Reading; Among The Times Top 12 Places to Live
14th September 2023
The Times has listed its best places in the UK in which to buy your first home in 2023 and Reading figures as one of the top 12 - a location that is "hard to fault", according to the paper.
The Times (Sep 2023) assessed locations based on vitality and value for money - combining good-value properties with exciting lifestyle options as well as locations that would be a safe investment.
Reading was ranked due to its excellent location and transport connections, 'forgiving' house prices and the youthful regeneration of the town.
The Times says: "It’s practical matters that make Reading such a good bet for first-time buyers and that have earned it, surprisingly to some, a spot in our recent Best Places to Live lists. The location is hard to fault. Fast trains reach Paddington in just 23 minutes, considerably less time than it takes to get to central London from most of the capital’s suburbs, and the Elizabeth line now provides direct services to the City, Canary Wharf and Essex. Bristol and Oxford are also within easy reach, making it a safe base for Gen Zs and millennials looking at unpredictable career paths. There are good jobs on the doorstep too, in the M4 corridor (the area’s own version of Silicon Valley) or at the new Shinfield film studios."
On the subect of affordability for first time buyers, The Times says: "Forgiving house prices, at least for the southeast, are the other big draw. An average property here costs £388,000, compared with £724,000 in Windsor and Maidenhead, which arguably have less to offer than Reading — beyond postcode bragging rights. The relatively reasonable cost makes buying a home here a much more attractive option than renting in the capital, even given the rise in mortgage rates. Even if you are expected in the London office from time to time, part-time working means the train fare won’t be such a drain on the budget."
Reading is described as a young town with lots to offer first time buyers in terms of lifestyle.
"Best of all, regeneration means the town feels increasingly vibrant and youthful — nowhere more so than the redevelopment of Station Hill, Berkshire’s answer to King’s Cross. There’s fun to be had too: dip into swimming and tapas at Thames Lido or craft beer and a movie at the excellent Biscuit Factory cinema."
Average house price: £388,000 / Average price for a two-bedroom property: £292,600.
