Slough is a ‘great place to live’, an estate agent told This is Money, after a recent survey found it was the worst place to live in Britain.
Last week the Berkshire town was named the most miserable place to live in Rightmove’s annual happiness survey.
David Arfield, branch manager at Cameron King Estate Agents in Cippenham, Slough, explained to This is Money why he disagrees with the findings.
He said: ‘I don’t share the belief that Slough is the bleakest town in Britain.
‘Like other towns and cities, there are areas and suburbs within Slough, such as Burnham, Taplow and Cippenham, which offer a more pleasant living environment.
Defending Slough: A real estate agent told This is Money Slough is a ‘great place to live’
‘While Slough town center is in need of revitalization and investment, like other town centers such as Bracknell, significant development has taken place on the edge of the town centre.’
He added: ‘The perception of Slough as portrayed in ‘The Office’ series may still linger in people’s minds, but ongoing developments are changing the image of the town.’
Mr Arfield said the most sought-after properties in Slough are two- to four-bedroom homes aimed at first-time buyers, buyers looking to upsize or people moving to the area.
He added: ‘Property prices have shown a consistent upward trend year on year since the initial increase following the announcement and completion of the Crossrail development, and this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.’
Nearby schools, transport links and green spaces all attract buyers to Slough, Mr Arfield told This is Money.
He said: ‘I find that Slough, especially the suburbs, has a great appeal due to its proximity to renowned schools such as Burnham Grammar and Herschell Grammar, easy access to the M4 corridor and M25, connectivity to central London via the Elizabeth Line , accessible via multiple train stations, its proximity to Heathrow Airport and the presence of the Slough Trading Estate.
‘These factors make the area attractive for both families and commuters.
‘In addition, the presence of green spaces such as the Jubilee River and Burnham Beeches, as well as its proximity to Windsor, further increases its desirability.’
The average asking price of a property in Slough is currently £411,820, according to Rightmove, with renters facing an average rental price of £1,824 per property.
Mr Arfield has picked out four properties for sale in Slough that he believes are worth a closer look.
This five-bedroom semi-detached house is for sale for €550,000.
It is a 10-minute walk from Burnham Train Station and has good access to the M4 motorway.
The house has two reception rooms, one of which is open plan and the other is an enclosed, separate room.
The bedrooms in the house are spacious and the house has two bedrooms.
Outside there is a driveway and a single garage for parking. The house also has a large backyard.
High standard: this five-bedroom house in Slough is for sale for £550,000
Perfection: The property in St George’s Crescent requires no work
Easy living: the kitchen of the St George’s Crescent estate
Going green: The St George’s Crescent house in Slough features a large lawned rear garden
This four-bedroom property, located on Langtree Avenue in Slough, is for sale for £600,000.
The house is sold without further chain and has an allocated parking space. It is 1.5 miles away from Burnham train station, making it a great option for commuters.
On the inside, the house is light and spacious and ready to move into for a family.
The house has a reception room of 6 meters, a modern fitted kitchen, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a private south-facing backyard and shed.
For sale: This property on Langtree Avenue in Slough is for sale for £600,000
Let there be light: the Langtree Avenue building is bursting with space and light
Ready to move in: The property for sale on Langtree Avenue has a modern fitted kitchen
Potential: The Langtree Avenue home features a south-facing patio garden and a handy shed
This two-bedroom apartment in Cippenham, Slough, is for sale for £245,000.
With an area of 50 m², it would be a great opportunity for a first-time buyer or investor.
Both bedrooms are a good size and the bathroom has a white suite, including a bath with paneling. The flat has a secure intercom system and comes with an allocated parking space.
The property is located near Burnham train station and major road links.
Good option: this two-bedroom apartment in Cippenham is on the market for £245,000
Opportunity: The apartment has a long lease and would be ideal for a starter
Left: The Cippenham flat is close to Burnham train station and major road links
Scope: In addition to starters, the apartment can also be a good option for an investor
This three-bedroom house is for sale with offers in excess of £410,000.
It is located on Richards Way in Cippenham, Slough, and just 0.8 miles from Burnham train station.
The house has an open kitchen and dining room, a cloakroom, private parking and a private backyard.
It is warm and inviting inside and, provided the correct building permits are obtained, has great potential for expansion.
Tidy: This three-bedroom house in Cippenham is for sale with offers over £410,000
Warm: Internally the Cippenham property is warm and inviting
Open plan: The Cippenham house has a bright open plan kitchen and dining area
Ready to move in: The rear garden has a patio, lawn and access to allocated parking spaces