Tunbridge Wells & Newbury – Two Lifestyle-Focused Alternatives to London Living
Get a closer look at living in Newbury and Tunbridge Wells, and why these commuter towns continue to attract people and families looking to leave London.
In our latest video, we visit two of the South East’s most popular commuter locations — Tunbridge Wells (Kent) and Newbury (Berkshire) — to explore what life really looks like when you swap the city for more space, greenery, and a stronger sense of community.
Both towns deliver an appealing mix of connectivity, character, and high-quality new homes, proving that moving out of London isn’t just about saving money — it’s about upgrading how you live.
Homes in Newbury cost nearly 58% less than those in London’s Zone 2.
A Closer Look at Tunbridge Wells and Newbury
- Newbury offers a 58% saving compared with Zone 2, alongside excellent rail links to London, vibrant town-centre regeneration, and access to the Berkshire countryside.
- Explore our featured development: Knights Grove
- Tunbridge Wells delivers a 46% saving versus Zone 2, with outstanding schools, independent boutiques, and a rich cultural scene.
- Discover our new homes at The Carriage House
While they don’t top the charts purely on cost or IMD data, both are among the most desirable commuter destinations for those prioritising lifestyle, education, and long-term value.
They highlight a key insight from our research: the best move isn’t always the cheapest — it’s the one that fits your life best.
Why Commuter Research Still Matters
It’s a familiar dilemma for many Londoners:
Your family outgrows your flat, and the appeal of more space and cleaner air outside the capital grows stronger. But what about the daily commute? That’s why Savills Research analysed more than 350 commuter towns within 90 minutes of London, comparing:
- Property prices
- Travel costs
- What a typical Zone 2 deposit for a three bedroom property (£197,400) could buy elsewhere
- Lifestyle indicators (using the Index of Multiple Deprivation, IMD)
The results show that, even with commuting costs included, moving beyond Zone 2 typically cuts total housing and travel costs by over 50%.
Balancing Savings and Lifestyle
The Best Value Commuter Towns
For those seeking the strongest overall balance of affordability and liveability, these towns ranked highest:
Our research shows that moving out of London can deliver significant savings and lifestyle gains.
Beyond the Numbers: Premium Commuter Choices
While some towns top the charts for affordability, Tunbridge Wells and Newbury continue to lead for quality of environment, strong transport links, and premium new developments — ideal for those seeking a more refined balance between cost, comfort, and community.
Your best move depends on your priorities — space, savings, or a lifestyle upgrade — but one thing is clear: the right commuter town can offer all three.
Explore Life Beyond London
Watch the video above to see how Tunbridge Wells and Newbury compare, then explore our featured new homes for a closer look at commuter living beyond the capital:
-
Knights Grove, Newbury
Take a look inside the new residential development near Newbury, showcasing modern homes, designed for contemporary living in a well-connected location with easy access to London.
- Carriage House, Tunbridge Wells
Explore how the historic Carriage House in Tunbridge Wells has been transformed into luxury apartments, combining period character and modern living.
Prefer to speak to someone?
Contact our new homes teams in Reading and the South-East to find out more.
Alexa Peters, Head of Reading Residential Development Sales (Reading and Thames Valley)
Abbe Hall, Residential Development Sales (East Sussex and Kent Region), Sevenoaks
-v3(2).jpg "Savills")