The London exodus: top schools, the best areas and new homes for first-time buyers in Dartford

More than just a bridge and a tunnel in north Kent, Londoners are drawn to Dartford for its good schools and affordable homes.
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Ruth Bloomfield3 January 2019

Why first-time buyers are moving to Dartford, Kent

Average first-time buyer spend: £273,980, enough for a three-bedroom house or a new-build two-bedroom flat.

Annual price increase: 5.2 per cent.

Proportion of homes sold to first-time buyers: 42 per cent.

The commute: trains take from 36 minutes to London Bridge. An annual season ticket costs from £2,528. There are also services to Charing Cross and Victoria.

Schools: the many great options include Wilmington Grammar School, Dartford Grammar School and Dartford Grammar School for Girls, all Ofsted “outstanding”.

What’s new? Although the long-vaunted regeneration of the Thames Estuary has failed to materialise as yet, there are some green shoots in Dartford.

This summer Muse Developments was named preferred developer for the planned £75 million regeneration of Dartford town centre.

The project will include bars and restaurants, a six-screen cinema, a new public path and 140 new homes.

£285,000: a two-bedroom flat in Church Walk, Dartford. Harpers & Co (01322 524425)

The lowdown: mostly famous for its bridge and tunnel, Dartford has long had a reputation for being run down and grotty. And in terms of kerb appeal this reputation is not unfair, because picturesque it ain’t.

However, Eamonn Delaney, marketing director of Anthony James estate agents, says police and council have worked hard to cut crime rates and antisocial behaviour. The problem is that it still doesn’t look any better.

“I don’t think there have been any major improvements to the area in the last 10 years,” adds Delaney. “But there is a sense of optimism now that the town centre will improve.”

About a third of Anthony James’s clients are moving out of east London with another third moving from elsewhere in the capital, drawn by good schools and affordable homes, in particular three-bedroom houses.

“With three train lines there are trains to London coming every three or four minutes,” Delaney points out.

In terms of price Dartford represents brilliant value. “Property prices are 25 per cent lower than in Bexley, the nearest London borough,” he adds.