Why You Might Consider Moving Out of London
London is among the world’s most vibrant and exciting capital cities.
But life in the big city isn’t for everyone. Increasingly, Londoners are choosing to move out beyond the M25. But why is this, and should you consider a move? Let’s take a look a look at a few of the more persuasive arguments in favour of a move.
Property affordability and market trends
The best reason to move is that London is expensive. Even in light of recent house price falls in Kensington and Chelsea, and rent deflation of up to 9% in some boroughs, the cost of living in the capital remains high. We should also note that many of the commuter towns have enjoyed a similar fall in house prices. Stamp duty changes and interest rates do, after all, have a nationwide effect.
As of around 2024, the average house price in the city stands at around £700,000. This is well above the national average. If you feel that you’re unlikely to ever get onto the property ladder, or that you can get a great deal more for your money outside of London, then a move might be a compelling option.
Commuter connectivity & lifestyle alternatives
Transport links into the city are more reliable and faster than you might suppose. You can get from Aylesbury to London Marylebone, for example, in less than an hour. The same is true if you’re coming from Reading, from where Paddington Station is reachable in just over an hour.
Perhaps more important is the ability of a commuter town to disconnect you from life in the capital. The pace here is slower, and perhaps more suited to family life. You’ll find great schools, green spaces, and cultural facilities that might not be available in London itself.
Modern housing options: new build homes & regeneration
One of the things that’s made life outside of London more affordable is the increasing availability of housing. New-build homes in Aylesbury are being constantly built; around 16,000 of them are planned before 2033. These tend to be more efficient, more durable, and more suited to modern life than many of the older properties you might find in the city. For growing families, these advantages might be difficult to overlook.
Changing demographics & family-friendly environments
We should also mention the phenomenon of gentrification, which is gradually squeezing out many homeowners whose family have been in the city for generations. Many low-income communities are finding themselves pushed toward greener towns by this process, with young professionals and retirees looking to downsize being among the most likely movers.
