Exploring Kent's Property Market
As investment advisors with decades of experience locating lucrative opportunities across the UK, we frequently analyse up-and-coming areas primed for growth. One location we’ve identified as poised to outperform in the coming years is Kent, specifically the town of Ashford.
While historically considered a quiet market town, Ashford is transforming into a significant transportation and economic hub. With massive infrastructure, education, and business investments, Ashford and the surrounding county of Kent are attracting interest from investors seeking stable returns and significant capital appreciation potential. For those looking to get ahead of the curve, now is the time to consider Kent property investment.
Kent Statistics
To Consider
Location
Kent
Employment
75.3%
Population
1.6 Million
Tourism
£4.1 Billion
BUT WHY CHOOSE Kent?
9.1%
Rent GROWTH
From 2023 to 2024
13.3%
Population growth
Between 2011 and 2021
13.9%
Price GROWTH
Projected Between 2023 and 2028
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Life in Kent
REASONS TO MAKE THE MOVE
Investing in Kent
Investing in Kent presents a promising opportunity for property investors, with numerous factors contributing to its appeal. The region has been experiencing positive growth and offers a range of advantages for potential investors.
Kent boasts a strategic location, situated just a short distance from London. This proximity to the capital city provides excellent connectivity and access to many opportunities. With efficient transportation links, including high-speed rail services, Kent offers convenient connectivity for residents and businesses.
Kent is known for its beautiful countryside, picturesque coastal towns, and historic landmarks. These factors contribute to the region’s attractiveness, drawing in tourists and creating a demand for holiday homes and rental properties. With its diverse landscapes and charming attractions, investing in Kent can provide opportunities for both short-term and long-term returns.
Kent also has a thriving business environment with various industries and sectors. The region has a strong presence in the manufacturing, logistics, technology, and services sectors. This diverse economy creates a stable foundation for property investment, with the potential for future growth and demand for commercial spaces.
Lastly, Kent is experiencing ongoing development and regeneration initiatives. Projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure, public spaces, and amenities are underway, further improving the quality of life for residents and attracting new businesses to the area. These developments contribute to the long-term value and desirability of properties in Kent.
Forecast for Growth
The overall economic forecast for the UK can provide some insights into the potential growth in Kent. According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Economic Forecast, the economy is projected to experience some challenges. Still, there’s an expectation of stronger average earnings growth in the coming years. This positive outlook for earnings growth can potentially contribute to increased purchasing power and economic activity in Kent.
- Excellent Transport Links: Currently, Kent is only 24 minutes from London. This minimal travel time makes Ashford increasingly attractive to London commuters seeking lower housing costs, driving up property values.
- Government Backing: Ashford benefits from government funding to support housing and infrastructure development. This significant investment in new homes, community facilities and transportation will significantly boost Ashford’s appeal and economic potential.
- Lower Cost of Living: Ashford offers an affordable cost of living and lower house prices than comparable towns in the Southeast. For investors, this means strong rental demand and yields an opportunity for price growth as the town’s popularity increases.
A Window of Opportunity
Kent displays many attributes that make it ideal for investment, including fast-improving infrastructure, proximity to London, the largest economic centre in East Kent, high rental demand, potential for solid returns, and room for substantial house price growth.
Kent offers international investors a chance to get into an up-and-coming area before prices rise substantially. House prices in Kent have steadily increased over the past decade but remain lower than in other parts of the South East, indicating room for significant growth. For investors willing to play the long-term game, buying property in Kent is an excellent opportunity to achieve significant gains over the next 5–10 years.
Rental demand in Kent is high, driven by its position within London’s commuter belt. The county has experienced a jobs boom, with major employers like Pfizer, BAE Systems and Discovery Channel establishing bases there. Improved rail links have made the county even more accessible, with journey times to London under an hour from many parts of Kent.
Kent appears primed to outperform other areas of the UK for years to come. For investors seeking capital growth, the window of opportunity is open. Contact your advisor for more details.
KENT’S BIGGEST PROJECTS
Dive into the beauty of KENT
HOME TO BRANDS you love
Such as Eurostar & Southeastern Railway
Providing over 9,000 jobs
LIVE IN THE MOMENT
Large & growing amount
Of retail & leisure space
£500M
WORTH OF DEVELOPMENT
Adding over £450m GVA to the local economy
CONNECTIVITY & TRANSPORT
With the arrival of Ashford International Train Station, the town has blossomed into a lively commercial centre. With investment and expansion planned for the station and surrounding areas, Ashford is building on its bustling continental atmosphere and is expected to double in size over the next 25 years.
Ashford’s location and transport connections make it an appealing place to live and work. It’s less than an hour from London by high-speed rail and is close to the M20 motorway, Channel Tunnel, and Port of Dover. The Ashford International Train Station underwent redevelopment costing several millions of pounds, vastly improving rail links across Kent and to London.
1 hr 5 mins
LONDON
2 hr 38 mins
BIRMINGHAM
2 hrs 40 mins
LAKE DISTRICT
5 hrs 36 mins
EDINBURGH
Property Price Growth in Kent's Key Areas
Investing in Ashford, Kent property has become increasingly attractive to many investors, due to the notable price growth observed in the area’s real estate market over the past decade. This growth is particularly evident in key property hotspots and developing neighborhoods, presenting a compelling opportunity for those looking to invest.
Here’s an overview of some areas in Kent with potential property price growth:
Ashford
Ashford is one of the fastest-growing towns in Kent, with primary transport links, including the high-speed rail line to London St Pancras in about half an hour. New housing developments—like Victoria Point—and commercial projects are driving demand, with average property prices increasing by about 80% in the last decade.
Maidstone
Maidstone is the county town of Kent and a leading business hub, with a robust local economy based around retail, healthcare and education. Located in the heart of the “Garden of England,” the picturesque countryside attracts both residents and visitors. House prices have risen by about 100% in the past two decades, and we expect further growth due to limited supply and increasing demand.
Sevenoaks
The affluent commuter town of Sevenoaks offers an excellent quality of life within easy reach of London. Strong transport links, top schools, and proximity to picturesque countryside and villages continue to draw high-earning professionals. Property values have significantly outperformed national averages over the long term, rising by over 70% in the past 20 years. Sevenoaks presents an opportunity for investors to benefit from sustained high demand and limited housing stock.
Others
Other areas demonstrating strong fundamentals for price growth include Tunbridge Wells, with its highly skilled workforce, and Whitstable, an increasingly popular coastal town undergoing regeneration.
BEST PROPERTY TYPE FOR INVESTMENT IN KENT (ASHFORD)
OFF PLAN PROPERTY
Off-plan properties are experiencing a surge in demand as more buyers seek modern, well-designed homes with long-term potential. These properties attract a diverse range of buyers, including young professionals, couples, and investors looking to capitalize on future growth. Investing in off-plan developments offers the advantage of securing a property at today’s prices with the potential for value appreciation by the time of completion.
BUY TO LET APARTMENTS
Ashford offers a range of family-friendly neighbourhoods and developments, making family homes popular for buyers and tenants. Properties with multiple bedrooms, gardens, and reasonable access to schools and amenities are in high demand. As Ashford continues to grow and attract families, investing in spacious houses or townhouses can provide long-term rental and capital appreciation potential.
KENT (ASHFORD)
LIVERPOOL
MANCHESTER
Words from our clients
devere acuma
“I have known Lewis Finn for many years now, and he’s been a huge part of the reason why SVN Capital has aligned so closely with API Global. The addition of James Harper has added further value to both our clients and to the team, whilst the sheer depth and diversity of their property portfolio provides us with top-quality investment solutions for our clients around the world. It’s very comforting to know that a great deal of due diligence has been done before bring a project online and, having seen many of the finished properties in the flesh, I can say that our confidence in API Global is well placed. We look forward to expanding our working relation further into the second half of 2023 and beyond.”
devere acuma
"I have been working with API Global for 5 years to help my clients invest in UK property. In that time, I have been consistently impressed with their professionalism, expertise, and customer service. API Global has a deep understanding of the UK property market and a proven track record of success.They have helped me to find high-quality investment opportunities that have met the needs of my clients. Here are some of the specific things that I appreciated about API Global’s services: Their expertise: API Global has a team of experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the UK property market. They were able to provide me with sound advice and guidance throughout the entire investment process. Their transparency: API Global was very transparent about the fees and costs involved in investing in UK property. There were no hidden surprises, which I really appreciated. Their customer service: API Global’s customer service was excellent. They were always available to answer my questions and address my concerns. I felt like I was working with a partner who was committed to my success."
devere acuma
"We worked with this company during the process of purchasing a property. Judy, from API, has been extremely helpful throughout the complex property purchase process. With her patience and positive approach, she continuously supported us. When making an investment from afar, there are naturally many uncertainties, and her support made a real difference. We are truly grateful."
devere acuma
"As a first-time buyer, I was naturally a bit anxious, but Judy and Daniel made the entire process incredibly smooth and stress-free. She guided me through every step with patience, clarity, and genuine care. They were always available to answer questions and offer support, it never felt overwhelming. I’m extremely grateful for their help and couldn’t have asked for a better person to walk me through my first property purchase. Highly recommend!"
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good time to invest in Kent, UK?
Yes, now is an excellent time to invest in Kent. House prices and rents have increased over the past several years, indicating strong demand and growth potential. Interest rates also remain low, making mortgages affordable.
Kent’s proximity to London and its appeal as a commuter hub make it an ideal location for property investment. For investors seeking capital appreciation and rental income, the county of Kent presents an attractive opportunity with room for prices to rise further.
Is investing in Kent property worth it?
Investing in Kent property can certainly be a valuable proposition due to the following factors:
- Strategic location
- Strong rental market
- Diverse property options
- Infrastructure developments
- Rising property values
However, as with any investment, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and seek advice from your property investment manager.
Is Kent a good place to invest?
Yes, Kent presents some promising investment opportunities, such as the bustling Ashford property market. This town is a popular place to buy or rent, particularly for those commuting to London. The town also boasts outstanding schools, adding to its appeal to families. Additionally, there are significant investments in the town’s development that could potentially enhance Ashford’s appeal and boost its property market.
What is the best type of property to invest in Kent?
For investors looking to purchase buy-to-let properties in Kent, we suggest two- or three-bedroom apartments, houses, or maisonettes. These properties are in high demand from families and professionals, so they achieve strong, stable rental yields.
Investing in new-build homes is ideal, as they tend to achieve premium rents and require little maintenance. For those focused on capital gains, apartments and new homes in up-and-coming central locations stand to see the most significant price increases over the coming years as areas gentrify and regenerate. With the right property in the right spot, investors can achieve healthy returns through rental income and resale value — contact your account manager for more details.