Re-drawing the commuter belt

As we become accustomed to Lockdown 3, and the return of a ‘normal’ commuting life seems less and less likely, home buyers are re-writing their geographical property requirements.

Charlie Rearden of Stacks Property Search says, “Buyers are spending a lot of Lockdown time peering at maps, websites and train timetables, figuring out how far they can go to get more green space, and more property for their money. Increasing the radius of property search, adding thirty minutes or so to a commute, pays huge dividends financially and in terms of quality of life.

Working from Home

Working from home full time is unlikely to become the norm. Most buyers expect more flexible working arrangements, with less time spent in the office. Flexible working, once largely limited to senior or part-time roles, is expected to become far more common across a wide range of professions in the post-Covid world.

Sustainable Stretched Commute

Areas that offer a sustainable longer commute are expected to perform particularly well in the property market over the short and medium term. Locations with train journeys of 1.5 to 2 hours into London are already seeing increased demand, affecting both prices and availability. Buyers considering these areas should be aware that competition is growing.

Less Glamorous-Sounding Regions

While many buyers initially focus on well-known rural destinations such as East Anglia, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Devon, and Somerset, some are finding better value in less fashionable regions where property prices remain more affordable. Northamptonshire and even the East Midlands are prime examples of the new stretched commuter belt.

Pretty Villages, Smaller Market Towns and Stunning Scenery

The East Midlands is highlighted as an overlooked area offering attractive countryside, villages, market towns, and good rail connections to London. Areas around Worksop, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Nuneaton provide access to London in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, making them viable options for buyers seeking more space and better value.  Northants routes will be even shorter, using the Chiltern, Midland Main Line and West Coast Main Line.

Rural Villages

Rural villages surrounding transport hubs such as Peterborough, Corby, Northampton, Nuneaton, and Grantham offer less demanding commutes while still providing access to London. Journey times range from around 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.

2 for 1

Some buyers who originally planned to purchase a second home are instead selling their primary residence and buying a larger property further from London. These properties serve as both a main home and a countryside retreat, often providing more space, land, leisure facilities, and a stronger sense of community in exchange for a longer commute.

Research Well

When evaluating how far to move from work, buyers should carefully assess factors such as travel costs, journey times to stations, parking availability, and train frequency. These practical considerations play a significant role in maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Sense-Check

Buyers should avoid moving so far away that they come to resent their commute. Long-term decisions should be balanced with realistic expectations. Ideally, the journey should be comfortable, manageable, and allow productive use of travel time rather than becoming a daily source of stress.  It works best for those that have a pull towards the Midlands or the North, perhaps for family, as well