Bracknell is a great place to call home, regardless of what age you are. However, for first-time buyers, keen to find the perfect location to move to, it’s a particularly good option. The town boasts excellent amenities, close proximity to the capital, plus a real sense of community.
If you’re looking to take your first step on the property ladder, here are just a few reasons why Bracknell should be high on your list of places to consider.
It’s an affordable option
Bracknell prices have risen in recent years – a mark of its growing popularity. However, the market remains far more reasonably priced than neighbouring areas, such as London, Ascot or Reading.
Even better, prices are still on the up, and Bracknell’s appeal continues to grow too (experts believe that the population will be 15% larger by 2036). That means that homebuyers investing now should generate a great ROI if they decide to sell the property in a few years’ time.
Employment is booming
When you take on your first mortgage, you want to be confident that you can keep up with the repayments. Fortunately, Bracknell’s employment levels are high, with few people being out of a job. Only 2.5% of the town’s population are unemployed, and well over half have managerial or directorial careers.
The town is also a hot-spot for homebuyers working in the tech industry. This is so much the case that the area has been dubbed the country’s Silicon Valley.
There’s been plenty of regeneration
Bracknell has had serious money invested into it in the last few years. A huge regeneration project (£770 million) transformed the town centre, and The Lexicon, an exciting new development, has brought several new shops, eateries and bars to the area. This not only makes Bracknell an even better place to live in; it’s likely to keep pushing house prices up in the future too.
Links to London
People working in the capital know only too well how expensive houses can be. Bracknell provides a great alternative option; with more affordable houses, and an easy commute to Central London. The train takes roughly an hour to get to Waterloo Station, which is a manageable travel time. There’s also the M3 and M4 close by, and Heathrow Airport is around 30 minutes’ drive away.
Financial support
There are a number of incentives in place to help first-time buyers purchase their ideal home. For example, you’ll find that many houses on the market are part of the Shared Ownership scheme. There’s also a cash incentive scheme available to those who are existing tenants of a housing association in Bracknell Forest. It’s always worthwhile checking to see what options are on offer for people buying their first property.
It’s a great area to live in!
Most importantly of all, Bracknell has everything you need, right on your doorstep. There are plenty of green parks nearby, and a thriving cultural scene, with two cinemas and South Hill Park, which is the town’s creative heart. From cosy pubs and restaurants to high-performing schools, it’s no wonder that the area continues to attract first-time buyers in their droves.