Posted on: Friday, January 23, 2026
Finding the right commuter property is about more than just the journey to work. From lifestyle and budget to future growth and hybrid working needs, there are several factors to consider before making a move.
A move further afield can often offer better value for money, but it’s important to understand how it may affect your overall budget. Consider how often you’ll be travelling into the office, the cost of season tickets or fuel, and any additional expenses that come with a longer commute. You should also factor in how frequently you may need to travel back to existing commitments or family, as these ongoing costs can add up over time.
While commute times are important, it’s worth thinking about how the area fits into your wider lifestyle, not just your working week. Consider whether this is likely to be a long-term home and how well it supports your day-to-day needs, from access to nearby schools and local amenities to green spaces, shops and leisure facilities. Just as importantly, think about whether the community itself feels like the right fit, as feeling settled in the area can be just as important as the journey to work.
Think carefully about the journey you’ll be making each day. Are you looking for somewhere within a single tube or train ride, or willing to trade a slightly longer commute for better value or more space? Factor in your work hours and the need to be punctual - unreliable routes or potential disruptions, such as tube strikes, can turn a seemingly manageable commute into a daily stress.
If you split your time between the office and home, your property needs to support both. Look for spaces that can double as a quiet, comfortable workspace, with good natural light, strong Wi-Fi, and minimal distractions. Consider proximity to cafes or co-working hubs for days when a change of scenery helps productivity, and ensure the area balances convenience for commuting with an environment that makes working from home enjoyable.
Consider whether the area is up-and-coming and likely to see good investment growth in the coming years. Look out for local regeneration projects, new transport links, or planned amenities, as these can boost property values over time. Buying a home is a long-term commitment, so weigh potential value increases alongside your lifestyle needs to ensure the location works for both your present and future plans.
Looking for a commuter property? Contact your local Guild Member today to help you on your search.
We are required by law to conduct anti-money laundering checks on all those selling or buying a property. Whilst we retain responsibility for ensuring checks and any ongoing monitoring are carried out correctly, the initial checks are carried out on our behalf by Lifetime Legal who will contact you once you have agreed to instruct us in your sale or had an offer accepted on a property you wish to buy. The cost of these checks is £60 (incl. VAT), which covers the cost of obtaining relevant data and any manual checks and monitoring which might be required. This fee will need to be paid by you in advance of us publishing your property (in the case of a vendor) or issuing a memorandum of sale (in the case of a buyer), directly to Lifetime Legal, and is non-refundable. We will receive some of the fee taken by Lifetime Legal to compensate for its role in the provision of these checks.