Zoopla finds property prices are substantially rising in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells

Property prices in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are among the fastest rising in Kent, according to the latest data. 

Comparison website Zoopla ranked the West Kent towns second and fourth respectively in the county in terms of how much more estate agents are pricing property compared to 12 months before.

In Tonbridge, homes now have an average market price of £482,180 – a rise of £24,128 from 2016 – while Tunbridge Wells saw a £23,668 rise, resulting a new average house price of £505,998.

Simon Spare, Director of Thompson Spare estate agents in Tunbridge Wells High Street, said prices are rising in West Kent as London prices are increasingly forcing families out of the capital.  

“Tunbridge Wells has traditionally been first stop for this, but now people are including Tonbridge as a workable option as well,” he said. 

“As a result, coming from a lower price level, prices have probably risen faster proportionally in Tonbridge than Tunbridge Wells.

“Tunbridge Wells is now appearing expensive in relation to what Tonbridge offers – Hastings plus Ashford train lines, for example.” 

Zoopla found Swanley had the biggest rise in the county of £28,110, while neighbouring town Sevenoaks has the most expensive average house price at £686,836. West Malling and Edenbridge also featured highly on the list. Queenborough, on the Isle of Sheppey, offered the lowest house price at £167,511. 

The data related to house prices set by estate agents rather than the sale price agreed. 

Mr Spare added: “There is still quite a lot of property at lower than average price levels in Tunbridge Wells.

“It remains to be seen what effect Brexit will have on pricing, but it seems likely to me that the overall effect will be one of tempering and possibly re-adjusting the market in a negative way. 

“Depending on your perspective, this could be a good or a bad thing.”