Are people still leaving London?
People have always moved out of London in their droves, just as people have always migrated towards the capital in large numbers. The pandemic served to increase the outward traffic, and briefly it looked as though a mass exodus was afoot. But is that still the case in our post-pandemic reality? Are people still leaving town, and if so, where are they going?
Of course they are. There are lots of reasons to leave London. Families leave for schools and green space, and the lure of the country is a strong motivator for jaded urbanites. New hybrid ways of working at home and in the office mean that commuters who don’t need to travel daily can cast their nets further afield, and once people see what the value of their London properties can buy them elsewhere, many are tempted.
Here are some properties on the market now that might appeal to Londoners taking the leap.
Liphook
This house in Liphook – which is an hour from Waterloo on the train – offers more for its £1.15m than you’d get anywhere in London. With four bedrooms and a well-designed layout, it has a spacious kitchen, two receptions and a landscaped garden, plus a utility room, separate studio and even a commercial premises attached that provides a rental income. The village has a beautiful conservation area and a lovely pub, and access to several excellent schools, so there are lots of reasons to move here. The house is on the market with Winkworth Petersfield 01730 267274.
Tunbridge
Another reason to move out of London is to build your own dream home. This development plot just outside Tunbridge Wells has planning permission for a three bedroom house, set in ¼ acre of established gardens with a separate garden office/summerhouse. Currently the building is a three bay garage with an annexe above, and it’s ready for conversion to a residential property thanks to its insulated cavity wall construction and full central heating system. At £675,000, this is an excellent buy for anyone who has a grand design in them – and with a ten-minute drive to Tunbridge Wells station, it’s only an hour from London too. Contact Winkworth Tunbridge Wells 01892 519600.
Bath
If a three bedroom period house in London is simply out of reach, a move to Bath could be the solution. Granted, property’s not cheap here, but the beautiful city has a lot to offer anyone looking to escape London. It’s smaller, safer and prettier, yet there are lots of shops, restaurants and theatres to keep you entertained. The houses are attractive too. This three bedroom Victorian house in Queenswood Avenue would suit a family: it has lots of period features, a new kitchen and easy access to good local schools. It’s on the books at Winkworth Bath 01225 82900 for £575,000.