Recently named one of the best UK towns to live in by The Times, Woking is in the heart of the commuter belt and is just 20 miles from central London. Boasting frequent trains into the capital with an approximate journey time of 24 minutes, Woking has been ranked the sixth most attractive London commuter location by estate agent Jackson-Stops.
Residents also have easy access to the M3 and M25, plus Heathrow airport is also only a 30-minute drive away. However, Woking has more to offer its residents excellent transport connections. In fact, as commuter belt locations go, Woking has established itself as a cultural hub in the leafy county of Surrey. It is home to various attractions, including a world-class theatre, an award-winning museum, plus the town regularly hosts international exhibitions and food festivals.
Woking’s town centre offers its residents the best of both worlds. With a large shopping district that includes a variety of shops, bars and restaurants, access to open green spaces in the surrounding areas, and the picturesque Goldworth Park, Woking has emerged as a destination within its own right. Given the £460 million Victoria Square regeneration, which includes the construction of new-builds, a Hilton Hotel with a sky bar, a vast Marks & Spencer superstore, plus additional commercial space, this commuter town is likely to remain a top target for investors.
With a large number of renters looking to commuter towns like Woking, which offer more affordable rental property, buy-to-let investors are in a prime position to provide housing to accommodate the rising demand from tenants. Those comparing property investments will be interested to know that according to data published by Rightmove, the average house price in Woking currently stands at £544,035.
Over the last year, values soared by 8% in Woking, as more people move away from London in their droves. And, when it comes to the rental market, there are plenty of positives for investors and renters alike.
Data released by Home.co.uk shows that the average rent in Woking is currently £1,562 PCM. Compared to London, where the average property rents for £3,366 PCM, prospective tenants stand to save money and secure a more spacious property to suit their budget.
However, it is not just locations located south of London that draw Londoners away from the city.