With house prices in the capital becoming increasingly more expensive, people are leaning more towards renting and investing in commuter towns in the suburbs of London.
Buy-to-Let investments have soared over the past few years in the capital, but now locations outside of London are in the limelight as more and more people flock to various locations within the city’s commuter belt. With Crossrail on the cards for a number of these suburban locations, investors, first-time buyers and ambitious property hunters should look for opportunities to buy outside of London so that they can reap the countless benefits that it will bring and watch their investment flourish.
With house prices in the capital becoming increasingly more expensive, people are leaning more towards renting and investing in commuter towns in the suburbs of London.
Buy-to-Let investments have soared over the past few years in the capital, but now locations outside of London are in the limelight as more and more people flock to various locations within the city’s commuter belt. With Crossrail on the cards for a number of these suburban locations, investors, first-time buyers and ambitious property hunters should look for opportunities to buy outside of London so that they can reap the countless benefits that it will bring and watch their investment flourish.
Romford
Once a thriving Essex market town, Romford is now officially part of London and has been since the creation of the London Borough of Havering in the 1960s. Despite its London status, this predominantly suburban area still retains a prominent position on the outskirts of the capital and acts as a gateway to both the City (on its south-west) and East Anglia (towards the north-east).
In the latest LendInvest Buy-to-Let Index Quarterly Report, Romford ranked sixth when it came to whittling down the top 10 postcodes in the UK for rental price growth, and it’s clear to see why. The fast, direct transport services on offer that connect the locals to key business and financial hubs like Liverpool Street, paired with the slow-paced, suburban atmosphere makes Romford an attractive location for young professionals. With this in mind, Buy-to-Let investors are turning their attention to this popular area, renting out property to those in search of a comfortable, well-situated base.
Currently, the area is served by TfL Rail, connecting passengers to Liverpool Street within 17 minutes. With the introduction of the Elizabeth line at Romford station, passengers will soon be able to reach Canary Wharf in as little as 28 minutes, and Tottenham Court Road in 33 minutes.
Galliard Homes is proud to introduce two fantastic new developments located in Romford: St Edwards Court and Papermill House. Both will present a perfect opportunity for Buy-to-Let investors looking to get their foot in the door of the property market, or for those wishing to expand their portfolio.
Papermill House
Galliard Homes believes that there will be high demand amongst tenants for an apartment at Papermill House as it will be just a short 13 minute walk from Romford station. Not only are the studios and one and two bedroom apartments on offer at this a prime development ideal for commuting, they also come fully furnished making them an even more attractive Buy-to-Let investment opportunity. The development is a short walk from a variety of shops, bars and restaurants in Romford’s town centre. Meanwhile, residents will have plenty of green space and forest to explore with the rolling Essex countryside a stone’s throw away.
St Edwards Court
Less than a 10 minute walk from Romford’s town centre and its transport services sits St Edwards Court, a popular development that is almost completely sold out. The site’s proximity to a variety of amenities, plus its modern and sleek design, makes it a Buy-to-Let investment not to be missed.
St Edwards Court is now sold out. For more information, please visit the development page or use our property search tool to find other available properties. Alternatively, call us on 020 3409 2270 to speak with our team.
Kings Langley
Being within a 30 minute commute of Central London, combined with property prices averaging £262,142, it’s no wonder that Buy-to-Let investors are heading to Kings Langley, as more and more aspiring London professionals are seeking new homes for rent within close proximity of the capital.
Burrowed between Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and Watford, this historic village is a desirable commuter hotspot with the M25 and M25 less than 10 minutes’ drive away, whilst Heathrow Airport is less than 20 minutes away. But it’s not just the fantastic transport amenities that make Kings Langley a worthy choice for investors: rental yields in the area for a one bedroom property currently sit at an impressive 5.9%, or 5.6% for a two bedroom property.
Credited as the ‘best village in West Hertfordshire’ back in 2012, residents of Kings Langley are spoilt with the best of both worlds; with a vast selection of independent boutiques on their doorstep, or just 23 minutes away via train, they can find themselves in the heart of Central London with its plethora of cultural, shopping and fine dining opportunities.
Galliard Homes is proud to present Pinnacle House, an office conversion set to offer an outstanding selection of contemporary studios and one bedroom apartments only two minutes’ walk from Kings Langley railway station. Many of the apartments will include a separate study, which could alternatively be used as an additional bedroom, whilst all properties will be exceptionally designed to include sleek finishes and high-tech facilities, including integrated kitchen appliances and video entryphone security.
Pinnacle House is now sold out. For more information, please visit the development page or use our property search tool to find other available properties. Alternatively, call us on 020 3409 2270 to speak with our team.
Rickmansworth
Situated in South-West Hertfordshire, just inside of the M25, Rickmansworth is a treasured commuter town, which is fast becoming the go-to destination for would-be Londoners now considering more affordable locations. This quaint town bordering Watford has been commended as one of the top 10 hotspots of the South East, perfect for commuters looking for a blend of town and country living. Typically this area attracts families looking for a larger home to settle down, thanks to Rickmansworth’s excellent schools and welcoming village vibe, however more recently the area has attracted an increasing number of young professionals, be it first-time buyers or renters hoping to have a better chance of saving by living in an outer suburb rather than inner London.
Despite being only 20 miles north west of Central London, there is a staggering difference in property prices. Apartments in Rickmansworth, on average, sell for approximately £290,845 whilst a flat in Central London now sits at an average of £1,241,871! With a number of regenerative projects underway in nearby Watford - Hertfordshire’s principal employment and entertainment hub - desirability to live in the surrounding areas will only continue to rise, making now a fantastic time to invest.
For some, living in and commuting from Zone 7 may seem a little far-fetched, although when you consider that Marylebone in the West End is accessible in just 29 minutes, the idea becomes much less daunting and a lot more logical; especially when you compare it to the journey between Stratford in Zones 2 and 3 to Baker Street in Zone 1 which takes the same amount of time! Rickmansworth is served by a mainline and Tube station, which provide services via Chiltern Railways and the Metropolitan line respectively. As well as this, residents are within close reach of the M25, the M1 and the M40, whilst Heathrow Airport is approximately 23 minutes’ drive away - perfect for local, regional, national and international travel.
Galliard Homes is proud to present its latest Hertfordshire residential development - an office conversion set to comprise a choice selection of studio and one bedroom apartments adjacent to the town’s high street. Residents will be just six minutes’ walk from the train station, whilst everyday amenities will be right on their doorstep; perfect for both homeowners and Buy-to-Let investors looking for a property with promising rental yields. All apartments will come featuring high-end specifications, including integrated appliances - a complementary feature to the modern, fitted kitchens - while select studio apartments will have a swivel TV and storage unit, which will act as a partition between the living and bedroom area, whilst also permitting viewing from both areas.
Langwood House is now sold out. For more information, please visit the development page or use our property search tool to find other available properties. Alternatively, call us on 020 3409 2270 to speak with our team.
Luton
Another one of the biggest Buy-to-Let locations outside of London is, without a doubt, Luton - recently named the ‘top place to invest in Buy-to-Let property’ by LendInvest’s quarterly index. With rental costs and property prices growing at a faster rate than any other London suburb over the last year, it is no wonder that this area of Bedfordshire is on the top of the list of many Buy-to-Let investors. During the course of last year, Luton saw an impressive 18.5% increase in house prices, which is extremely good news for investors in the area. As a result of this significant increase in property prices, on average in 2015, the cost of a semi-detached house was £40,000 higher than in 2014. By looking at these figures, it is clear that Luton is on the rise and promises Buy-to-Let investors soaring rental yields.
If the climbing house prices are not enough to convince you that Luton is a Buy-to-Let hotspot to consider venturing into, maybe its business appeal factor will sway you. Over the last 10 years, the rate of employment has grown by 11.4%, which is a result of the booming start-up business sector in the area. In fact, there are approximately 5,500 companies based in Luton of all different types, even big brands such as Thompson and EasyJet. Another major employment hub in the area is, of course, Luton Airport, which is one of the main catalysts for the area’s economy. The increasing rate of employment and job prospects is another reason why Luton is considered one of the best regions to make a Buy-to-Let investment.
The Landmark in Luton is one of Galliard Homes’ newest developments and is an impressive addition to the company’s portfolio. This off-plan development will be the definition of an ideal Buy-to-Let investment with its combination of style, practicality and location, offering superior rentability. Just 10 minutes away from Luton station, this development will prominently appeal to professionals who want a convenient commute to work in the city, as well as students attending the nearby University of Bedfordshire.
The Landmark is now sold out. For more information, please visit the development page or use our property search tool to find other available properties. Alternatively, call us on 020 3409 2270 to speak with our team.
Galliard is proud to present Carlton House, set to offer a fabulous selection of contemporary studios and one bedroom apartments just 15 minutes’ walk from Luton's town centre.
Each reservation at Carlton House will benefit from a free furniture package and paid Stamp Duty - ideal for Buy-to-Let investors - whilst first-time buyers can now also utilise Help to Buy.
Carlton House is now sold out. For more information, please visit the development page or use our property search tool to find other available properties. Alternatively, call us on 020 3409 2270 to speak with our team.
Having gained a reputation as one of the leading investment hotspots outside of London, plus being labelled as the country’s third most in demand rental location, the face of Slough has changed before our very eyes. These days, Slough is considered as one of the country’s most profitable regions in terms of business and property, as house prices carry on soaring. Currently in Slough, the average rental price of a property per month is an estimated £795, resulting in landlords receiving a rental yield of about 5.9%, a figure which is due to increase over the next five years.
Another reason that puts Slough ahead of the race in terms of its rentability factor is the introduction of Crossrail. Crossrail and the regeneration of Slough station is expected to increase the value of property in the area by an astounding 47%, according to JLL. The Slough Wellbeing Board is determined ‘that by 2028, Slough will possess a strong, attractive and balanced housing market which recognises the importance of housing in supporting economic growth.’
If Buy-to-Let investors are looking to make an investment in Slough, then Skyline is a perfect place to consider. This impressive off-plan development by Galliard Homes is located only an 11 minute walk from Slough station, meaning it will be in high demand from tenants looking for somewhere convenient for commuting into London. Once Crossrail has been introduced to the area, Liverpool Street will be reachable in less than 40 minutes and travelling to the financial district of Canary Wharf will take just over 45 minutes. In addition to its unbeatable location, Skyline will feature an exceptional assortment of studio, one and two bedroom apartments, all complete with a refined specification which will include fully-integrated kitchen appliances and sleek, modern bathrooms.
Skyline is now sold out. For more information, please visit the development page or use our property search tool to find other available properties. Alternatively, call us on 020 3409 2270 to speak with our team.
Another fantastic Slough development, set to launch on Saturday 19th November, is Atria - a transformed office building set to comprise a superb range of studios, as well as spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments. This is an unmissable opportunity for Buy-to-Let investors searching for a desirable rental location within a short commute from Central London.
All apartments at Atria will come fully-furnished (at no extra charge), plus it is now being offered with Stamp Duty fees paid!
Atria is now sold out. For more information, please visit the development page or use our property search tool to find other available properties. Alternatively, call us on 020 3409 2270 to speak with our team.
Brentwood
Previously rated as the fifth best place to live in the UK - boasting a thriving town centre, excellent schools, a low-crime rate, top-notch schools and fantastic transport links - Brentwood in Essex is a prime choice for landlords looking for a property on the outskirts of London.
Brentwood is situated just outside of the M25, with the A12 and A127 also close by, and is equidistant from Southend, Stansted Airport and Central London. From Brentwood station, commuters can arrive at London Liverpool Street within 40 minutes, or if they travel three minutes to Shenfield station, a faster service offers journeys in little more than 20 minutes. Once Crossrail is up and running, Brentwood and Shenfield will be the final two stations on the north-eastern section of the line, and will allow passengers to travel all the way into the West End without the need to change trains.
As more people look to the peripheries of London to rent properties, and as Crossrail is expected to cater for an extra 1.5m within 45 minutes’ commute of the capital, Brentwood is now one of the most desirable locations for investors. Property experts are saying that now is the time to invest with the area predicted to see a 43% rise in prices by the time the Elizabeth line opens.
In terms of rental yields, the east of England is doing considerably well, with rents rising 6.4% in 2014 compared with 4.5% across the rest of the UK, excluding London. Brentwood comes in at third place within the eastern region for lucrative rental yields with an average of 26% per year. Back in 2014, the average monthly rent for a Brentwood property was £1,122 and in 2015 this rose to £1,409, rising more than 20% - the most impressive increase found across the county.
Galliard Homes is renowned for pinpointing key areas of growth and potential across London and the South East, and Brentwood is a prime example. Essex House - strategically located just four minutes’ walk from the station and within close reach of the high street - will offer 24 exemplary new studio and one bedroom apartments, with many boasting a separate study area, providing added space and versatility for residents. Completed to the finest standards, these properties will also come fully-furnished (at no extra cost), whilst buyers will also be able to choose from one of two complimentary offers - either one year’s service charge break or one year off paying letting and management fees.
Essex House is now sold out. For more information, please visit the development page or use our property search tool to find other available properties. Alternatively, call us on 020 3409 2270 to speak with our team.
Chelmsford
The only city in Essex, Chelmsford’s population is steadily rising thanks to its affordability, fantastic amenities and transport facilities. Home to Bond Street’s expansive retail and leisure development - which now houses the brand new flagship John Lewis store - Chelmsford is a bustling hub with many commuting in either for its variety of employment opportunities or to indulge in the array it has to offer.
Chelmsford is an excellent choice for Buy-to-Let investors looking outside of London for a Home Counties hotspot with unlimited potential. Only 35 minutes from Liverpool Street via the mainline station, this area is a particular favourite for young professionals, and with a constantly replenishing student population thanks to the local Anglia Ruskin University, investors can enjoy the reassurance that their Buy-to-Let home will not lie dormant. As well as this, the introduction of Crossrail at Shenfield station, which sits a short 12 minute train ride away from Chelmsford, is set to see rental yields rise, adding to the area’s desirability for Buy-to-Let investors - whilst still being a sizeable discount compared to the rents Londoners are used to paying.
Galliard Homes is proud to present Rosebery House, located in the heart of Chelmsford’s city centre, only 10 minutes’ walk from the mainline station. The development will comprise of an elite selection of contemporary one and two bedroom apartments, all of which will come fully-furnished at no extra cost. Investors can expect rental yields of up to 5.4%, making this an unmissable investment opportunity, whether its purpose is as a supplementary income, retirement nest egg or the start of a successful Buy-to-Let business.
Rosebery House is now sold out. For more information, please visit the development page or use our property search tool to find other available properties. Alternatively, call us on 020 3409 2270 to speak with our team.
