Slough a 'great place to live' argues estate agent after it was named most miserable spot - here's four homes for sale

Slough a 'great place to live' argues estate agent after it was named most miserable spot - here's four homes for sale
By: dailymail Posted On: December 12, 2024 View: 58

Slough is a 'great place to live', an estate agent has told This is Money, after a recent survey suggested it was the worst place to reside in Britain. 

Last week, the Berkshire town was branded the most miserable place to live in Rightmove's annual happiness study. 

David Arfield, branch manager at Cameron King Estate Agents in Cippenham, Slough, explained to This is Money why he disagrees with the findings. 

He said: 'I do not share the belief that Slough is the most dismal town to reside in Britain.

'Like other towns and cities, there are areas and suburbs within Slough, such as Burnham, Taplow, and Cippenham, that offer a more pleasant living environment. 

Defending Slough: An estate agent told This is Money Slough is a 'great place to live'

'While the town centre of Slough is in need of revitalisation and investment, similar to other town centres like Bracknell, there has been significant development occurring on the outskirts of the town centre.'

He added: 'The perception of Slough as portrayed in the series "The Office" may still linger in people's minds, but ongoing developments are reshaping the town's image.' 

Mr Arfield said the most sought-after properties in Slough were two to four-bedroom homes catering to first-time buyers, buyers looking to upsize, or people relocating to the area.

He added: 'Property prices have shown a consistent upward trend year on year since the initial surge following the announcement and completion of the Crossrail development, and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.' 

Nearby schools, transport links and green spaces all draw in buyers to Slough, Mr Arfield told This is Money.

He said: 'I find that Slough, particularly its suburbs, holds significant appeal due to its proximity to reputable schools like Burnham Grammar and Herschell Grammar, easy access to the M4 corridor and M25, connectivity to Central London via the Elizabeth Line accessible through multiple rail stations, proximity to Heathrow airport, and the presence of the Slough Trading Estate. 

'These factors make the area attractive to families and commuters alike. 

'Additionally, the presence of green spaces such as the Jubilee River and Burnham Beeches, as well as its close proximity to Windsor, further enhance its desirability.'

The average asking price of a property in Slough is currently £411,820, according to Rightmove, while renters face average rental prices of £1,824 per property. 

Mr Arfield has picked four properties for sale in Slough he believes are worth taking a closer look at.

This five-bedroom semi-detached house is listed for sale for £550,000. 

It's located a 10-minute walk away from Burnham railway station and has good access to the M4 motorway. 

The house has two reception rooms, with one being open plan, and the other an enclosed separate space. 

The bedrooms in the property are spacious and the house has two bedrooms. 

Outside, there is a driveway as well as a single garage for parking. The property also has a large rear garden.

High standard: This five-bed house in Slough is on sale for £550,000
Perfection: The property located in St George's Crescent doesn't need work doing to it
Easy living: The kitchen of the St George's Crescent property
Going green: The St George's Crescent house in Slough boasts a large lawned back garden

This four-bedroom property located on Langtree Avenue in Slough is listed for £600,000.

The house is being sold with no onward chain and has allocated parking. It's 1.5 miles away from Burnham railway station, making it a great option for commuters. 

Inside, the property is light and spacious and ready for a family to move straight into. 

The house has a 20ft reception room, contemporary fitted kitchen, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a south-facing private back garden and shed. 

For sale: This property on Langtree Avenue in Slough is on sale for £600,000
Let there be light: The Langtree Avenue property is brimming with space and light
Ready to go: The property on sale on Langtree Avenue has a modern fitted kitchen
Potential: The Langtree Avenue property has a south-facing patio garden and a handy shed

This two-bedroom flat in Cippenham, Slough, is on sale for £245,000. 

At 517 sq. ft., it would make a great opportunity for a first-time buyer or investor. 

Both the bedrooms are a good size and the bathroom is fitted with a white suite,  including a panelled bath tub. The flat has a secure entry phone system and comes with an allocated parking space. 

The property is located near Burnham railway station and major road links.  

Good option: This two-bedroom flat in Cippenham in on sale for £245,000
Opportunity: The flat has a long lease and would be great for a first-time buyer
Links: The Cippenham flat is near Burnham railway station and major road links
Scope: As well as first-time buyers, the flat could be a great option  for an investor

This three-bedroom house is on sale for offers over £410,000. 

It's located on Richards Way in Cippenham, Slough, and is just 0.8 miles from Burnham railway station. 

The property has an open plan kitchen and dining area, a cloakroom, allocated parking, and a private back garden. 

It is warm and inviting inside, and, subject to getting the right planning permissions, has great extension potential.  

Neat: This three-bedroom house in Cippenham is on sale for offers over £410,000
Warm: Internally, the Cippenham property is warm and inviting
Open plan: The Cippenham house has a light-filled open place kitchen and dining space
Ready to go: The rear garden has a patio area, lawn and access to allocated parking spaces

How to find a new mortgage

Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible.

Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C

> Mortgage rates calculator

> Find the right mortgage for you 

What if I need to remortgage? 

Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act.

Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it.

Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees.

Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. 

What if I am buying a home? 

Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. 

Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power.

How to compare mortgage costs 

The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker.

This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice.

Interested in seeing today’s best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs.

If you’re ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C’s online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000’s of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.

> Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C

Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you. 

Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage 

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