Where to buy along the Central Line: Debden offers fast commutes to Liverpool Street — and homes are half the price of nearby Epping

Spanning 46 miles and serving 49 stations from Ruislip in suburban west London to Epping in Essex, the Central line is the Tube network's longest route. It is also the busiest and at peak hours, it's the most intensely used rail track in the UK.

Liverpool Street is the only mainline station the Central line connects with, so it is used heavily by outer east London and Essex commuters travelling to the City.

Epping, at the end of the line, is an attractive market town and one of only five Tube stations outside the M25.

The town has a charming 18th century high street with some prized listed buildings, while the huge station car park is a boon for commuters who live in avenues surrounding the famous forest, which has managed to protect its rural status despite development pressures to build homes for the capital's bulging population.

Debden, a suburb of Loughton, is worth checking out for affordable property. Though only two stops from Epping, homes can be picked up for half the price. And it is just 30 minutes into Liverpool Street.

Infinity, above, is a good-looking boutique scheme of two-bedroom flats in a quiet spot close to the station. Prices from £430,000.