Deal in Kent among best places to buy a home in 2020: seaside town with high-speed trains for London commuters is one of UK's top-performing areas
Once a crucial naval stronghold, in the 21st century Deal is evolving into a cute seaside town with a burgeoning café culture.
Not nearly so self-consciously hipsterish as neighbouring Margate, but stylish in its own right and full of character, Deal’s property options range from Georgian townhouses to Victorian villas and fishermen’s cottages.
High-speed rail has made the town a viable option for London commuters, with trains to St Pancras International taking around an hour and 20 minutes. An annual season ticket costs from £5,840.
There are no sink schools in Deal. Warden House Primary School holds an “outstanding” Ofsted report. Parents of older children also have the option of trying for a place at the nearest and highly competitive grammar schools – Dover Boys and Dover Girls – about seven miles away.
Why Deal is tipped as one to watch in 2020
Recently named one of the UK’s top-performing small towns by Savills, with values bolstered by London’s widening commuter belt.
Pros: the town has its own pebble beach, but locals tend to swerve that in favour of the nearby beach at Kingsdown with its waterfront pubs.
Great sports facilities make the most of the coastal location. You can learn to sail or row, and there is a good leisure centre.
Cons: too many charity shops on the high street.
Average house prices in Deal — and what there is to buy
Average prices in CT14 stand at £311,000 according to Rightmove, up almost £100,000 over the past five years.
A spacious Georgian family home could be yours for between £600,000 and £700,000.
A smaller four-bedroom period cottage in the quaint conservation area would cost around £500,000.
A four-bedroom period terrace in the town centre would cost around £300,000. Or you could opt for a classic two-bedroom fisherman’s cottage for less than £250,000.