EXETER
Exeter is an extremely desirable place to live as it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. With its easy access to award winning beaches and countryside walks, residents are able to lead the good life, whilst having access to a well-regarded business hub.
The city remains a popular place to live due to the varied and attractive architecture and high standard of state and independent schooling, along with Exeter University, which is considered one of the best in Europe. The accessible train links to London are excellent and it is possible to be in the capital within two hours and seven minutes on the fast train. Exeter airport is in close proximity and this provides international and regional connections.
The city is family friendly and offers many leisure activities including the historical Cathedral and the prestigious Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club at Sandy Park. There are also an impressive number of parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy particularly the cathedral green, which during the summer is a favourite spot for city workers to sit, relax and enjoy their lunch.
In December, the cathedral green is alive with the Christmas market. Princesshay is the local shopping centre which is made up of a selection of independent cafés, bars and restaurants, along with the other well-known outlets such as John Lewis.
Within the city, the architecture is dominated by Georgian and Victorian townhouses made more attractive with close proximity to schools and open parks with popular areas including St Leonards, Pennsylvania and Heavitree.
Demand in the city has always outstripped supply. We have seen this demand multiply since the various lockdowns of the past year, with the possibility of more flexible working options in the future and the desire for space and coastal lifestyles growing. With many people in larger cities such as London choosing to look for an alternative that still offers a metropolitan buzz but with the countryside and sea on the doorstep, Exeter is the perfect solution.
Knight Frank’s Exeter office is located in the business district known as Southernhay which is made up of red brick and white stucco-fronted Georgian buildings. We focus on the residential sales of town properties, rural homes in the surrounding countryside and waterfront properties across the region.
In the centre of this thriving cathedral city, you will find the award winning Princesshay Shopping Centre featuring some of the most popular high street names. For something a little different, head to Gandy Street, filled with stylish boutiques and also home to the famed Cavern Club and Exeter Phoenix. Much of the city is pedestrianised, helping to create a relaxed environment for a day out browsing the shops and cafes.
Exeter is a buzzing university city with plenty going on throughout the day and night.
Exeter in numbers
The average price of a property sold by Knight Frank in Exeter year to June 2021
Increase in prospective buyers year to June-21
Increase in exchanges year to June-21
Who lives here?
Exter is a largely popular with buyers from the South West and East, and an increasing number of London buyers. According to buyer data, most are either entrepreneurial or working in professional roles.
Where do buyers come from?
International
South East
South West
Source: Knight Frank. Average prices is for sales over £700k for the year to June-21. All other metrics are June-18 to June-21.
What are Knight Frank buyers' professions?
Finance
Entrepreneur
Other
Professional
Property
After a hard day’s working or simply browsing the shops, you can head straight from the city into the sea.
Exeter’s location is one of its main selling points, and its food scene also benefits from its coastal backdrop. A haven for those who enjoy dining out, the city is located close enough to the English shores that fish is always fresh, and the meat can be locally sourced from the surrounding Devon county. Whether you’re looking for top-rated food like Harry's Restaurant to wine and dine, or in a rush to stop by the Exeter Farmers' Market and grab some fresh local produce, there’s a world of cuisine at your fingertips.
Education and connectivity are strong throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Schooling in Exeter is great, there’s a Steiner School known as Avanti Hall in the area. The transport links on the M5 and M4 are easily accessible, giving you the opportunity to move without having to change schools. The train links are reliable and fast, London Paddington being only two hours away.
What types of property are available in Exeter?
From harbourside homes to spacious family houses, here are some of the properties we’ve sold recently across the city of Exeter.
Thornton Hill, EX4
4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms 1 reception room
Guide Price: £550,000
Beaumont, EX4
4 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms 3 reception rooms
Guide Price: £950,000
Pennsylvania View, EX4
6 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms 4 reception rooms
Guide Price: £1,500,000
Knight Frank has listed all properties within the past 12 months. The price per square meter shown for all sold property is representative of their appraised pricing and not their final sale price.