Discover Kent: The Garden of England Awaits Your Investment!
Why Kent? This diverse county offers a unique blend of urban development and serene countryside. As a gateway to Europe, it boasts excellent transport links, making it attractive for both local residents and international commuters. There are two international high speed rail services at Ebbsfleet and Ashford International. Both stations are under an hour away from London.
The county Kent is known as the Garden of England as it is an agricultural county. However, the economy includes manufacturing, transport, public services, financial services, distribution and leisure and tourism.
The population in Kent is growing and is predicted to increase by 400,000 new people up until 2031. This will encourage demand for housing accommodation and jobs. The Kent and Medway Growth and Infrastructure Framework (GIF) report predicts that 178,600 new homes will be built in Kent by 2031 to accommodate the growing population.
Property Market Insights: Kent’s property market is varied, with options ranging from high-value areas to affordable hotspots. Key locations like Ashford, Canterbury, and Dartford have seen significant growth and regeneration. The student market in Canterbury, Medway and Tunbridge Wells and the potential in coastal towns like Deal and Folkestone further diversify investment opportunities. Sevenoaks is the most expensive town and the cheapest properties are in the Medway Towns and Thanet.
Kent has an average house price rank of 12 out of the 55 England and Wales counties. The current average house price by property type is:
• Detached – £630,000
• Flat – £217,000
• Semi-Detached – £387,000
• Terraced £307,000
The rental market in Kent is diverse including local residents and commuters into Kent and outbound to London. In 2023 the average price of renting a house in Kent rose from £1,355 to £1,418 and rents were 9.1% higher than the year before. According to home.co.uk the average property rent to date in Kent is £1616 per month. Estate agents have stated ‘Supply is low and demand is high’.
Prospects: There are great opportunities for investors as certain areas in Kent outperform the national rental average of £1231 per month. The county’s growing population and strategic location add to its investment appeal.