Growing Reading leads the way for commuters

Reading remains top of the annual Good Growth for Cities Index which is a barometer showing how improving employment, new business formation and increasing skills improves the quality of life measuring work-life balance, property prices and health, produced by PwC and Demos.

Just 40 miles from London, Reading has experienced strong price growth over the last decade, outperforming both the South East and wider England and Wales according to the latest report from Savills. Yet, it still offers relative value against other similar locations in the region.

The town’s strong employment market is a key driver of demand in the area. The largest employment within Reading is retail accounting for 16% followed by information and communication. This means that the town has strong demand from young professionals wishing to rent and there is much new development in the town centre around the Kennet and Avon Canal and in the suburbs. Popular villages around Reading include Woodley, Earley, Whitley, Tilehurst and Caversham.

While many residents work in Reading itself, others commute to London in under 30 minutes and the arrival of Crossrail in 2019 will attract more buyers and investors to the town. Bond Street via Crossrail will take 55 minutes, Liverpool Street and the City 61 minutes and Canary Wharf 67 minutes without having to change trains at Paddington.

The Oracle Shopping Centre boasts over 100 shops and the popular and scenic river front hosts a wealth of bars, restaurants and cafés, and a variety of theatres and two multiplex cinemas. Reading has a thriving arts scene and has the Hexagon Theatre offering comedy shows, opera and live music. Reading also hosts the world famous Reading Festival, Eat Reading Live and Reading Real Ale and Jazz Festival. Reading Children's festival is an annual two week event, filled with fun activities for children of all ages.  Reading Football Club and London Irish rugby club share the Madejski Stadium.

There are currently 20 secondary schools, seven of which are independent and two of which are high performing grammars - the Kendrick School for girls and Reading Grammar for boys. Popular independent schools include Hemdean House School and Reading Blue Coats. Reading University is also a focus of the town.

A monthly season ticket to London Paddington costs £482.40 from Reading (£5,024 annually) with the fastest journey time of 30 minutes. Trains to Swindon take 27 minutes (£505.40 monthly, £5,264 annually); Heathrow via Hayes & Harlington takes 1hr 6 minutes (£380 monthly, £3,964 annually).

Reading is close to Junctions 10 and 11 of the M4 linking London to Bristol and beyond to South Wales. London is around an hour by road, Heathrow 28 miles and takes around 38 minutes. Oxford is 26 miles away and around 50 minutes by road.

Here’s a round-up of great new homes to buy in Reading:

Croft Gardens (David Wilson Homes) – This development offers homeowners the perfect fusion of modern living in a beautiful and convenient location with under a 30 minute commute to London. The contemporary four-bedroom Cadleigh style home features three reception rooms and an ensuite to the master bedroom. Prices from £665,000. Find out more about Croft Gardens from David Wilson Homes
Kennet Island (Berkeley Homes) - Brook Drive is a stunning new collection of just 21 one and two-bedroom apartments set within six acres of open space offering convenient, modern living for families and professionals with excellent transport links. Trains to London take just 26 minutes. Prices from £249,000. Find out more about Kennet Island from Berkeley Homes	​
The Willows (Bellway) - A superb collection of three- to five-bedroom detached and semi-detached properties just over 15 minutes from both Reading and Wokingham stations by car. The Willows is perfect for families as highly regarded schools are nearby. Prices start from £444,950.For more details visit www.bellway.co.uk; 0118 933 8020.
Garrard House (Savills) – Just 100 metres from Reading Station these one- and two-bedroom high specification apartments are in an iconic town centre building and are aimed at first-time-buyers or investors. Priced from £290,000. For more details visit www.savills.com; 01344 295375
Bakers Place (Bloor Homes) – Ideal for young professional and growing families is this collection of just 48 private homes offering three- and four-bedroom properties including detached, semi-detached and terraced houses. Commuters will benefit from being just four miles from Reading Station. Prices from £398,000. More details at www.bloorhomes.com; 01530 270100	​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​