Watford is ranked as London’s top commuter town

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Recently, Watford is ranked the top commuter location outside of London. The report also highlights its excellent transport links, high quality digital connectivity, a buzzing retail and café vibe, sports facilities and competitive property prices. The report states: “Watford is well placed to offer the best of both worlds as lifestyle and working cultures adapt in the wake of the pandemic”. It comes naturally that the property prices in Watford have appreciated more than 70% in the past 10 years, the third-highest increase in the UK, representing strong investment potential.

Happiest place to live under regeneration

While another analysis highlights Watford as the happiest place to live in the East of England, being one of the top 3 areas across England, this commuter town continues to evolve. Regeneration funding of £1.5bn is currently funding the expansion of employment, businesses and transport in the town, with Watford junction being developed as a strategic transport hub. An £180m expansion of its central shopping centre will elevate the town into the top 20 of UK retail destinations. Market Street, a shopping hotspot, packed with restaurants and stores, is undergoing a makeover to attract more visitors. The area is well-equipped with superb supermarkets, recreational facilities and green spaces. The nearby Cassiobury Park offers 190 acres woodland for residents to enjoy their leisure time amidst nature.

The Watford Borough Council has always been forward-looking in attracting more quality enterprises to the central business district (CBD), Watford Business Park. Over 100 industry giants including Camelot, Europcar, KPMC and Warner Bros., have set up headquarters in this 30-acre CBD, providing a huge number of high-tech and professional jobs.

Top Commuter Location with Excellent Connectivity

Watford was awarded London’stop commuter location in 2020 thanks to its excellent connectivity to different parts of London. Around 90% of the city’s homes are within a 200 metre walk to a bus, train or tram connection, providing direct service to central London and beyond. It takes less than an hour to travel to Wembley Park, Farringdon, Baker Street or Aldgate by the Underground.

Still too time-consuming? Then hop on the train at Watford North Station for a ride to the Euston Underground Station in Zone 1, from where you can travel to King’s Cross in about half an hour. With Watford’s excellent connectivity, you can drive to Heathrow or Luton airports in about 20 minutes. And our Benham & Reeves Hampstead office is also a 20 minutes’ drive away.

Watford is well served by high quality education options, with 30% of the schools rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED – compared with just 19% across England.The town has both a grammar school for boys and a grammar school for girls. In addition, there are 14 independent schools within 4 miles.Within two miles, there are reputable schools like International Stanborough Secondary School, Lanchester Community Free School and Nascot Wood Junior School. Alternatives include excellent private schools in the cathedral City of St Albans, only a 30-minute drive north of Watford. Watford has a number of distinguished colleges, including the Watford Campus, the Watford UTC, Middlesex University and West Herts College,offering a wide range of career-focused courses to degree and Higher National Diploma level to equip students with career-related knowledge and skills.

Promising Investment Value

Nearly half of Watford residents were originally Londoners looking to relocate in the pursuit of higher quality of life and excellent connectivity. Price was another attraction to them because of the relatively low property prices in the area. The average home in Watford costs £108,000 less than a home in London, thanks in part to the favourable industry-supported First-time buyers (FTB)Scheme from the UK government.

While property prices in Watford are already very attractive, the potential remains promising. The local property prices in the East of England are expected to grow by 17% from 2021-2025, outperforming a projected 12.6% increase for London property in the same period. A further 74.8% growth in property prices is expected in the following 10 years, offering a significant return to buyers and investors.

London Square Watford is a new residential development that blends the best of connected living with an exceptional quality of life in this popular commuter town. Surrounding the development are leisure, sports, shopping and cultural attractions,including Atria Watford Shopping Centre, Topgolf Watford, the Palace Theatre, the Woodside Stadium Athletics Track and Cassiobury Park, all within easy reach.

Contemporary studios, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments are for sale. Relish the bold, contemporary design that delivers enviable open-plan spaces, flexible for whether you are relaxing or working from home. Prices start from £265,000 with 999 years leasehold and there is no ground rent.

To learn more about the prospects of the Watford property market and London Square Watford, sign up to attend the Exclusive Exhibition and Seminar by Benham & Reeves. Our professional team is ready to answer your questions about properties in Watford and London Square Watford.

To learn more about the prospects of the Watford property market and London Square Watford, click here.