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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.