Stacks 2020 Property Hot Spots

Local knowledge and expert advice can make all the difference when searching for your ideal property — knowing which property to buy and what area to buy in, understanding what the area has to offer in terms of local amenities, schools and lifestyle. These are all essential considerations when making one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. Our Stacks Regional Directors give you their top picks of ‘Hot Spot’ areas to look out for in 2020, in the county and London.

Newark-on-Trent - Nottinghamshire

“Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding villages such as East Bridgford and Collingham are consistently growing in popularity because of regular fast trains to London’s Kings Cross, as well as good road and air links. The area offers some excellent state grammar schools nearby, and a few of the top public schools in the country are within easy reach. There is also currently a new secondary school under construction in the town due for completion this year. Houses in this area remain good value compared to much of the rest of the country.” – Louise Ridings

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Maidenhead - Berkshire

“Maidenhead is an already well-established town, with good connectivity to London by rail and road, as well as the rest of the country. However, I think that has been part of the problem – people like living in Maidenhead, but then go elsewhere for work, shopping and entertainment. The town centre has in recent years been left behind and suffered in the shadows of Marlow, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor and Reading. This should all change with the long-delayed Maidenhead town centre regeneration now taking place, with some significant redevelopments, such as The Landing, and the proposed redevelopment of the Nicholsons Shopping Centre. There is also light at the end of the tunnel for the Crossrail regeneration in terms of the line extension to Reading, extra stock on the line to London and upgraded (and electric) GWR trains.” – Nick Wooldridge

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Northants - The Secret Shire

“For those who only know the #SecretShire (#Northants) from the M1 vista of windmills, you could be missing a trick. Northants on a map is a long thin county, and so in guides on ‘Where to Live’, it can easily be overlooked; for those in the know, the proximity to stations and schooling just across its borders is a well-kept secret. Northants has fantastic connectivity, including fast trains to London, Birmingham & the North. There is the whole range of ‘English countryside’ to choose from – wide flat spaces towards Cambridgeshire, rolling Shire-land towards the Cotswolds, and the centre of the County is surprisingly well-supplied with watery options (lakes, reservoirs, canals and rivers) which are put to good use all year round. The County has a thriving local food & drink scene and is incredibly supportive to new business and entrepreneurship. Perhaps 2020 should be when you investigate Northants as the new location for your business & family life?” – Rachel Johnston

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Cirencester - Gloucestershire

“Cirencester is very much back on the map! Several developments are coming online in Cirencester – the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ is coming into its own. The town has upped its game in terms of culinary delights; The Barn Theatre offers award-winning productions, and there is a range of exceptional parks and facilities. Surrounding towns and villages, such as Bagendon, Winson and Chedworth boast some of the most beautiful countryside with stunning views over the valley. There are excellent rail links to London by both rail and road from Kemble or Swindon Stations. The nearby Lakes provide endless entertainment for young and old at every level throughout the year – holiday homes, sailing, water skiing and fishing. Property will always be in demand – and likewise, the new housing that is scheduled over the next few years will make Cirencester a desirable and viable proposition for many people.” – Craig Fuller

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Acton - London

“Nestled to the North of Chiswick, Acton offers plenty of green spaces along with three current stations, one of which will become an Elizabeth line station. This station is now ‘confirmed’ to open in 2021 meaning Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road stations become a 10-min underground trip! Acton Comprises some new developments with one and two-bed flats starting around £450,000, to more substantial 6-bedroom period Victorian houses around the £2m level. It’s very likely that Acton, which was previously considered the poorer cousin of the nearby upmarket Chiswick, will see a huge uplift.” – Sara Ransom

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East Bergholt, Nayland, Manningtree and Mistley - The Dedham Vale, Suffolk/Essex border

“This is a wonderful family-friendly region with extensive Areas of Natural Beauty, as well as the renowned Suffolk/Essex coastline giving great opportunities for sailing, cycling and wonderful walks. The entire area is well served by good rail connections to London from Ipswich, Manningtree and Colchester boasting the latest modernised trains and improved services. The area offers a wealth of activities, culinary delights and plenty of culture with exceptional theatres, music festivals and much more. But be quick, property in this area is usually snapped up within weeks of listing.” – Anthony & Gillie Pearce

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Harlyn - Cornwall

“Harlyn looks set to grow in popularity this year with the opening of the latest The Pig hotel in a stunning country house minutes from the beach. Harlyn has traditionally been less expensive than some of the other beaches in the Seven Bays/Camel Estuary area. However, I think this will change with ‘The Pig Effect’, as it’s known near other Pig hotels. Examples such as Soho Farmhouse and Babington House are proof of the effect this can have on transforming an area.” – Clare Coode

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Banbury - Oxfordshire

“Banbury has all the usual supermarkets and high street shops and restaurants plus some interesting independent restaurants. The Mill Arts Centre puts on a wide selection of shows – often before they reach the West End. This historic market town offers a fast train service to London Marylebone or Birmingham New Street in less than an hour, with the city of Oxford roughly 40 mins by car. There are some wonderful villages close to Banbury with attractive period and modern homes – for example Adderbury, where the average house price in 2019 was £512,834.” – George & Emma Barkes

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Coleford - Gloucestershire

“Coleford boasts a picturesque town centre which is dominated by its stunning clock tower. There is an excellent range of small independent shops, including butcher, baker and cinema. Vibrant annual Music Festival and Festival of Transport. Coleford, nestled in the heart of the ever beautiful Forest of Dean, is a desirable location for raising a family and for lovers of the great outdoors.” – James Greenwood

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These are just a few of the places we fancy for 2020. For further information on what’s hot and what’s not, please contact our local Regional Directors

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