Where are most people moving to in Kent? (2022)

Kent is one of the most popular destinations in the UK when it comes to buying property; with close commuting links to London and a wide variety of picturesque towns and villages to choose from, it’s no wonder that Kent properties are flying off the market - sometimes in just under 24 hours.

So, where are property owners moving to in Kent? In this article, we’re going to list the top most popular destinations for movers in Kent for 2022, and take a look at why these towns have become so popular for buyers.

Why are people moving to Kent?

Kent has always been a popular moving destination for both London-born movers and those coming from elsewhere across the UK. As the city shares close transport links to London, Kent has become the go-to city for those looking to find more affordable properties outside the London housing market. But it’s not just the transport links that attract buyers to the South East. Here are just a few reasons people are flocking to Kent:

Slow paced lifestyle

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees began working remotely from home, in a move that went on to transform and revolutionise the modern workplace. Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic change how we work, it also changed our approach to a healthy work-life balance. This has been reflected in the UK property market; many people now work exclusively at home, allowing them to take their pick of the country’s best towns, cities, and villages to settle down in.

As Kent offers a healthy balance between bustling city and sleepy, quiet towns, the city was listed as the fourth most popular destination for movers in 2021. As more people have more freedom over their working hours, this trend is only going to increase.

Great transport links

As already mentioned, Kent shares some excellent transport links with the rest of the UK, especially London. With Kent towns such as Sevenoakes being just 25 minutes by train to central London, Kent has also.

Prices

For most, the London housing market is entirely inaccessible, with wages and salaries failing to increase in line with rising housing prices. With greater choice and lower house prices on average, movers are choosing to move to Kent, where they’ll have the better chance of getting on the property ladder without having to massively exceed the asking price. While Kent does have its own affluent neighbourhoods, such as Sevenoakes, it still remains much more affordable than the capital. According to data by Rightmove, the average price of a home in the South East is £469,449, while the figure rises to £711,862 in London.

So, where are most people moving to in Kent?

According to government data and some studies by Rightmove, the following towns and villages are where most people are moving to Kent:

Maidstone

With 1205 new movers between 2020 and 2021, Maidstone is the number one Kent destination for new movers and property owners. What’s great about Maidstone is its rural feel twinned with a large range of modern amenities; Maidstone also boasts an attractive housing market, with prices markedly lower than in London and other Kent areas. However, given that it’s currently the most popular Kent destination for new buyers, the attractive housing market might be starting to change.

Swale

Swale came in second place in the list, with 988 new movers migrating to the area between 2020 and 2021. A haven for nature lovers, Swale boasts gorgeous nature reserves and conservation areas that make it one of the most stunning places to settle down in Kent.

Dartford

From 2020 to 2021, Dartford recorded at least 787 new movers to the Kent town, making it the third most popular Kent destination for buyers. With great nearby schools and plenty of amenities worthy of any capital city, Dartford is a great area for young families and new couples. Dartford also enjoys a short commute to London, making it the perfect landing spot for London-based professionals fleeing the turbulent London housing market.

Dover

While Dover hasn’t always been the most sought-after postcode in the UK, let alone Kent, in recent years buyers have flocked to take advantage of the attractive housing market, with average house prices lower than across the rest of Kent. A bright coastal town, Dover is slightly out of reach for London commuters, but a great, quiet haven for those working in the wider Kent area. In the period between 2020 and 2021, 691 new movers were recorded migrating to the coastal town, making Dover the 4th most popular place in Kent to buy a house.

Canterbury

A UNESCO world heritage site and a beautifully historic cathedral town, it’s a surprise to nobody that Canterbury was featured in the top five Kent destinations for UK movers between 2020 and 2021. With a vibrant university nightlife, a picturesque town centre, and just an hour’s commute from London, Canterbury combines modern city living with the chance to enjoy a more slow-paced, relaxed lifestyle.

With great schools, universities, and plenty of shopping and hospitality opportunities, Canterbury is a great South East gem, suitable for all ages. On the downside, property prices in Canterbury are higher than other Kent neighbourhoods, which might explain why only 636 new movers were registered in 2020-2021.

Sevenoaks

Possibly one of Kent’s most affluent and sought-after postcodes, Sevenoakes has a reputation for being a haven of the rich and wealthy, with one Sevenoakes street being so prestigious and exclusive that it’s even banned from Google maps! (Yes, really.)

Despite its reputation for soaring house prices, 632 movers were recorded migrating to the prestige area between 2020 and 2021, making it the 6th most popular destination for movers in Kent. It’s not hard to see why Sevenoakes is so popular - with transport links to London and a cosy town centre full of independent shops and amenities, the small population of Sevenoakes have everything they need on their doorstep.