Growing Village Becoming Hampshire Hotspot

The return to the office will mean some homebuyers are thinking twice about a move too far out of commuterland. However, for those not willing to give up on the (semi-) rural dream, Hampshire could be a Home Counties hotspot; comprising plenty of green space, excellent city connections yet often better value than its neighbouring counties closer to the capital, Hampshire is proving to be a very popular choice.

Tim Foreman, managing director Land and New Homes at Romans Group, commented: “Unsurprisingly, we’ve seen plenty of people moving out of London and its suburbs into greener, cheaper Hampshire over the past 18 months. The county continues to appeal to a real mix of people as the market settles down after the Stamp Duty holiday. Young professionals, couples and families who are upsizing – and can get more bang for their buck – are buying here yet so are downsizers who want green space and to release cash from the family home.

“The county offers excellent education opportunities, great amenities and services and low crime rates. There is plenty of access to outside space, and sustainability is more of a priority for buyers than it ever has been before – this is driving interest in new, more energy-efficient homes here. Many are moving within the county, but demand has been accelerated by the influx of people moving further out of London than they might have done so pre-pandemic.

“New build developments which offer easy access to great outside spaces – are proving far more popular than those without. Apartments are selling much better than people might realise, as long as they offer a balcony or terrace, a shared garden, or parkland nearby. We’ve also noticed increased interest in larger four-bedroom detached homes in Hampshire. Not from London leavers, but from buyers in other – more expensive – Home Counties who have money to spend and can find much better value here.”

Hartland Village, St Edward’s landmark development, is located on the outskirts of Fleet in Hampshire. The development features an abundance of green open space throughout, is surrounded by woodland and sits adjacent to a magnificent 70-acre country park.

Interior at Hartland Village

Hartland Village is located just nine minutes by car to Fleet or Farnborough Main train stations, where services into London Waterloo take from 40 minutes and 34 minutes respectively. Trains from Farnborough North station, an 11-minute car journey away, travel to Guildford, Reading and Gatwick Airport. Ideal for commuters, a Hartland Hopper station shuttle is available to book for residents, providing minibus and car transfers to Farnborough Main station.

Tim Foreman continued: “There’s been lots of chatter about many suburban buyers heading right back to where they came from, when the commute to the office became a reality again for so many of us. We don’t expect to see a reverse turn; in fact, we think more people will change their jobs before they change their newfound, well priced, green location. A home in Hampshire however, with its great transport, means buyers don’t have to choose.”

Hartland Village will provide its own two-form primary school, shops, cafés, and other facilities, making this development a destination in its own right. Over time, this provision of social spaces and facilities will foster a great community spirit and encourage friendships to build among residents, promoting active lifestyles and mental wellbeing.

Paul Vallone, executive chairman for St Edward, commented: “For those looking for acres of green open space and a vibrant community in a place they can call their own – yet with easy connections into London and across the UK – Hartland Village is an exciting opportunity. Our residents don’t need to compromise between transport links and village living, and at a price often more affordable than in the surrounding counties.”

Fleet, Farnborough and the outlying villages offer an excellent choice of cafés, bars, gastro pubs and restaurants such as The Exchequer in Fleet, Bel & The Dragon in Odiham, Bill’s and Brasserie Blanc in Farnham as well as the renowned Aviator Hotel overlooking Farnborough airfield which offers a fine dining experience. For families, the area is home to a range of great educational establishments including St Nicholas’ Primary School, Fleet Infants School and Farnborough College of Technology.

Prices start from £275,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £730,000 for a four-bedroom house. Find out more about Hartland Village from St Edward.

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