What does Hythe have in common with the urban metropolises of Manchester, Birmingham and Leicester, the coal mining towns of Rotherham and Bradford and the commuter-belt favourites of Woking and Hove? If you are trying to think of a random connection that joins the areas together – a historical link, perhaps, or shared architectural feature – then the answer might surprise you, for what joins together our Kentish coastal town with the likes of these big cities and surburban centres is that they have all been named on a list of the top ten up-and-coming UK property hotspots by online estate agent, HouseSimple. The locations, which also included Ipswich, Norwich and Hove, were chosen for the features that HouseSimple believes make an area desirable, including low crime rates, good transport links and a rich array of local amenities such as shops and schools. What’s more, Hythe topped the list as the area with highest market demand. So what is going on in the property market at the moment and what makes Hythe such a desirable place to live? 
Those, like me, whose hearts have already been won over by Hythe’s charms will not find it difficult to understand its appeal. The town has the ‘4 A’s’ of access, amenities, ambience and affordability in spades. Transport links to London are excellent, with the journey to Stratford International (on the outskirts of the City of London and a direct DLR ride away from London City airport) taking just 56 minutes from Sandling and St Pancras, 54 minutes at peak time. Hythe also boasts a number of primary schools rated good or outstanding by OFSTED, and is within close proximity to a variety of equally high-performing secondary schools within the district.
Leisure activities in this former Cinque Port cater for both old and young, and include all those associated with a thriving seaside town: sailing, windsurfing, bowls, tennis, golf, freshwater and sea-angling, cricket, boating and swimming are all readily available, whilst the Victorian promenade, Royal Military canal and surrounding countryside provide superb cycling and walking routes. The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is enduringly popular with visitors from near and far who wish to ride on the world’s smallest public railway, whilst history buffs can while away an hour or two in the St Leonard’s Church crypt, which houses one of only two ossuaries in England (a collection of human bones, for the uninitiated). Meanwhile, the High Street offers the perfect mix of quirkiness and convenience in its bustling panoply of independent shops, restaurants and cafes, and the town’s three supermarkets cover the high-end, mid and budget range. In short, Hythe gives its residents the quality of life afforded by coastal and canal-side living, alongside the advantages of easy access to the big smoke.
Mandy Jones, who moved to Hythe two months ago with her husband, Maurice, agrees. She spent 18 months scouring properties around the East coast of England for a location that was picturesque, but also stacked with amenities. “Hythe came up trumps and love it: we can walk to restaurants and shops, yet still be within walking distance of the canal and the sea as well. It’s all on our doorstep. We no longer have to drive anywhere. Having lived in many different places, including various places in London, this is it for us. We love it!”.
House prices, whilst still far more affordable than central London and its outskirts, have steadily risen over the past few years, so those looking to Hythe as the next boom town would do well to put down roots now. Figures from online estate agent, Rightmove, reveal that average house prices in 2015 increased 15% on 2010, with an average price of £287,077. This is still considerably lower than commuter-belt Kent, where average prices in mid- and north-west areas such as Sevenoaks and Chislehurst can be upwards of £500,000.
As a result, demand in Hythe is currently vastly outstripping supply, as Jackie Davies, of Champion and Co estate agency, explains. “The number of houses for sale is at an all time low, and Hythe is particularly short of good stock in the mid market. Hence, month on month, we are seeing higher prices being achieved, and with a large proportion of ‘out of area’ buyers who have realised higher sale prices closer to London, Hythe continues to represent very good value for money, with its infrastructure now reaching both London and the continent with ease. ”
Hythe, it seems, is no longer a hidden gem, and whilst that is good news for homeowners sitting on properties that are steadily increasing in value, those who are looking to buy would be well advised to act now before it is too late!
kentgourmethampers 