Hemel Hempstead has long been a desirable area, offering the perfect combination of close and easy transport links to central London whilst being surrounded by unspoilt green countryside. Having seen a series of serious investments since 2017, including the £20 million Heart of Maylands development by the Hightown Housing Association, the area shows great promise as a focal point for investors as well as an excellent location for homeowners looking to combine countryside living with London access.
This looks set to continue into 2023, with many new projects on the horizon as developers seek to meet the level of demand and interest both investors and potential homeowners are putting into Hemel Hempstead. The local MP, Sir Mike Penning, has highlighted the pressure on housing demand as his most pressing issue in a recent statement which makes clear the level of demand seen in the area. While this combination creates difficulties for those seeking affordable housing, the desirability of the area should also catch the attention of investors looking for rising markets.
What makes Hemel Hempstead special?
Having close relationships with both the housing and investment markets, conveyancing solicitors Hemel Hempstead are acutely aware of the increasing demand and interest in this region of Hertfordshire. This is the result of a combination of the factors mentioned above, including current and ongoing development to increase the housing options in the area, excellent transport links that offer fast and easy connections to the wider opportunities of greater London, and a thriving business district in its own right that is able to tap into the purchasing power of those arriving with the booming property market.
Alongside these factors are the features of the area itself, which despite its close London links has quick access to a range of nature and beauty spots. With RSPB and Wildlife Trust reserves within such a short distance, it is little wonder that homeowners are seeking out an area that combines city connections with an abundance of nature reserves that offer a welcome respite and counterbalance to more central urban living.
Recent market trends
The pressures of both the cost of living crisis and rising interest rates in response to recent financial market fluctuations have also driven many landlords and buy-to-rent investors to consolidate their portfolios and focus on areas such as Hemel Hempstead. Conveyancers such as Sam Conveyancing have seen this increased interest in buy-to-rent purchasing following the natural trend towards property investment in the context of inflation, as real estate provides an excellent hedge against rising rates.
Not only this, but rising interest rates also offer potentially lucrative opportunities for existing landlords and homeowners who look to increase their equity and raise levels of rental income in line with rising house prices. This makes an area such as Hemel Hempstead, already desirable based on its location, a focal point of interest for this kind of investment portfolio.
While no-one has a crystal ball to predict the future, the combination of desirable characteristics that make Hemel Hempstead a prime focus for investors as well as the changes in the contemporary economic climate that indicate strategies that protect against inflation should be high on the agenda, it’s little wonder that investors are taking an increased interest in areas such as Hemel Hempstead that present a combination of opportunities.
