What are Luton's current property hotspots and coolest places to chill?
At Penrose we’ve always known that Luton offers fantastic diversity, and that extends into its property market too. As the temperatures soar, let’s take a look at Luton’s latest property hotspots, and some of the other smashing areas of our town that are too cool for school.
Too Hot to Handle
Temperatures have hit the nineties in Luton over the last week or so, but there’s been no time to bask in the sun for the team at Penrose. The market here remains buoyant, despite Covid and the annual summer slowdown as people’s focus shifts to vacation time.
Property preferences come and go, and while movement in the housing market has been steady across the town, in recent months activity and interest in both the Bushmead and the Old Bedford Road areas of town has exploded, making these areas Luton’s current hotspots.
Bushmead offers modern properties on quiet roads and cul de sacs with easy access to decent schools and a range of local amenities. Far enough out of town to be peaceful, it backs onto fields, yet most properties are only a stone’s throw from Barton Road, leading directly into the heart of the town.
Old Bedford Road has long been the jewel in Luton’s property crown, and its status as a current hotspot is a surprise to no one. Home to some of our towns most desirable properties, Old Bedford Road represents the steady grandeur of a well established town.
If you’re a homeowner in one of these areas, now would be a great time to sell – just make sure you’re ready, because your property won’t be on the market for long. As a buyer looking in these locations, stake out your beach towel now before you miss out – you can be assured of securing a property whose value will not only hold, but be virtually guaranteed to rise.
Too Cool for School
If Bushmead and Old Bedford Road don’t float your summer boat, Luton has plenty more to offer. We’ve talked before on the blog about the Luton Investment Framework (LIF), and the outstanding opportunities this is delivering to Luton, and part of the LIF’s commitment is to create 5,700 new homes. Penrose has been privileged to be trusted with the sale of some of the most amazing new properties created under the LIF, and our latest gem is the stunning development at Stockwood Gardens.
The development offers a tantalising blend of brand new affordable shared-ownership homes, private one and two bed apartments, and exclusive penthouses, and all for no more (and often much less) than the average resale price in Luton.
Situated close to the beautiful Stockwood Country Park in the south of Luton, a stone’s throw from the M1 and with easy access to the airport and station, these fab properties really are too cool for school. They are flying off the books, so if this sounds like your kind of place, get in touch soon and don’t get left out in the cold.
Temperature is Rising
All towns are the sum of their parts, and Luton is no exception. It’s easy to get distracted by the scorchers and overlook the steady glow from other areas of our town. Hotspots come and go, and of current interest for the future we have a couple of areas that are warming up nicely.
The reach of the LIF is being felt across the town, and with the expansion of Luton Airport and the glitzy promise of the StrawberryStar development, St. Annes and Wigmore have become our rising stars. The nearby investment automatically raises their profile. And to buyers and investors looking for houses over apartments, but which are still within reach of all the new shiny stuff, these areas are about to get very interesting indeed.
Don’t Get Burned
Property investment remains one of the best ways to maximise the return on your capital. But choosing where and what to buy can be nerve-wracking, even for the property pro. If you’re able to play the long game, most property investments will pay off eventually. But for individuals looking to shore-up their pension pot, and for those making their living from property, lower-risk investments are obviously preferred, and we believe that property in Luton fits that profile perfectly.
Every year, national property experts don their pointy hats and spout words of wisdom about prime investment locations, and pretty much every year Luton is one of the names they mention. Why? Because Luton is affordable, its stunning array of transport links mean London is easily accessible, and its road links bring it within striking distance of much of the rest of the UK.
The whole of Luton is, quite simply, an investment hotspot in its own right.
Property anywhere in Luton will always be in demand, but if you’re looking for some hot tips, check out South Luton, Barton Hills and High Town in particular. Investment opportunities abound in these areas right now:
· South Luton has always been an enviable location because of its access to the M1 and the airport, but it also boasts an ever-healthy student and private rental market;
· Barton Hills is a family area that delivers a steady demand for rental property;
· High Town looks set to shine for all sorts of reasons, which we’ll tell you about below.
Luton is a wise choice for investors, and one that ensures you’ll be topping up that portfolio tan instead of nursing investment burns and reaching for the after-sun.
Find Your Summer Vibe
High Town has always been Luton’s unique little pocket of quirky loveliness. Recent investment in the area has seen a number of fab cafes and bistros springing up, and the relaxed vibe, combined with the older property charm has created an old school London feel – think Shoreditch, and Camden. This attracts young families, couples and students – an eclectic mix that brings a warm and diverse sense of community to the area.
And we couldn’t look at hang-out hotspots without mentioning the impact the University expansion has had on our town too. Halls of residence can only house so many, and the vast majority of the older student community want out and into private rental accommodation asap, so they can do whatever students do in peace. Any property within easy walking distance of the Uni will fly off the rental books.
These parts of town are warming up nicely in the property stakes. With High Town’s proximity to the station, and with both areas being pretty much in the town centre, property here is guaranteed to generate ongoing interest from commuters and students alike.
So if a chilled, town centre community vibe is your thing, or you’re into laid-back property management, divert your attention this way.
In Summary …
Property hotspots are fantastic for boosting the vibrancy of the housing market in our town, but they are by no means the whole story. Luton’s property portfolio is rich in a range of property types, styles and values, and one person’s hot might give someone else the chills.
But that’s the beauty of Luton – it truly has something for everyone.
Buying or selling a home is an incredibly personal thing, and at Penrose we always respect that. With our extensive experience in Luton’s property market and our intimate knowledge of the town, you can be confident that we will steer the sale of your property, or your property search, in the direction that best suits your needs.
So don’t sweat it – if you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent, let Penrose take the strain. Get in touch today and let us show you how we can help.