SEVENOAKS

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Matthew Hodder-Williams

Sevenoaks office

Sevenoaks has many desirable neighbourhoods in which you can experience the best of urban living in Kent. From the private roads of the Wildernesse and Kippington Estates to the up-and-coming St. John's Quarter, the lifestyles they can offer are as varied as they are desirable. Village life is excellent, too, with Otford, Plaxtol, Ightham and Shipbourne all nearby.

Sevenoaks is also so much more than a commuter town. Its community of independent shops, cafés and restaurants along with the major chains that one would expect, mean that all amenities are on your doorstep. From the Stag Theatre and its large-scale musical productions, to the numerous sporting clubs that provide a recreational release for the active types among us, not to mention Knole Park in the Kent Downs AONB, there are facilities and activities available for all ages and interests.

The excellence of the local schools, one of the key drivers in the post-Covid-19 move to the area, has been recently further reinforced by the announcement of the merger between Tonbridge School and the excellent prep school, The New Beacon, in Sevenoaks.

We are still seeing strong interest from families looking to move to the area who have secured places at local schools, along with downsizers already living in the area. We are also seeing a continued stream of movement from London buyers as it becomes clear that the shift to wanting more space, both inside homes and outside, is more than just an immediate reaction to the first half of 2020.

Sevenoaks has always proven to be a resilient market, having rebounded strongly following the financial crash of 2008. The first half of 2021 has seen further pressure on the market with a continued increase in buyers juxtaposed with a continued shortage of available properties. We have seen many sales go to best and final bids, with desirable homes in popular roads being agreed above the guide price.

Sevenoaks has long been considered an attractive proposition for families and city workers, due to its close proximity to London, as well as its excellent selection of independent and grammar schools. It’s also a popular place to live for downsizers who are looking for a town that’s vibrant in its own right.

Bligh’s Meadow Shopping Centre offers a traditional open-air market experience. The main high street is home to an upmarket mix of known brands such as White Stuff, Fat Face and M&S, while any given pedestrianised side street may present you with something a little quirkier. Hidden gems include the Scandi-inspired store, Danish Collection, as well as Sevenoaks Bookshop and The Clever Dresser.

The high street predominately features mid- to high-end high street brands, such as Wagamama, Cote Brasserie and Bill’s, while independents are solidly represented by eateries such as Hattusa, The Little Garden, The Vine and the Brisket & Barrel. The local bar and pub scene is as varied as it is vibrant, and perhaps a reason why locals aren't always lured by the bright lights of the city.

Sevenoaks offers shoppers a varied day out, while there are plenty of food and drink options to give diners food for thought.

Sevenoaks in numbers

The average price of a property sold by Knight Frank in Sevenoaks year to June 2021

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Increase in prospective buyers year to June-21

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Increase in exchanges year to June-21

Who lives here?

A quintessential commuter town, Sevenoaks predictably is inhabited by a majority of Londoners who've moved out, as well as those in the region looking to upgrade their lifestlye. Interestingly, there's a growing swell of international buyers looking at the area.

Where do buyers come from?

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International

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London

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South East

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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?

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Finance

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Inherited

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Other

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Professional

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Property

Green space is in abundance in Sevenoaks, much of which attracts thousands of visitors to nearby parklands, gardens and estates.

The National Trust-owned Knole Country House is set in 1,000 acres of parkland, while Bradbourne Lakes and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve offer everything from tranquil days by the water to educational activity days for the kids. There are plenty of walking routes in the area, too, with the Sevenoaks Circular Walk, a ten-mile circuit of the town, which takes in some of the area’s most popular features, such as Knole Park and the medieval manor house, Igtham Mote. Be sure to check out The Vine, too, which is the oldest cricket ground in the country and the birthplace of modern three-stump cricket.

Sevenoaks provides the perfect base for families who travel regularly, domestically and internationally.

Sevenoaks is accessible from the A21 and M25 just two and three miles away respectively, and central London an easily commutable 30 miles, with regular trains to Charing Cross and Cannon Street departing from Sevenoaks station. Approximate times are around 35 minutes into central London. For international travellers, Sevenoaks is an ideal launchpad, being only 25 miles away from Gatwick Airport and 50 miles from Heathrow International Airport, while Ebbsfleet International railway station is just 18 miles away, from which Paris and Brussels can be reached in two hours, on the Eurostar.

What types of property are available in Sevenoaks?

From sprawling homes with large gardens to the perfect pad for downsizing, here are some of the properties we’ve sold recently across the town of Sevenoaks.

Marlborough Crescent TN13

4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms 2 reception rooms

Guide Price: £1,275,000

Ash Platt Road TN15

5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms 3 reception rooms

Guide Price: £1,675,000

Burntwood Road TN13

6 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms 3 reception rooms

Guide Price: £2,250,000

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.