While home working is replacing a five-day-a-week for some, connectivity to the capital remains one of the top priorities for new homes buyers today.
Some of the best developments in the region combine the great value-for-money of high-quality brand new homes with the convenience of being close to regular train services and major roads which make long-distance travel very easy. This article has been updated on 5 April 2022.
Market Harborough, Leicestershire
The town of Market Harborough has the feeling of a rural countryside location without being too remote, and it features a delightful mix of independent and top brand name shops. With 35 of its 43 schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, it is also ideal for raising young children. You can reach London from Market Harborough in about an hour on the train, or in just over two hours by car.
William Davis Homes has a collection of three- and four-bedroom homes at its Burnmill Grange, currently priced from £392,995 to £549,995 (as of April 2022). The same housebuilder is active at Wellington Place, with prices ranging from £340,000 to £475,000 for three- and four-bedroom houses (as of April 2022).
Three-, four- and five-bedroom houses are for sale at Avant Homes’ Ten Locks Village, with prices ranging from £314,950 to £585,950 for a selection of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes (as of April 2022).
Retirement developments are also active there, with Churchill Retirement Living offering apartments from £241,950 (as of April 2022) at Tebbutt Lodge and McCarthy Stone having others at Elizabeth Place, prices on application.
Nottingham
An exciting and vibrant city, Nottingham is a great location for London commuters who enjoy the excitement of city life. Its rich business community and creative quarter makes it ideal for making new connections, and it has excellent educational prospects with two top universities. The city centre boasts two shopping centres, a huge range of restaurants and vibrant nightlife. You can reach London in under 90 minutes.
A one-bedroom apartment at Embrace is priced from £185,000 from developer Strata (as of April 2022).
Avant Homes is building homes at Woodyard Park, where the current range of two- to five-bedroom properties go from £259,995 to £604,995 (as of April 2022).
Newark, Nottinghamshire
With the River Trent running through the cobbled market square centre, Newark is ideal for families looking for a quieter lifestyle. The centre is picturesque with plenty to do at the weekends including visits to Newark Castle and a regular market. For regular commuters, train times start from 74 minutes, and it is another town which sits just off the A1 for drivers.
David Wilson Homes’ Fernwood Village, three miles from Newark station, has two-, three- and four-bedroom terrace, semi-detached and detached homes available from £229,995 to £429,995. Barratt Homes also has homes there, starting at £269,995 (as of April 2022).
In New Balderton, in the southeast of Newark, is The Heddles at Middlebeck, an Avant Homes development with three-, four- and five-bedroom houses starting from £249,995 (as of April 2022).
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Melton Mowbray, known as the ‘rural capital of food’, is famous for its pork pies and cheese. You can pick up some local delicacies at regular farmers markets or learn more about its food history at the Melton Carnegie Museum. Commuters can reach London in 95-110 minutes (changing at Peterborough, Leicester or Kettering). The town is also located in close proximity to M1, M69 and A1 for drivers.
Specialist developer McCarthy Stone is selling brand new retirement apartments at Catherine Place & Pine Gardens, priced between £209,950 and £351,950 (as of April 2022).
Around 10 miles south-east of Melton Mowbray is Barleythorpe in Oakham, where Allison Homes has two- to five-bedroom houses from £174,995 at Farriers Reach. In the same town, McCarthy Stone has two-bedroom retirement apartments at Saxon Gardens rangng from £299,950 to £324,450 (as of April 2022).
Lincoln
Lincoln commuters can reach London in under two hours. The city is rich in culture and heritage with Roman ruins running through the centre, and it is home to the iconic Lincoln Cathedral.
Around six miles north-west of the city centre, the village of Saxilby is where Lovell Homes is building Ingleby View, with a collection of two- and three-bedroom houses ranging from £206,995 to £262,000 (as of April 2022).
In Navenby, just a few miles north of the city centre, Rippon Homes is offering a range of three- and four-bedroom houses at Eleanor Gardens, priced from £242,000 to £475,000 (as of April 2022).
Grantham, Lincolnshire
One of the fastest routes into London with one of the lowest average housing price, Grantham is a prime location for regular commuters to the city and you can reach London in as little as 63 minutes from Grantham station. Fares start from just £15.50, with up to 71 trains to London per day.
The town is located in the middle of the cities of Nottingham and Lincoln, and has excellent transport links, being located close to the A1 road which leads directly to London should you wish to travel by car.
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