While London may offer a variety of different opportunities for work and pleasure, you don’t need to be a property market expert to know that buying in the capital can be very expensive. According to this article from The Guardian, recent estimates claim the average house price there to be £478,142, compared to the UK average of £211,301 – which can be quite off-putting if you don’t have enough cash to splash.
That being said, if the lure of the Big Smoke is just too much you can still live outside of London and commute to get more for your money. If this sounds like an appealing prospect, take a look below to find three of the best places you could live outside this popular city.
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Perhaps best known for its famous university, Cambridge is steeped in history and culture, but yet still offers a variety of modern homes. Another positive is you’re only a short distance from the A1 and there are direct trains into London which take under an hour, from the main station.
Winchester, Hampshire
This place is the main city and county capital of Hampshire and is another great option for those who love a bit of history. Winchester Cathedral is the main draw of this location, but again there are plenty of housing options available with direct trains and the nearby M3 offering plenty of transport choices.
Saffron Walden, Essex
If you prefer something a little quainter, Saffron Walden can provide you with a lovely rural aesthetic that includes plenty of green space. What it may lack in nightlife it makes up for with its array of cosy terraced houses and even a few country cottages. Commuters to London can make the most of the nearby M11; trains are pretty regular but will require a few changes.
So, there you have it, three of the best potential places to live outside London which are both commutable and a pleasure to call home.
Naturally, there are plenty of other options around the capital in both the above-mentioned counties and slightly further afield. A smart move on your search is to use a property expert based in and around these locations, such as Strutt & Parker for instance. Such companies will have insider knowledge on the local area and could help you find the best property for your circumstances that sees you still make the most of what London has to offer.