Didcot – the perfect commuter town for a post-Covid life?
Since the Covid-19 pandemic took hold in early 2020, the priorities for UK home buyers have changed significantly, particularly in relation to location and specific property characteristics.
There has been a huge surge in interest from potential new buyers as a result of the temporary stamp duty break announced in July 2020, which has now been extended until 30 June 2021, with a nil rate fee of £250,000 in place from 1 July – 30 September 2021. 2020 also saw the highest number of mortgage approvals since 2007. What has been clear from these new buyers is a continued demand for more outdoor space in the shape of a bigger garden, which has been top of the list of requirements for over two thirds of prospective buyers since 2020. Closer proximity to parks and green space is also a popular must have on the checklist of 31% of buyers, or even a complete change from urban to rural living in the case of 30% of buyers.
Nearly 50% of buyers in 2020 were also looking to upsize to allow more space for family time and sufficient space to comfortably work from home on a longer term basis, with the idea of remote working still a popular option despite our optimism for a return to something resembling a pre-covid way of life in 2021.
With space a priority and average house prices at their highest on record, buyers are realising that a relocation may be necessary to find everything on their wish list within budget.
Enter, Didcot. The charming garden town in Oxfordshire and a perfect option for London commuters wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle. With the beautiful countryside of the Berkshire Downs on the doorstep, great schools and a lovely sense of community, Didcot is also still within easy reach of nearby cities for the occasional trip into the office.
Didcot has great transport links via Didcot Parkway Station, with regular services in 15, 20 or 40 minutes to nearby Oxford, Reading or London Paddington and services further afield to Bristol Temple Meads, Bath, Cardiff and Swansea. The A34 also runs parallel to the town, with connections to the M4 and M3. For fans of two-wheels, the popular Didcot to Wantage cycle route is particularly scenic.
Families are drawn to the area by an excellent selection of highly rated local schools. This includes Ladygrove Park Primary School and GEMS Didcot Primary Academy, both of which have been rated outstanding by Ofsted, plus popular secondary schools Didcot Girls’ School, Aureus School and St Birinus. Independent schools Cranford House and Our Lady’s Abingdon School are also nearby, and the prestigious Oxford University is less than half an hour away.
The town’s location on the edge of the stunning North Wessex Downs and Chiltern Hills with the picturesque Cotswolds on the doorstep makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and the plethora of green outdoor space like Ladygrove Park and Lakes, Edmonds Park and Great Western Drive Park with their fishing facilities, play areas and sports facilities are also a big draw.
When it comes to retail and leisure, Didcot is home to all of the high street stalwarts, a popular entertainment complex, family-friendly Didcot Leisure Centre and water park Didcot Wave plus a monthly farmer’s market providing fresh local produce. The town also hosts an impressive number of over 500 independent retailers and craft workshops via the town’s Etsy Concept Store.
Locals also enjoy a host of impressive eateries from highly rated Indian restaurant Kolkata to the cosy Kingwood Hotel and Restaurant, family friendly Berro Lounge and pizza restaurant and bar Wildwood with its impressive selection of vegan and gluten free offerings. In terms of entertainment, The Cornerstone Arts Centre provides an extensive range of theatre shows and live entertainment, participatory activities and exhibitions for the community and the Didcot Phoenix Drama Group is a friendly amateur drama group in the area with a popular annual pantomime.
Local events like the family-friendly Summer Fayre and the Didcot Food Festival are also a big hit, and the town’s strong sense of community and village-like ambience is reflected in low crime rates which is a big draw for homebuyers.
In terms of properties, there is certainly something to suit every taste in Didcot, ranging from modern family homes and purpose-built apartments to characterful inter war properties and the odd Elizabethan or Jacobean Grade II listed property in the nearby villages. The South East remains popular with homebuyers, with property prices rising 8% between 2019 and 2020. However, Oxfordshire had an average house price of £448,111 in the last 12 months, compared to an overall average house price of £670,601 in London. House prices in Didcot were cheaper still, with an average price of £315,982 over the last year. Significantly less than Oxfordshire overall and especially pricey Nettlebed (£1,191,667) and nearby Boars Hill (£897,250).
