Why Watford Real Estate Is a Great Alternative to City Living

London has been a residential hotspot for decades. Amongst the younger generations, the city centre in particular is truly the place to be. As well as being home to some of the UK’s top tourist hotspots, such as the houses of parliament and Big Ben, it offers convenience to professionals working in the city, paired with a bustling nightlife that offers something for every taste. However, in recent years, house and flat prices in the city have soared, making it challenging for residents to afford monthly rent and bills. Because of this, many young individuals are looking towards other regions of the city for  a more affordable lifestyle within close proximity to the city centre. In this article, we will explore why Watford is a great alternative to city living.

Green Living

While the options of shops, amenities and things to do in London centre are endless, sometimes everyday life there can become overwhelming - especially during seasonal celebrations like Christmas and warm sunny days in the English summer period. Just 17 miles away, residents can enjoy a different environment entirely. In Watford, you can find a number of large public parks such as Cassiobury Park, which feature award-winning outdoor spaces and  nature to relax in and explore. Watford proves particularly suitable for residents who enjoy exercise or spending time outdoors. Picture a quiet Sunday morning on a light jog or walk around these green spaces, followed by a coffee and maybe even a sweet treat at a local cafe nearby.

Well-Connected Transport Networks

For home seekers with professional lives based in the city, Watford also provides fast and efficient transport networks across trains, metro and roadways. The quickest way to reach the centre from Watford is by train, which reaches some of the city's major railway stations in up to 20 minutes. A second, more affordable option would be for residents to use London’s metropolitan line that offers a direct and highly reliable service straight into the heart of the capital.

Beyond commuting to work and back everyday, Watford is also praised for its close proximity to two of the country's biggest airports - London Heathrow and London Luton. Residents can use major roadways such as the M1 and M25 to access these international airports within 30 to 60 minutes.

Continued Investment

Another reason why many renters and homeowners in London are swapping the busy streets of the city for a more relaxed alternative is because of the ongoing investment that Watford town is receiving. Currently, the town is going through a multi-billion pound regeneration project involving plans to update retail parks, public spaces and housing.

Investment so far has been dedicated to residential regeneration, improvements to healthcare services, and town centre retail enhancements. If you're a first-time buyer moving to a new property in the area, you can explore some of the town's most popular and recommended homeware stores, such as Melbe Home and Blind technique, selling home accessories and custom blinds in Watford. Furthermore, the town is also undergoing a key retail expansion in the Harlequin shopping centre, located in the centre of Watford, home to international retail giants such as H&M and Hollister. As well as an extensive shopping experience, residents can also use the centre's entertainment facilities across trampoline parks, bowling and cinemas.​

If you’re thinking about buying or renting a property in Watford, there’s no better time than now. Property prices continue to sit around 30% lower than similar-sized properties in the city centre of London, saving residents significant amounts of money every month. Additionally, rental yield in Watford remains notably high, with the average monthly rent in the town reaching approximately £1,800. It may be time to look beyond the city and explore the surrounding regions that may not receive as much attention, but certainly deserve it.