In recent times, Reading has grown into a buoyant commercial centre, attracting many blue chip organisations who have chosen to set up their HQs in its metropolis and, by association, enticing many young professionals to invest in property here.
Most recently, however, Reading has made the headlines – not because of its commercial links – but because of its excellent array of schools and fast commuter links to central London. Reading has been placed seven out of a top ten of ‘sweet spots’ – locations with an easy commute and great schools, by The Telegraph.
Supported by research from Santander Mortgages, which found that 30% of people in London with children aged four and over, were considering moving in the next two years to ensure they live within their preferred school’s catchment area; the research from Savills identifies the hard to find areas that combine those all-important great schools with an easy commute and ranks Reading at number seven.
Little wonder – with train times from Reading into London Paddington from 23 minutes, the promise of Cross Rail from December 2019, no fewer than ten Ofsted Outstanding schools in the area, and average house prices standing at just under £325,000.
Elaine Stratford, Sales and Marketing Director at Bewley, whose Reading Gateway site, on the fringes of Reading has seen remarkable selling success over the past year, says: “Key to success here has been the wide variety of property size and type available within the Help to Buy threshold, attracting a diversity of buyer ranging from those yet to start a family but who are buying with a view to staying put as their family grows. They are keen on the Reading commute with easy rail access into London and knowing that their children are not going to have issues with a choice of schools. It is the perfect combination. Location, we all know, is the first criteria for buying a home.”
In recent times, Reading has grown into a buoyant commercial centre, attracting many blue chip organisations who have chosen to set up their HQs in its metropolis and, by association, enticing many young professionals to invest in property here.
Most recently, however, Reading has made the headlines – not because of its commercial links – but because of its excellent array of schools and fast commuter links to central London. Reading has been placed seven out of a top ten of ‘sweet spots’ – locations with an easy commute and great schools, by The Telegraph.
Supported by research from Santander Mortgages, which found that 30% of people in London with children aged four and over, were considering moving in the next two years to ensure they live within their preferred school’s catchment area; the research from Savills identifies the hard to find areas that combine those all-important great schools with an easy commute and ranks Reading at number seven.
Little wonder – with train times from Reading into London Paddington from 23 minutes, the promise of Cross Rail from December 2019, no fewer than ten Ofsted Outstanding schools in the area, and average house prices standing at just under £325,000.
Elaine Stratford, Sales and Marketing Director at Bewley, whose Reading Gateway site, on the fringes of Reading has seen remarkable selling success over the past year, says: “Key to success here has been the wide variety of property size and type available within the Help to Buy threshold, attracting a diversity of buyer ranging from those yet to start a family but who are buying with a view to staying put as their family grows. They are keen on the Reading commute with easy rail access into London and knowing that their children are not going to have issues with a choice of schools. It is the perfect combination. Location, we all know, is the first criteria for buying a home.”