Thanet set to be next big property hot-spot
If you are keen to beat the market and make a wise property investment, now is the time to look towards the south east of England and the Isle of Thanet, which is on the up.
Ramsgate and Margate were listed in the recent Sunday Times top ten areas in which to purchase property, because buyers can get more there for their money. With its population set to double in the next 100 years, Thanet will finally get the attention that it deserves. So here we look at the many reasons why Thanet is set to become one of the UK’s next big property hot-spots.
With London prices continually rising, more and more people are now looking to relocate out of the city. Where once Thanet would have been an unrealistic option with a commute of almost two hours into the capital, the area has just been made far more attractive with the introduction of a new high-speed rail link. This has seen a drastic reduction in commuting time from the Thanet stations that now benefit from this service, including Ramsgate, which has seen journey times cut by 30 minutes to a far more reasonable 80-minute train ride to London.
Margate, once a hugely popular seaside resort, has seen its visitors dwindle over the years, but this is all about to change with the massive regeneration that is underway. The Turner Contemporary visual arts centre, which is currently under construction and due for completion this year, is already attracting both investors and out-of-town buyers. Art and culture is set to play a big part in the plans for Margate’s future and the Turner Contemporary will help to promote an understanding and enjoyment of historical and contemporary art.
Controversial artist Tracey Emin, who spent her childhood and teenage years in Margate, has been commissioned by Turner Contemporary to create a new work for the town. I Never Stopped Loving You is a neon text for the facade of Droit House, one of the most distinctive buildings on Margate seafront. A form of love letter to the town, the pink neon sculpture was unveiled on May 1st and marked the countdown to the opening of the new gallery building.
As Margate’s popularity waned, Dreamland, one of Britain's most famous seaside amusement parks, closed its doors in 2007. But there are plans to see it alive with happy families again. Currently being redeveloped by The Dreamland Trust, the site will soon become the first amusement park of historic rides, designed to attract visitors all year round. Phase one, due for completion spring/summer 2011, will see the Grade II Scenic Railway roller coaster – the oldest operating roller coaster in the country and Britain's first listed amusement park ride – rebuilt, along with many new and exciting rides. Phase two is due to start January 2012 and will consist of a major performance and entertainment venue along with exhibitions, restaurants, bars and shops.
But Margate is not the only Thanet town worth looking at. Ramsgate, home to Kent's most important marina, is also on the up, with international sailing and waterskiing competitions and a superb range of marina facilities. It is also part of the National Nature Reserve making it a great place for keen birdwatchers. And, for those who feel that a pebble beach just doesn’t quite cut it, then Ramsgate Main Sands beach has 250 metres of golden sand for you to sink your feet into.
The pretty coastal town of Westgate-on-Sea, which is approximately six miles from Ramsgate and less than three miles from Margate, also boasts two picturesque sandy beaches, and is the ideal place to settle if you want a relatively relaxed and peaceful lifestyle whilst still being close to these up-and-coming towns.
There are some fantastic value-for-money properties to be found in the Thanet area, including award-winning housebuilder Millwood Designer Homes impressive development, St Augustine’s Park in Westgate-on-Sea. With an eclectic mix of homes that have been stylishly designed with all the comforts of modern living, it is the perfect investment for you to make. So be wise, beat the market and become part of this exciting new future.
Homes at St Augustine’s Park are priced from £229,950. For further information, contact the Marketing Suite & Show Homes, open Thursday to Monday between 10am and 5pm.
