Buying in the best commuter towns in East Anglia

While the Covid pandemic put home firmly back in our hearts – whether forcibly via government-imposed lockdowns or otherwise – four years on, the number of people working from home in the UK is now in decline. More and more people are back in the office full-time, and while 52% of business leaders believe that the hybrid working model represents the way forward for employees, there’s an increasing number of people braving that commute into work, whether that’s Monday to Friday or for a couple of days a week.

For those working in London or another major UK city or town shortening that commute and achieving the healthier work-life balance we grew used to during the pandemic comes at a cost. For most, it is simply not possible to purchase a property just a stone’s throw away from work, and that’s where the nation’s commuter towns come into focus…

Why are commuter towns so popular?

The main reason people are casting their net further afield when searching for a property is cost. The cost of buying in the capital, or another major UK town or city, is particularly high. In comparison, properties located on commuter belts offer price points that are a little more palatable.

It’s not just property prices that are more affordable either. The cost of living in a commuter town is also more reasonable. For commuters with families there are yet more advantages as Aspen Woolf details:

“With decent schools, proximity to other towns for a change of scenery, plenty of green space and nice, large properties with more outdoor space, properties in London Commuter towns are increasingly appealing to families looking for more space, nature and a relaxed pace of living.”

With a slower pace, a more enjoyable lifestyle, better accessibility, lower crime rates, and varied entertainment options all a part of the package, there are many upsides to uprooting your life and relocating to a commuter town.

Looking to commute to London? Settle in East Anglia!

Recently named one of the best commuter towns in East Anglia, the Suffolk town of Stowmarket offers a manageable 70-minute commute by train to London, not to mention an affordable housing market. The average rent is £900 per month, while those looking to lay down roots more permanently can enjoy average house prices of just over £252,000. Find out more about the average house prices in East Anglia here.

Peterborough in Cambridge and Basildon in Essex have also been applauded for their low property prices and fast commutes, with the journey to central London taking just 38 minutes from the latter. Those with bigger budgets to play with should explore Brentwood, which offers the perfect mix of town and country just one hour away from the capital.

What do you need to know when buying on a commuter belt?

When buying in any location, including commuter towns, research is key. Visit at various times of the day to gain a true feel of what the area offers. If fast commuting times are a priority, don’t rely on facts and figures from the net. Make the journey from your chosen search area to your place of work in person to see exactly what your daily commute will look like.

With their growing popularity, you’ll face some stiff competition when browsing the property markets of the best commuter towns. Seek mortgage advice today to get ahead of other would-be purchasers.