I live in one of the UK’s priciest towns with house prices over £1m - why I'd never move
Beaconsfield, located in Buckinghamshire, is a gorgeous market town I've lived near my whole life and recently moved to. Here's what makes it such a great area and one huge downside homebuyers face.
Beaconsfield is a market town in Buckinghamshire, close to the M40 and around 23 miles northwest of central London.
Its first known documentary reference was in 1185, thought to be of Saxon origin, and also evidence of two Roman roads.
The town has a rich history and many original buildings, including churches and rectories still standing today.
It’s not just one of the most expensive places to live in Buckinghamshire but has been named several times as one of the most expensive in the UK.
It’s easy to see why, from its old town to its new town, there’s something about Beaconsfield that makes it feel welcoming.
Things to do in Beaconsfield include visiting the model village as well as its plenty of eateries both in the old town and new town.
It’s also home to the Crazy Bear Hotel, one of the oldest documented buildings in the town, a 15th-century coaching inn.
The hotel has been restored and elaborately designed to provide dramatic architecture as well as luxury, with gorgeous food and a brilliant afternoon tea.
In the new town, particular favourites include Fego which offers a delicious brunch and The Beech House.
Located just down the road is The Royal Standard of England, a truly historic pub which is said to be the oldest pub in Britain.
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It has been used for many film and television appearances including The Theory of Everything, Hot Fuzz and Midsomer Murders.
There are plenty of nearby towns too, including Gerrards Cross, Amersham and High Wycombe, all with plenty to do, making Buckinghamshire even more appealing for homebuyers.
However, being such a nice area also means the house prices are extortionate and very unaffordable for first-time buyers like me.
Properties in Beaconsfield had an overall average price of £1,064,914 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
The majority of sales in the town during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £1,545,415.
Flats sold for an average of £456,460, with semi-detached properties fetching £730,263.
Overall, sold prices in Beaconsfield over the last year were nine percent down on the previous year and six percent down on the 2020 peak of £1,129,574.
There is plenty of variety when it comes to houses in the town, with lots of flats, semi-detached and detached homes, but there are also huge mansions.
At the time of writing, there are 254 properties for sale in the town, with the most expensive on the market for £8,950,000.
In fact, there are only a handful of homes under the £1,000,000 mark, making it hard for any first-time buyers to buy in the area.
However, it’s easy to see why the town is a favourite for many celebrities, with close links to London and a slice of countryside too.
Famous faces who have lived in and around Beaconsfield include Tess Daly, Vernon Kay and Cheryl.
