Property markets in suburbs and satellite towns boomed during the post-pandemic race for space, but they have since cooled faster than major cities.
In Bristol, for example, the average house price in the city centre has fallen 4.3pc over the past 12 months, less than the 7.6pc drop in the surrounds, according to Savills.
Those looking to buy a big family home are cautious this autumn, facing sticky interest rates and Andy Burnham’s impending mansion tax. “The typical purchase in the suburbs and commuter towns is the forever home, and higher interest rates are hitting that decision,” says Lucian Cook of Savills.
So as prices slow and competition for homes drops, now might be the time to make the move to these desirable neighbourhoods, with their destination restaurants, parkland festivals, independent cinemas and community-run cafés.
Telegraph Money and Savills have identified 24 of Britain’s most desirable and affluent suburbs and commuter towns, using house prices and scores on the government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). The index measures factors including green space, local amenities, crime levels, access to employment and schools.
In an era where there is more pressure to be seen in the office, these pockets still provide the best of both worlds.
