Where to live next: Sevenoaks, Kent

Well positioned on London’s commuter belt and with a high concentration of top schools, Sevenoaks has long been on many buyers’ wish lists. However, it could be said that this year it is having something of a ‘moment’. The 2025 edition of Knight Frank's The Wealth Report highlights it as one of the world’s ‘hottest housing markets’, and it recently made the list of our top places to move to in 2025. So what is it about this charming Kent town that makes it so special?

Families flock to the area in hope of securing a place in well-performing educational institutions such as Sevenoaks School, while the area’s highly rated grammar schools are even more of a draw following the recent tax increase on private school fees.

Mark Waldron in Knight Frank’s Sevenoaks office has seen a trend of potential buyers moving to Sevenoaks at increasingly earlier points in life. “It used to be a destination people would come to when they were anticipating sending their children to secondary schools,” he says. “Now I find they’re moving for primary schooling, or even at the stage where they are planning on starting a family.”

With its bustling high street, family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful green spaces such as the National Trust-owned Knole Park to explore, it’s easy to see the appeal. Crucially, it also provides an excellent balance with work life for those with careers in the capital.

James Storey, a Partner in the Sevenoaks office, notes that the 25-minute train into London Bridge is often quicker than the commute of those living within the city itself. With many companies pushing for a return to the office, he’s seen an uptick in demand for properties within close proximity to the station. “Certain pockets of Sevenoaks such as those close to Knole Park and Sevenoaks School have always traditionally been sought after, but now we are also seeing buyers who place a lot of importance in being within 5 to 10 minutes walk of the station,” he says. “And when you compare Sevenoaks to other prime London commuter belt areas, it does offer relative value.”

The exodus from the capital to the town has also seen the arrival of many of the favourite haunts familiar to Londoners, such as Gail’s Bakery and Joe & the Juice. As Mark describes, it offers the best of both worlds. “It feels more and more like an extension of the suburbs of London and the convenience and lifestyle that it offers, yet you have the countryside on your doorstep, easy access to Gatwick airport, and can drive down to the coast within an hour.”

Those seeking out a home in the area can expect to pay from around £850,000 for a three-to-four-bedroom house, while larger properties can sell from £2,500,000 upwards. Across all price points there has been a flight to quality, and turnkey homes requiring little work to move into will get snapped up quickly by those keen to experience the fantastic family life Sevenoaks has to offer.

James and Mark’s local gems

“Life on High is an amazing independent coffee shop - the team behind it originally met when living in Hong Kong before relocating to Sevenoaks. As well as the great coffee they also host incredible evening events” - James

“The Restoration pub dates back to 1616 and is full of history. Inside has a cosy atmosphere, while the outdoor area is perfect as we approach the summer months” - Mark

“The Stag is a cinema, theatre and arts centre that is at the centre of the community, bringing together a range of performances, events and activities that appeal to all generations” - James