Escaping the City: Affordable Housing Options Outside of London

Are you tired of the high cost of living in London and looking for a way to stretch your house buying budget further? Do you still need to be in town regularly for work or social life? A study by estate agent Savills has compared average house prices and season ticket costs across 350 locations across London’s hinterland to find the best-value options. And for those willing to commute for up to an hour each way, the savings could be life-changing.

Rugby Market Town: A Mixed Bag with Hidden Gems

Rugby Market Town is a mixed bag, with lovely old buildings standing alongside hideous strip malls filled with charity shops and discount stores. However, it has its good and bad neighborhoods. Michael Cruickshank, an independent property consultant at Horts estate agents, recommends Dunchurch, three miles south of the town centre, and close to Draycote Water, a local beauty spot. Dunchurch has its own collection of pubs, shops, and restaurants, and a wide range of properties from thatched cottages to new builds.

An average three-bedroom semi would cost around £325,000, much higher than the Rugby average but still outstanding value by London standards. Another option is Holton, four miles south east of the town centre, which Cruikshank says is becoming extremely popular with London exiles. It has The Tuning Fork, a surprisingly-stylish restaurant, and a David Lloyd Gym with padel courts.

Average price of a three-bedroom house: £257,061

Saving compared to Zone 2: 65 per cent

Schools: Most of Rugby’s schools are rated “good” by Ofsted, while Lawrence Sheriff School (seniors) gets top marks from the school’s watchdog.

Trains: From 54 minutes to Euston.

Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire: The Best of Both Worlds

Leighton Buzzard is a great “best of both worlds” town, with the Chiltern Hills on one side and London on the other. Its high street is a little suburban, with too many pound stores, but it has a Waitrose, some good neighborhood restaurants, and plenty of traditional pubs.

“It is definitely up and coming,” says Nick Board, director of estate agent Hunters. “Particularly over the last four years, we have really noticed more independent shops and wine bars, they are building a new leisure centre, it is an improving place.”

As far as homes go, you will find a lot of slightly dull postwar properties, as well as a few streets of period houses. For more of a cute country aesthetic, try the satellite villages Soulbury and Stewkley. In town, Board suggests that Londoners start their property hunt in Linslade, less than a mile west of the town centre, and right by the station, where homes range from Victorian to post-war, and a three-bedroom semi will cost around £375,000 to £400,000.

Average price of a three-bedroom house: £348,354

Saving compared to Zone 2: 62 per cent

Schools: Generally popular and well thought of, with an “outstanding” special school. However, parents of older children need to take care with catchment areas, as Gilbert Inglefield Academy is considered “inadequate” by Ofsted.

Trains: From half an hour to Euston.

Conclusion

Both Rugby Market Town and Leighton Buzzard offer affordable housing options for those looking to escape the high cost of living in London. With their unique blend of town and country living, these locations provide an attractive alternative to the city. Whether you prioritize a mixed bag of old and new or a more suburban atmosphere, there is something for everyone in these towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the average house prices in Rugby Market Town and Leighton Buzzard?

A: The average price of a three-bedroom house in Rugby Market Town is £257,061, while in Leighton Buzzard it is £348,354.

Q: How much can I save compared to Zone 2 in London?

A: You can save 65 per cent in Rugby Market Town and 62 per cent in Leighton Buzzard compared to Zone 2 in London.

Q: What are the commute times to London from these towns?

A: The commute time from Rugby Market Town to Euston is 54 minutes, while from Leighton Buzzard it is half an hour.

Q: What are the schools like in these towns?

A: Most schools in Rugby Market Town are rated “good” by Ofsted, while Leighton Buzzard has a mix of “good” and “outstanding” schools, with one “inadequate” school.