Remember when the daily commute to London dictated where most people lived? Fast-forward to 2025 and that world feels a long way off. The rise of hybrid and remote working has completely reshaped what buyers now look for in a home.
At James Gorey Estate Agents, we’ve noticed a real shift — buyers aren’t chasing the shortest commute anymore. They’re searching for homes that balance space, lifestyle and flexibility. Whether you’re selling, buying, or letting, understanding this change can help you make smarter property decisions.
1. The New “Golden Triangle” — Space, Connection & Calm
Before the pandemic, the top priority for most buyers was being near a train station. Now, the three most common questions we hear are:
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“Is there space for a proper home office?”
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“What’s the broadband speed like?”
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“What’s it like during the day — quiet or busy?”
For many, being within 30–45 minutes of London is “good enough” if it means a bigger garden, a spare room, or a calmer lifestyle.
Areas such as Abbey Wood, Thamesmead, Dartford, and Sidcup are becoming hotspots for this reason — close enough for the office when needed, but with the space and comfort to enjoy the rest of the week.
2. Commute Once or Twice a Week? Buy for the 90%, Not the 10%
If you’re only commuting once or twice a week, does an extra 10 minutes on the train really matter?
Many buyers are now prioritising homes that work for them 90% of the time — meaning:
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Better layouts for flexible working.
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Private outdoor space.
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Parking (especially as people are driving more for leisure).
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Access to cafés, parks, gyms, and community amenities for daytime living.
Seller tip: If your property has a great broadband connection, a quiet study area, or a sunny corner perfect for a desk, make sure it’s mentioned in your marketing. These details now make a genuine difference.
3. The Rise of the “Two-Centre” Lifestyle
We’re also seeing more people splitting their time between two homes — one near London, one further out in Kent or by the coast.
This trend is creating fresh demand for:
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Smaller, low-maintenance flats near train stations.
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Modern houses that are easy to lock up and leave.
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Properties with strong short-term let potential.
For landlords, this is an opportunity. Tenants embracing this lifestyle often value flexibility, reliability and convenience — exactly what many local properties offer.
4. What This Means for Sellers in 2025
Location still matters, but how buyers define it has changed. They’re now weighing lifestyle, practicality, and community feel just as much as postcode.
Here’s what helps homes sell faster in this new landscape:
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Highlighting local coworking spaces, cafés, and gyms.
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Staging rooms to show versatility — such as a guest room doubling as an office.
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Emphasising quiet surroundings, natural light, and layout flow.
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Being open about connectivity — broadband speed and mobile signal.
Buyers aren’t just looking for “a house”; they’re searching for a home that fits the rhythm of their week.
5. Looking Ahead: The “Third Wave” of Location Value
We’ve gone through three clear phases of buyer behaviour:
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Commute-first living (pre-2020) →
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Space-first living (2020–2023) →
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Balance-first living (now).
The next wave is likely to focus on community and wellbeing. Areas with green spaces, independent shops and a strong neighbourhood feel are gaining long-term value.
Hybrid working hasn’t just changed how people work — it’s changed how people live. The lines between “commuter belt” and “local life” are blurring, and South East London and North Kent are right at the centre of this evolution.
If you’re curious about how these trends might affect your home’s value, or want advice on positioning your property for today’s buyers, our friendly team would love to help.