A picturesque commuter town just 22 minutes from London has become a haven for city dwellers seeking a more peaceful life. Long-time residents of Sevenoaks, Kent, have noticed that former Londoners who've relocated to the charming town seem "a lot happier" and "more zen". In 2023, Sevenoaks was named one of the "most desirable towns in Britain" by the Daily Telegraph.
The ranking, compiled in collaboration with estate agents Savills using census data, saw Sevenoaks as the only Kent town to make the cut. Londoners are taking note. Ward Estate Agents reported that between January and August 2024, over a third (36.
36%) of all property buyers moving to the area were from London boroughs. The main reasons cited were the high cost of living in London and the value for money offered by Sevenoaks. Daniel, 29, the branch manager of Ward Estate Agents in West Kingsdown, said: "The main reason we are getting from Londoners looking to move to Sevenoaks is that [London is] far too expensive.
"Since the pandemic, many people are hybrid workers, meaning they only go into London once or twice a week, and a place like West Kingsdown [a village in Sevenoaks] allows people to be close by without paying those London prices," reported MyLondon . Recent buyers are raving about the bang for their buck in commuter towns, with many feeling it's a safer spot to bring up kids. "A £500,000 house has much more value here than in London.
It's a greener, healthier lifestyle," shared Justi Nas, 35, a snapp.