Andover’s new homes under £500,000 have plenty of commuter appeal 

Andover sits in the Test Valley which has been given the accolade of the best place in England and Wales in which to live. It scored well on household income, economic activity, health and low crime rates.

A monthly season ticket to London costs £516.50 from Andover (£5,380 annually) with the fastest journey time of 69 minutes. Trains to Winchester take around 40 minutes via Basingstoke (£304.20 monthly, £3,168 annually); Southampton takes 69 minutes (£331.10 monthly, £3,448 annually).

Andover station is one of three mainline stations, the others being located in the villages of Grateley, south-west of Andover and Whitchurch, east of the town. Trains reach London Waterloo in around 70 minutes. Narrow country lanes lead quickly onto the A303 and A34.

Andover is 18 miles west of Basingstoke, 18 miles north-west of Winchester and 25 miles north of Southampton. Southampton Airport takes 34 minutes via the M3 and A34. London Heathrow is just over an hour by road.

Surrounded by chocolate-box villages strung out along the valleys there is an influx of families from London looking for cheaper property that’s still within a reasonable commuting distance from the capital.  Andover also has a range of homes from affordable apartments in the centre of the town to period properties and new developments. Andover has over 20,000 dwellings and is growing every day. New areas offer residents a great selection of new homes and amenities.

There is a great range of shopping both in the town centre with its traditional mix of independent retailers and multiples in the High Street and Chantry Centre, but also in the large superstores and retail parks on the edge of the town. ASDA, Sainsbury, Tesco and Waitrose all have at least one large store here. Andover caters for a shopping catchment of just over 80,000 people. Andover Farmers' and Crafts Market is held monthly on a Sunday. Visitors can buy produce from a range of small independent traders and artisans.  

Andover’s theatre The Lights attracted well over 100,000 visitors last year and a new five-screen Odeon cinema has the latest 3D technology. Andover Leisure Centre in the heart of the town centre and Charlton Sports Complex has a running track, sports pitches and a pavilion. There is also an Andover Park Run.

The countryside around Andover offers nature reserves, walks and the Diamond Jubilee Community 44-acre woodland being created by the council, Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission and Andover Trees United. The River Anton runs through the town and there are many open spaces including Rooksbury Mill, Anton Lakes and the Ladies Walk footpath overlooking the town.

There are 10 primary schools and three secondary schools in the town. Many schools are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted including Norman Gate and Anton Junior schools. Independents include Farleigh School, Rookwood and Hampshire Collegiate School. The University of Winchester is also on the doorstep and is heavily involved in Andover’s Higher Education provision. Links with the town’s primary and secondary schools are strong with children and young people visiting the University campus and University staff leading workshops in schools. Many of the University’s students come from Andover which is just a 30-minute drive away. 

Here’s a round-up of great new homes to buy in Andover:

Furlong Grange (Charles Church Developments) - A new phase of homes at Picket Twenty, these  two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes are surrounded by beautiful Hampshire countryside, excellent transport links and a good choice of nearby schools. Prices starting from £228,995. Find out more about Furlong Grange from Charles Church Developments.
Chantry Lodge (Churchill Retirement Living) – This collection of one- and two-bedroom retirement homes are made to meet the needs of older homeowners and are complemented by a range of communal facilities for residents to use. Each home is equipped to make retirement living easy. Prices from £200,950. Find out more about Chantry Lodge from Churchill Retirement Living.
The Paddocks (Persimmon Homes) - There is something for everyone in this new development of apartments and houses that combines contemporary homes with leisure and retail facilities. A new school, shops, nursery and community centre will form part of this prestigious new scheme. Prices start from £165,995. Find out more about The Paddocks from Persimmon Homes.
Andover Road (Myddelton & Major) – These two new architect-designed houses are on an exclusive development on the edge of Ludgershall approximately seven miles from Andover town centre. Each home has an open-plan kitchen dinner, sitting room and snug on the ground floor. Four bedrooms and a study are on the first floor. Priced at £475,000. Find out more at www.myddeltonmajor.co.uk ; 01264 316000
Locksbridge Park (David Wilson Homes) - Located in the highly sought-after village of Picket Piece this selection of beautiful four-bedroom homes have stunning views over open fields. Excellent public transport links, retail and leisure facilities are close by and Andover train station is less than five miles away. Prices from £340,000 and Help to Buy is available. Find out more about Locksbridge Park from David Wilson Homes.	​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​