Bankside Gardens in Reading

14/07/2025

5 of the Best Places to Buy Near London

Need an easy commute into London and want to be close to the countryside? Five estate agents share some of the best towns to live or invest in within striking distance of the capital.

By Lucy Banwell

Staines-upon-Thames: Something for Everyone

“Staines-upon-Thames is ideally positioned for both the hustle and bustle of London and the beautiful surrounding countryside,” says Helen D’Costa, a partner at Seymours Estate Agents. “It’s perfect for commuters, and yet it’s also a lovely riverside town in its own right. Plus, you’ve got beautiful Runnymede and Windsor Great Park nearby to discover.”

This attractive Surrey market town has plenty of historic charm, green, open spaces and some impressive transport links. Heathrow Airport is a mere 10-minute drive away, and regular trains to London Waterloo take less than 35 minutes.

When you’re ready to take some time off, Staines-upon-Thames has some great shops to explore – both high street and independent – as well as waterside bars, fine dining restaurants and independent cafés.

Its new residential quarter Eden Grove brings you all the perks of a London lifestyle without the price tag. Choose from a studio, one, two or three-bedroom apartment at this stylish development, just a short walk away from shops, restaurants and Staines train station. For those working from home days, The Eden Club brings you hotel-style 24- hour concierge, co-working space, meeting room and a state-of-the-art gym.

“Eden Grove stands head and shoulders above any other developments in the town,” says Helen. “The quality of finish and premium facilities mean that it’s currently unmatched. Tenants, in particular, will pay premium rent to live in the development, making a purchase here a great buy-to-let investment.”

Reading: Property Hotspot

Reading’s got enough buzz about it to attract buyers on its own merit, regardless of its easy access to the capital. Yes, the commute into London is a breeze with trains to Paddington taking only 25 minutes, but – with its attractive riverside setting and the presence of ‘big tech’ firms such as Microsoft and Cisco – this Berkshire town has become a major property hotspot.

“The market in Reading always tends to hold up because there’s such a mix of buyers – young professionals, investors and families,” says Mark Heneghan, founder of Bespoke Estate Agents. “Rental yields are strong, averaging at around 4.5% to 5%. Properties here offer steady, reliable growth, which is what smart buyers and investors want right now.”

The returns for landlords in the town are certainly impressive. In April 2025, average private rents in Reading were up 11.3% year on year [1]. That’s 4.4% higher than the increase seen across the Southeast in the same period. House prices are also on the up, with property values in Reading rising by 4.8% in the 12 months leading up to March 2025 [1].

If you’re looking for a home or an investment property in Reading, Green Park Village and Bankside Gardens offer lakeside living with all the quality finishes you’d expect from a Berkeley development. The waterfront apartments come with a concierge service, co-working studio, on-site gym, and they even have their very own train station at Reading Green Park. “Green Park Village and Bankside Gardens tick all the right boxes. It’s rare to get that balance – proper quality in a location that actually works for everyday life,” says Mark. 

Slough: A New Lease of Life 

Slough has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. A major regeneration project has given Slough town centre exciting new cultural and leisure facilities with more to come. The opening of the Elizabeth Line means that Slough now feels much more connected to London – you can get a train to Paddington in less than half an hour.

With companies such as Mars, Octopus Energy and Reckitt Benckiser located in Slough, the town has long been a draw for young professionals. The new workspace at The Future Works has attracted the likes of Tesco Mobile along with tech start-ups.

Since the urban renewal programme, the town has become a much more attractive proposition for families because of the investment in schools in the area. And an exceptionally high percentage of schools have been classed as Outstanding or Good by Ofsted.

Integral to Slough’s urban renewal is the creation of 1,300 new homes at Horlicks Quarter, previously the home of the landmark Horlicks Factory where the famous malted milk drink was made for more than 100 years. This beautifully designed development – combining new buildings with the sensitive restoration of the red brick Edwardian factory – offers contemporary living with landscaped gardens and a rooftop terrace, all just a seven-minute walk from Slough station.

“Horlicks Quarter is a prime example of the improved quality of homes available in the town,” says Tim Foreman, Managing Director at Slough estate agent LRG. “The environment Berkeley has created with facilities such as an on-site nursery, co-working hub, residents’ lounge and cinema makes it a really sought-after place to live.”

Watford: Winning Ways

With its easy access to London (just 14 minutes to Euston from Watford Junction station) and some major regeneration plans happening, Watford is a top commuter spot. “We’ve certainly seen a growing demand for properties in Watford, with the housing market becoming increasingly active year on year,” says Holly Corrigan, Senior Sales Consultant at Rolstons estate agent. The expansion of Warner Bros studios in nearby Leavesden has created a bit of a buzz, and the ongoing redevelopment of Watford town centre is looking likely to boost both jobs and property prices. 

“Watford is well-suited for families, thanks to excellent educational options such as Parmiter’s School which was rated Outstanding in its last Ofsted inspection,” says Holly.

To the north of the town centre, you’ll find The Exchange which is only a four minutes’ walk from Watford Junction station. “The Exchange appeals to a wide range of buyers, thanks to its unbeatable location,” says Holly.  This contemporary development offers a range of luxury apartments set among beautiful outdoor spaces designed to bring residents together. Landscaped walkways wend their way past inviting seating areas, and intriguing sculptures make a nod to Watford’s paper mill past. “Residents also enjoy added lifestyle benefits, with on-site amenities such as a gym and cinema providing a significant bonus,” adds Holly.

Fleet: The Best of Both Worlds 

Trying to find that elusive work-life balance? Then moving to Fleet could be the answer. This pretty Hampshire town often appears in lists of the best places to live in the UK, and, as Mark Kirby from Bridges estate agent explains, it’s easy to see why.

“If you’re looking for the perfect balance of modern convenience and countryside charm, Fleet is the place to be,” says Mark. “With direct trains to London Waterloo in just 40 minutes and easy access to the M3, Fleet offers all the benefits of city living without compromising on peace and green space. With great schools, a low crime rate, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no surprise so many families choose Fleet as their home.”

In terms of location, Fleet isn’t the closest option to London – it lies 40 miles to the south west of the capital – but that does mean you’re almost halfway to the seaside. Both the New Forest and the south coast can be reached in under an hour. And while property prices here are competitive, they tend to be more affordable than in nearby towns like Farnham and Guildford. “With forecasts predicting strong capital growth, now is the perfect time to explore everything this vibrant town has to offer,” says Mark.

Hareshill and Hartland Village both offer the charm of village life with all the benefits of a modern, new-build property. Hareshill in Crookham Village is an idyllic spot for families with countryside views at every turn, a village green for the kids to play on, and great schools within easy reach. Hartland Village is a wonderful community of family homes surrounded by woodland just 2.5 miles from Fleet town centre and its fast trains to London. 

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Disclaimers

[1] Office for National Statistics Housing prices in Reading report May 2025