Reading is a popular market town in Berkshire, particularly for commuters to London. Offering more affordable housing compared to the capital and easy access to the city, Reading is a great place to settle for everyone from young professionals to families. Property prices are remaining stable, making it a good time to consider buying a home in Reading.
Property Prices in Reading
The average property price in Reading over the last year was £360,536. This makes it a reasonably affordable place compared to some other commuter towns, especially when considering that most homes that sell are semi-detached houses. Property prices have remained around the same for the last few years, too, whereas they have risen in some other places. Semi-detached houses in Reading sell for an average of £376,010, slightly above the average, whereas terraced houses go for an average of £314,479. Buying a flat in Reading is considerably cheaper, with an average price of £236,074.
Like all locations, Reading property prices have their high points and low points. More expensive homes are on the market, but they tend to peak at £1.5 million, whereas they can go much higher in other places. These more expensive properties tend to be in Caversham. As for the cheapest houses, you may only need a mortgage of as little as £160,000 for a one-bedroom property. Flats are available at a range of price points too, although you won’t find the luxury prices of some other towns and cities. The most expensive flats are well under £600,000. Meanwhile, the least expensive may be as cheap as £60,000.
Best Areas to Buy in Reading
Reading is a large and diverse town, offering a great choice of places to live. There are more desirable areas, as well as up-and-coming places that it’s worth considering if you’re looking for the right property.
Earley
Early is three miles away from the centre of Reading and is one of the most sought-after places to live. In fact, it has previously been deemed one of the most desirable places to live in the UK. Its parks and lakes are a particular draw for anyone looking for green spaces, and its proximity to the town centre means it’s easy to access anything that you might need.
Caversham
Another one of the more desirable areas in Reading, Caversham is where you can find some of the more expensive houses. A mile from Reading, it offers quick access to the town but the peace of a suburb at the same time. It has great schools, lakes, and a fantastic farmers market.
Woodley
Woodley is the biggest Reading suburb. It’s a great option for families, with a large leisure centre, parks, and plenty of amenities in its own town centre. You can expect to pay a little more in Woodley, but terraced properties are still cheaper than the Reading average.
Winnersh
First-time buyers and young families often choose Winnersh when looking for property in Reading. The large suburb offers affordable property, and a fantastic community feel. It offers a countryside location but is only 4 miles from the centre of Reading.
How to get a mortgage in Reading
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Local Amenities and Things to Do
There’s a lot to do in Reading, with plenty to keep people busy. The town sits between two major rivers, which makes it a great place for watersports. Plenty of green spaces can be found around the town for those who love the outdoors too. Culture enthusiasts can enjoy the South Street Arts Centre and museums, including some run by the University of Reading. The proximity to London also means it’s easy to access anything you can’t find in Reading in the city instead.
Reading Schools
Reading has a number of excellent schools at both primary and secondary level. The Heights Primary School and the secondary school and sixth form Reading School are two that have been given an Outstanding rating by Ofsted. Caversham is one of the best places in the Reading area for families looking for quality schools.
Travel Links in Reading
Reading is just 30 minutes away from London, making it popular with commuters. Trains to London Paddington leave every few minutes. It takes around an hour to get to London Waterloo and about 80 minutes to get to Gatwick. Direct trains to Oxford, the southwest, and Wales are available too. The M4 links Reading with the M25, while the M40 and M3 are also close for further travel.
