_How many sq ft does £1m buy you outside London? - Spotlight on the south-east
How many sq ft does £1m buy you outside London? - Spotlight on the south-east
Lifestyle
Knight Frank has calculated the average per square foot value for a luxury property across a selection of prime locations throughout the UK, highlighting the relative value of markets outside of the capital. Over the coming weeks this series will explore the results across the different regions, starting with the South-East.
In order to bring the data to life, we've put together a selection of properties from across the regions highlighted in the research. These properties, all available through Knight Frank, are impressive examples of what £1,000,000 (or thereabouts ) can buy you in prime locations across the UK. Although there are some notable exceptions, we have tried to stick to properties that match closest with average square footage available at that price.
Above: How many sq ft of prime property £1m buys outside London
Guildford: Average 1,670 sq ft of prime property
Perennial crowd-pleaser Guildford consistently pull in crowds looking to make this Surrey town home, in particular London families making the move for the private schools including the in demand and high achieving Royal Grammar School and Tormead.
The pretty cobbled high street is lined with characterful building and independent shops, with some of the best residential streets to the south of town, neatly ring fenced by arcadian Surrey countryside.
Guildford to London Waterloo takes around 35 minutes by train and just under an hour by car. Access to the coast has been made easier since the the opening of the Hindhead tunnel.
What can I buy? This three bedroom town house dating back to 1875 is set in one of Guildford's most desirable streets, within the conservation area, and is a short walk from the city centre.
On the market for: £1,195,000
Esher: Average 1,740 sq ft of prime property
South of Richmond and east of Weybridge, Esher's property market is driven by its close proximity to London, top performing schools and fast mainline train link to London Waterloo, making it a go to location for young families looking for more space and greenery in Surrey's golden postcode.
The town itself has historical connections dating back centuries which gives rise to an eclectic mix of property styles from period cottages to state of the art new-build mansions.
The most highly sought after properties for sale in Esher are the houses close to the station in the price range under £1m that combine a fantastic commuter location with Victorian and Edwardian period features. They provide a natural move for buyers from South West London.
What can I buy? Part of an exclusive development, this three bedroom penthouse apartment in Esher with views over Sandown Park Racecourse.
On the market for: £1,095,000
Sevenoaks: Average 1,850 sq ft of prime property
Touching the fringes of London's outer boroughts, Sevenoaks feels far removed from the sprawling clutches of the capital. Surrounded by that famed Kentish countryside and bookended by an designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sevenoaks offers relative idyll a stone's throw from the week's work commitments.
Those working in London can quite literally arrive from front door to desk in half an hour, with journey times to London Bridge taking just over 25 minutes.
The combination of relatively rural bliss coupled with excellent private and states schools makes Sevenoaks relentlessly popular with families relocating from the capital, in particular from South and South West London.
Short commuting times coupled with an outstanding choice of schools means that homes in Sevenoaks are in high demand. Stock ranges from rural cottages in surrounding villages to the town houses conveniently located for access to the station and large family houses in private roads.
What can I buy? Three bedroom flat on exclusive Phillippines Shaw estate, Sevenoaks. Forming parts of the ground and first floors of a substantial Grade II listed Italianate manor, this three bedroom apartments has been carved from the original stately home. The estate is surrounded by a number of pretty villages and is five miles from Sevenoaks.
On the market for: £999,995
Cobham: Average 2,000 sq ft of prime property
Demand from staff relocating for work, especially in the financial services sector or for one of the blue chip companies based in the Thames Valley has historically formed a large part of the market in Cobham.
Corporate budgets may not be as large as they once were, but there remains a steady flow of both international and domestic demand, particularly from the tech and oil and gas sectors.
The exceptional quality of nearby schools, which include the ACS International School in Cobham amongst a high volume of other private schools, plays a major role in the area’s attraction.
What can I buy? Four bedroom family home in private development of just 13 houses in the heart of Cobham.
On the market for: £899,950
Bishop's Stortford: Average 2,000 sq ft of prime property
Situated on the county boundary of Hertfordshire and Essex, this historic market town is lauded as a vibrant residential and cultural centre. Bishop’s Stortford is located between the key employment hubs of London and Cambridge and demand from buyers commuting to these cities has helped underpin property values.
Robust price growth has been seen across the market over the last few years within Bishop’s Stortford, only slightly behind the stellar growth seen in London over the same time.
What can I buy? A charming semi-detached family house providing beautifully presented accommodation over three floors briefly comprising of 3/4 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Retaining charming period character such as its original feature fireplaces, stripped pine panelled doors and sash windows throughout, the house has light and spacious interiors with typically high ceilings and an impressive kitchen/breakfast room extension.
On the market for: £1,070,000
Tunbridge Wells: Average 2,020 sq ft of prime property
Kent well known for the quality of schools both in the state and private sectors and is one of the few counties to still have Grammar Schools. Some of the best public schools in the region nclude Benenden, Roedean, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, all within the Tunbridge Wells catchment area.
Situated in West Kent and surrounded by an area Outstanding Natural Beauty, well heeled Royal Tunbridge Wells offers a mix of vibrant town centre, handsome Victoria and Georgian period properties and relatively swift 45 minute commute to central London and 40 minute drive to the coast.
The large detached houses on the fringes of Tunbridge Wells in Calverly Park hold major family appeal with their 'country in the town' feel while the area near the station, 'the Village' is perennially popular with commuters. There are a number of new developments in the pipeline.
What can I buy? Four bedroom semi-detached villa in Tunbridge Wells. Regency style newly built four bedroom family home forming part of an exclusive development in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.
On the market for: £950,000
Ascot: Average 2,200 sq ft of prime property
South of Slough and perhaps best known for the eponymous race course, Ascot is a leafy 'golden postcode' Berkshire town 30 miles from central London. Popular with West London families wanting more property and land for their cash, upsizing is central to a move to Ascot or the nearby affluent villages of Sunningdale, Sunninghill and Virginia Water with a good selection of available detached mansions with large gardens.
Of particular note is the exclusive Wentworth estate; a cluster of large luxury detached houses built around three golf courses.
What can I buy? Four bedroom mews home set within a gated development on the edge of Ascot High Street
On the market for: £1,000,000
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