New property hotspots are being created across the county as the well off turn their backs on London for a better lifestyle.
Ashford is one of the most preferred new locations for buying in the UK - but other towns such as Ramsgate, Folkestone and Canterbury are all set to benefit from the influx of affluent newcomers.
Property consultants Knight Frank’s South East Residential Development Review said an increasing number of local towns are witnessing a growth in London commuter residents "as more workers trade proximity to work for more rural or coastal residences further afield".
The review picks out Ashford as being most likely to see a massive transformation over the next few years in terms of expansion, with the launch of high-speed domestic rail services from Ashford to London in 2009 sparking a boost in demand for housing in the town.
Experts say the train times to London will be down to just 37 minutes from the town - as opposed to between 60 and 75 at present
The link will also be a benefit to towns along the east coast and in Thanet as they will see journey times to London slashed as well.
Estate agents have already taken note of an upsurge in interest in buying in Ramsgate and Folkestone – with both towns undergoing regeneration projects.
Economists added with the influx in new residents will come up-market stores, boutiques, restaurants, hotels, leisure facilities and bars - meaning a boom in lifestyles opportunities and job prospects.
“In 2003, as part of the Sustainable Communities Plan, Ashford was named as one of the Government’s four growth areas. As a result, the town is forecast to double in size and population by 2031, providing 31,000 new homes and 28,000 jobs over this period,” said the review.
Knight Frank’s findings show that house sales in Ashford rose by 49 per cent just a year after it achieved Growth Area status.
POSTED: 07/07/2007 08:00:00
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