Kent property: How what you get for your money varies by location
Discover how Kent Property markets vary from chic market towns to creative coastal hubs, and see how far your budget can stretch across the county.
Kent’s appeal is easy to understand due to its exceptional geographical and lifestyle variety. With countryside, coast, and quick trains to London all within reach, it’s long been a favourite for people wanting a change of pace without giving up practicality and convenience.
Buying in Kent is not one-size-fits-all, and that’s one of its biggest strengths.
Some towns are full of heritage buildings and traditional high streets. Others have buzzing creative scenes, new developments, or big transport upgrades, making them more accessible than ever.
That means the Kent property market has something for everyone, whether you’re commuting into London, growing your family, working from home, or looking for a property near the sea.
Because there are so many different types of towns and communities across Kent, what you get for your budget can look very different from place to place.
To help make sense of it, we’ve highlighted some of the county’s most sought-after addresses, alongside towns where your investment may secure more space or character.
So, for those searching for a Kent property, here are some helpful insights.
Areas in Kent typically considered higher budget
Some Kent towns are especially sought after, celebrated for their elegant architecture, excellent schools, and enviable quality of life. These attributes consistently draw discerning buyers and sustain higher values. Here are some examples:
Tenterden: Market town charm, historic appeal, and a boutique lifestyle
Set amidst the rolling landscapes of the High Weald, Tenterden is widely regarded as one of Kent’s most desirable towns. Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Weald,” it blends centuries of heritage with a modern, village-like atmosphere that continues to attract discerning buyers.
History weaves through Tenterden’s streets, from the striking medieval church that dominates the skyline to the characterful timber-framed buildings and graceful Georgian architecture lining the High Street.
Yet this is no museum town. Boutiques, delicatessens, cafés, and galleries bring a contemporary vibrancy, making it as much a place for leisurely weekends as it is for day-to-day living.
Property here is often period in character, from half-timbered cottages to grander Georgian houses, though modern developments exist on the fringes.
Road connections via the A28 link Tenterden with Ashford and Hastings, while Ashford International (around 25 minutes by car) offers high-speed services to London St Pancras, with the fastest journeys taking under 40 minutes.
Surrounded by vineyards and countryside, Tenterden is popular with second-home buyers and families wanting peace, space, and period charm, and anyone looking to escape to the countryside without going too remote.
Faversham: Period homes, a strong community, and good access to London
Faversham is one of Kent’s oldest market towns, known for its medieval streets, listed buildings, and a thriving calendar of cultural events. The town blends history with an energetic modern identity, and is, in our opinion, one of the prettiest towns to live in the UK.
Buyers are drawn to Faversham’s handsome period terraces, Georgian homes, and riverside properties.
For commuters, Faversham station offers direct services to London Victoria and St Pancras International, with typical journey times of just over an hour. By road, the A2 and nearby M2 connect easily with Canterbury, Sittingbourne, and London.
Faversham is great for commuters, families, heritage fans, and buyers who want a walkable town with personality.
Cranbrook: Desirable schooling, countryside setting, and a village feel
Surrounded by countryside and in the catchment for the popular Cranbrook Grammar School, this rural town punches above its weight.
Cranbrook is surrounded by rolling countryside, yet its high street offers cafés, independent shops, and a traditional village feel.
Housing leans towards characterful Kentish Wealden properties such as tile-hung cottages, converted barns, and handsome country houses.
Road access comes via the A229 and A262, connecting to the M25 and Maidstone. The nearest mainline station is Staplehurst, just a short drive away, with trains to London Bridge and Charing Cross typically taking around an hour.
Cranbrook attracts families focused on education and those looking for rural life with substance.
Tonbridge: Commuter-friendly, a blend of tradition and convenience
Tonbridge offers an enviable mix of riverside walks, historic streets, and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for those who want commuter convenience without losing charm.
This pretty market town also boasts a castle and a town centre that’s steadily improving. Properties here range from Victorian townhouses and 1930s semis to larger detached homes in leafy suburbs.
The town enjoys a strong school system (including several very well-regarded grammar schools) and a reliable commute. Tonbridge station offers a fast service to London Bridge, Charing Cross, and Cannon Street in as little as 35–40 minutes. Road links via the A21 connect directly to the M25, with Gatwick Airport also within easy reach.
Families and professionals looking for a commuter-friendly town with good schools and green space often focus on Tonbridge when looking for Kent property.
West Malling: Pretty high street, good rail connections, and an aspirational feel
Small but full of character, West Malling is a picture-perfect town with a stylish high street lined with restaurants, boutiques, and period architecture. It has a distinctly aspirational feel, appealing to those who want lifestyle as well as convenience.
Property options include Georgian townhouses, Victorian terraces, and attractive modern developments in nearby Kings Hill. There are several schools in and around the area.
West Malling station runs services to London Victoria and Charing Cross in just under an hour, while the M20 provides direct access towards London and the Channel Tunnel.
Professionals and young families who want charm and convenience without going fully rural will find West Malling ideal.
Areas in Kent where budgets may stretch further
These towns may not have always topped the must-move lists, but things are shifting. Whether it’s creative communities, fast train links, or good-sized Kent property at more accessible prices, they’re worth a closer look:
Ashford: Connectivity, newer developments, and varied choice
Ashford has grown fast and for good reason. With HS1 taking you to London St. Pancras typically in under 40 minutes and a mix of new-builds, established suburbs, and countryside on the doorstep, it’s practical and well-connected.
The Designer Outlet and expanding local schools (including the Highworth Grammar School) add to Ashford’s appeal.
Buyers can choose from Victorian terraces in the town centre, family homes in modern estates, and new-build apartments, as well as traditional cottages on the outskirts.
Ashford attracts commuters, families, and buyers who want good transport, newer homes, and room to grow.
Folkestone: Creative energy, sea views, and regeneration
Once a classic seaside resort, now a creative hotspot. Folkestone’s Harbour Arm, Creative Quarter, and artistic buzz give it something different. It still has the coast and Victorian charm, but it also has energy and personality.
Period housing stock, much of it Victorian, combines with clifftop properties offering spectacular sea views.
High-speed services from Folkestone Central reach London St Pancras in around an hour, and the M20 runs directly past the town, offering access to the capital in less than 2 hours.
Folkestone is good for creatives, remote workers, and second-home buyers who want more than just a beach.
Ramsgate: Period architecture, port town appeal, and an evolving scene
Another coastal town with serious character is Ramsgate. The Georgian terraces around the Royal Harbour are beautiful, and the town has a slightly offbeat, creative edge. It’s one of those places where you can still find space, views, and period charm without paying a premium.
Ramsgate’s Regency and Victorian terraces, many with sea views, are particularly popular.
In terms of education, Dane Court Grammar School in nearby Broadstairs offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma as an alternative to A-levels.
Trains from Ramsgate to London St Pancras take around 75 minutes on direct services, depending on time of day and route, with services also running to London Victoria and Charing Cross. Road access is via the A299, which links with the M2 towards London.
Ramsgate is good for creative professionals, families, and buyers looking for sea air and architecture.
Rochester: Riverside regeneration, historic centre, and improving amenities
Rich in history but looking to the future, Rochester combines a Dickensian charm with ongoing regeneration, opening up new possibilities.
At its heart are cobbled streets, independent shops, and atmospheric cafés set against the backdrop of the cathedral and castle, giving the town a timeless character.
There’s a thriving arts and literary scene, boosted by regular festivals that celebrate its Charles Dickens heritage, while the regenerated riverside has introduced modern dining, bars, apartment living, and leisure facilities.
In Rochester, you’ll find everything from period cottages and townhouses to new riverside apartments.
There are larger family homes on the outskirts. It is also home to the respected Rochester Grammar School.
Rochester station offers services to London St Pancras in as little as 40 minutes on the fastest trains, though typical journey times may vary (also provides services to London Victoria and Cannon Street), and by road, the A2 and M2 offer direct access to the capital.
Rochester is desirable for first-time buyers, families, and those who want culture, connectivity, and potential in one place.
Need help finding the right Kent property?
If you’re thinking about buying a Kent property, especially if you’re relocating or looking for something off the radar, it can help to have someone on your side. At Garrington Property Finders, we are independent buying agents who work solely for you, the buyer.
With in-depth local knowledge, Garrington can help you find the right Kent property. With extensive networks in the industry, we can open up opportunities, including properties not listed publicly, and provide homebuyers with a broader view of the market.
Whether you’re after a period home in a market town, a new-build by the coast, or something completely unique, we can guide you in your search for Kent property. Please contact us today for a no-obligation discussion. We’d love to help.
