Jul 14, 20223 min read

Why Everyone Is Talking About Ashford

The cat is out of the bag!

If you haven’t heard already, Ashford in Kent is swiftly becoming one of the best investment opportunities in the UK. Just a quick Google search will reveal a plethora of articles regarding the economic activity taking place in and around this beautiful market town. This is in part due to the excellent work of Ashford Borough Council, which has worked hard to attract inward investment to the area which has seen everyone from Netflix to property tycoon Nadhim Zahawi, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, set up shop here.

Yet it was the opening of Ashford International railway station in 1996 that really kickstarted its success, getting travellers to and from London St. Pancras in a breath-taking 35 minutes! It is no wonder then that Ashford’s population has seen the highest overall increase in England, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), with the population size has increased by 12.5%, from around 118,000 in 2011 to 132,700 in 2021.

A "green and pleasant land"

It is not difficult to understand why. For many people, Ashford offers the best of both town and country. Not only does it have fantastic attractions such as Godinton House & Gardens and the Curious Brewery, famed for its award-winning craft beers, but there is also excellent shopping to be had. The famous McArthurGlen Designer Outlet plays host to over 85 designer brand stores such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani, and Hugo Boss. Best of all, its prices are up to 60% less than anywhere else, all year round. For those looking for a more scenic experience, you can take a short trip into the Kent countryside, where you will quickly discover beautiful villages, towns, seasides and even vineyards.

With a crime rate that is 29% lower than the national average and home to 49 “good” and “outstanding” primary and secondary schools, including two independent schools, two Grammar schools, and the state-of-the-art Ashford College, it quickly becomes clear what all the fuss it about.

Facts and figures

Naturally, all the advantages that Ashford offers are reflected in the cost of living there. According to Rightmove, properties in Ashford had an overall average price of £315,275 over the last year. The majority of sales in Ashford during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £316,815. Terraced properties sold for an average of £262,629, with detached properties fetching £450,783. Overall, sold prices in Ashford over the last year were 4% up on the previous year and 14% up on the 2018 peak of £277,263.

With house prices increasing, many people are finding it impossible to buy. Unfortunately for renters, though, an investigation in May this year by local news outlet Kent Online found just six houses offering rents under £1000pcm, with the average being £1,249pcm.

Opportunity awaits savvy investors

Fortunately, our Ashford development, due for completion in the first quarter of 2023 and offering 143 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom homes, will provide some much-needed help in alleviating the current rent crisis. Situated near Victoria Park and overlooking the beautiful River Stour, made famous by the paintings of the artist John Constable, it is ideally located beside Ashford's flagship leisure centre, Elwick Place, and only a 12-minute walk from the Ashford International Station. The good news for our investors is they can expect to see estimated rental yields of 5.8% gross, with rental income expected at £1,920 to £3,288pcm.

If you would like to find out more about this new opportunity, please contact a member of our sales team by clicking here, and they will be happy to assist you.