When deciding to purchase property in the UK, many buyers tend to only look at real estate based in London. Yes, the capital is filled to the brim with investment opportunities that hold the potential to produce good yields and even better returns, but when widening your search beyond just the city, you might be surprised to find a property that holds the same if not better possibilities.
Today’s property investment guide focuses on Reading, a major UK university town situated on the River Thames beyond London. The Berkshire region boasts a thriving property market with great investment opportunities popping up nearly every day – one of which is the Berkeley Group-developed Huntley Wharf.
Read on to learn why your buyers searching for property investment in the UK should set their sights on Reading, Berkshire.
Getting to know Reading
Reading is a flourishing community in the heart of the Thames Valley, hosting a population of around 155,000, and is best known for its top-ranked university, high number of tech businesses and, of course, the ever-popular annual Reading Music Festival.
Located approximately 40 miles from London, Reading is fast becoming a favourite residential spot for commuters looking to live outside of the capital, away from the bustling city life, while still having access to the comfort, convenience and entertainment that urban living has to offer.
The vibrant Berkshire town has plenty going for it and even more to offer. And with the continuous improvements being made to Reading, such as the addition of the Elizabeth Line Crossrail, it is fast becoming one of the best places in the UK to invest in real estate, whether you intend to purchase it as a rental property or a new home.
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Shopping and leisure destinations in Reading
One of the many aspects that make Reading such a popular residential town is its many leisure activities and experiences on offer.
For those who like to indulge in retail therapy, The Oracle is the place to be. The large indoor shopping and leisure mall is located on the banks of the River Kennet and boasts an extraordinary collection of stores that is sure to cater to even the most discerning of tastes. Other notable retail spots include Harris Arcade and Reading Market.
Foodies can enjoy a wide array of restaurants and eateries scattered throughout the town, including popular chains like PizzaExpress, Wagamama, Café Rouge and Strada, as well as London Street Brasserie, an award-winning restaurant overlooking the tranquil waters of the Kennet, Cerise, Nibsy’s, My Kitchen, Shed, Lincoln Coffee House and more.
Nature-lovers will be enthralled by the many open spaces Reading has on offer, such as Forbury Gardens, Palmer Park and Prospect Park. Here, adults, teens and children alike can enjoy the sports stadium, gym, bike rides, playgrounds, miniature railway, ponds and peaceful walks along the River Kennet.
And for the individual who loves a bit of art and culture, the annual Reading Festival is one of the more popular UK music events that see music lovers from all over the country and world flocking to the Berkshire town. Other noteworthy leisure spots include The Hexagon, South Street Arts Centre, Progress Theatre, The Mill, Vue cinema and Reading Museum.
Reading’s economy
Reading is a major commercial centre here in the UK, especially when it comes to information technology and insurance. In fact, it is the UK’s number one location for tech companies and is touted as the region’s Silicon Valley, with Microsoft and Oracle being just two of the many major organisations that have their headquarters in Reading.
Education in Reading
Reading is home to The University of Reading, an internationally-renowned tertiary education facility that attracts approximately 19,000 students from more than 150 countries each year. It’s the university town’s pride and joy as it creates a huge footfall, which, in turn, attracts widespread investment, job creation and makes the area a bustling place to be.
Teens and younger children also have access to quality education in Reading. There are plenty of great high performing primary and secondary schools, as well as several private and independent schools and nurseries.
Primary schools that have achieved good or outstanding Ofsted ratings include:
- All Saints Junior School
- Oxford Road Community School
- E.P. Collier Primary School
- Thameside Primary School
- St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School
Secondary schools that have achieved good or outstanding Ofsted ratings include:
- Reading School
- Kendrick School
- Maiden Erlegh School
- UTC Reading
- Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
Ideal for London commuters
Thanks to Reading’s amazing connectivity and travel links, central London is a mere 30 minutes away, Heathrow Airport only 40 minutes away and the M4 is within arm’s reach. And with the new Crossrail Elizabeth Line, commuting to the capital becomes a breeze now that individuals won’t have to change trains.
Did you know that Reading train station is one of the busiest stations outside of London? Reading’s outstanding connectivity and transport links are the biggest reasons behind the town’s residential popularity among London commuters, which, in turn, is great news for property investors.
About Huntley Wharf
Buyers interested in property investment in the UK who are particularly looking at real estate in Reading will be pleased to know that they have a choice of 1, 2 and bedroom apartments and duplexes available at Huntley Wharf.
Boasting a prime south-facing silverside setting with prices starting from just £345,000, Huntley Wharf is the quintessential residence for any London commuter, University of Reading student or wholesome family looking for a great place to raise their children.
The new landmark scheme is within walking distance of Reading town centre, train station and Crossrail. Huntley Wharf offers a choice of innovative and high-quality properties across a range of apartment buildings while creating a new waterside destination in central Reading that provides residents and locals with a well-connected, walkable neighbourhood and a place to enjoy leisurely moments by the water.
Residential facilities at Huntley Wharf
Residents enjoy a range of amenities at Huntley Wharf that includes a state-of-the-art gym, friendly and helpful concierge service, a well-connected co-working studio, picturesque private podium gardens, a local store for all your needs, an on-site restaurant and coffee shop, and even a nursery for the little ones.
Why invest in Reading?
If the above was not enough to convince you of this property investment in the UK, then you’ll want to know that Reading is home to a thriving rental market with estimated rental yields up to 4.7% per annum*. Furthermore, Reading is one of the UK’s fastest-growing regions and is ranked in the top 10 most attractive small European cities for foreign direct investment. Not to mention that its high concentration of digital businesses positions it to be well-placed for long-term growth opportunities.
About Berkeley Middle East, Africa and India
Berkeley Group MEA and India provides easy access to a broad portfolio of best-in-class UK properties and offers local expertise to those looking to invest in this region. Our local team of experts speak Arabic and English and understands the needs of their clients and partners. From our office based in Downtown Dubai, we offer face-to-face support to our clients and partners across the Middle East, Africa and India to ensure an exceptional purchasing experience.
About the developer
As an award-winning developer, the Berkeley Group is renowned for creating exceptional homes and communities across London, Birmingham and the South of England. We are passionate about design and quality above all else, with all Berkeley homes being a representation of the care, expertise and attention to detail on which we pride ourselves. Equipped with excellent facilities, all Berkeley Group developments are built in collaboration with key stakeholders, tackling sustainability and climate change issues with every design.
To learn more about the Huntley Wharf development, or to discuss investment and purchase opportunities in this highly anticipated neighbourhood, contact the Berkeley Group today.
Sources: Haslams Letting Agent, March 2021
