Propertymarket-index recent report ‘Coastal Property Market for London Buyers Moving to the Coast’ indexes and rates the growth in the trend of owning property outside of London and on the coast. The report looks at the challenges of staying close enough to London for work or city life, while enjoying the lifestyle and culture that sea air and maritime history offers us.
Ramsgate topped the charts as it scored highly across each criterion considered. The town boasts efficient transport links and major regeneration projects which will hugely benefit the town’s economy. There is good value for money in this area, well within affordability of London buyers, with the average house price sitting less than half of that in London. The uplift in property movements from the capital to the coast seems to be because of the desire for a home with a view of the sea, more open spaces, a cleaner environment, and less crowded. Ramsgate offers an array of outdoor activities from water sports on the beach to scenic walking and cycling routes. There is a family friendly feel around this town with rich culture and heritage. This article takes a closer look at the town of Ramsgate, what is currently happening and how the future looks for the town.
Ramsgate was historically a posh town; the harbour was granted its royal status in 1821 by King George VI which sparked its transformation into a fashionable resort attracting many wealthy people down from London. Along the clifftops lay rows of elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses as well as pleasure gardens, promenades and posh hotels. It was also home to a young Queen Victoria when the town was in its heyday. Much of the architecture was influenced by Pugin who lived in the area and went on to develop the Houses of Parliament amongst many other famous buildings. Ramsgate today boasts hundreds of listed buildings with its historic legacy is still largely intact.
Ramsgate thrived again in the 1960s and 1970’s before a slump and its comeback over the past ten years. In 2021 the town is set to hold the Royal Harbour 200th Anniversary Festival which is set to include a Royal visitor to unveil a new Statue of HM King George IV on the Royal Harbour and possibly two Royal Navy ships. This event could be the biggest event in Ramsgate for 50 years.
Since the HS1 fast train was added there has been huge upsurge of interest in this seaside location – travel time into London has been cut by nearly an hour. The town is now within easy commute to London and the house prices are well within the affordability of the London buyer. The summer of 2020 saw the UK government give the go ahead for a new airport on the old Manston airbase and HS1 train station just outside of Ramsgate which would further reduce the train time into London.
This is not the only excitement in the town at the moment, Ramsgate is also benefitting from a massive £50 million re-development of the demolished Pleasurama site on Marina Esplanade, Royal Sands Ramsgate development. This development is situated right on the beachfront and will include 106 luxury apartments with uninterrupted sea views and private parking. As well as the apartments there will also be a hotel, leisure and retail alongside the beachside promenade. This is a really exciting project in the town and alongside other regeneration projects it will provide an economic boost in the area.
Ramsgate has a thriving arts and culture scene and there are many festivals which take place annually including Ramsgate Regatta, food and drink festivals and music events. There are some lovely places to eat in Ramsgate, many restaurants overlook the Royal Harbour including the Royal Harbour Brasserie on the harbour arm. The towns high street is in need of further investment, however out of town shopping is available at Westwood Cross Shopping centre nearby.
For those who love the outdoors there is plenty of action in and around Ramsgate. The beaches can be enjoyed alongside many different water sport activities. There is a 32-mile long cycle trail which follows some of the coast line round through neighbouring towns. Ramsgate is part of Thanet alongside Broadstairs and Margate, many people enjoy walks along the beaches to these neighbouring towns, this part of the coastline has 15 sandy beaches some of which are award winners.
The town also boasts two outstanding grammar schools and leading private schools. There are also many other schools in the surrounding areas. Property still well priced and good value for money compared with more well-known seaside towns, with an average house price around less than half of which in London.
Examples of properties for sale in Ramsgate, Kent:
