent.

Find out more about all David Wilson Homes developments in Kent.

Find retirement homes in Kent
Find Help to Buy homes in Kent
Find new homes in Kent