On 22 March, Didcot A Power Station was turned off after 43 years of service. Whether you viewed it as a local treasure or blot on the skyline, it marked the end of an era for Didcot. Despite the closure, as one of Oxfordshire’s most thriving towns, Didcot is an extremely popular place for property investors.
Why is Didcot so good for investors?
1. Didcot transport links
The local transport links are excellent and a number of major supermarkets have their distribution centres for the South East close to Didcot. As the town is in the heart of the South, it has easy access to the A34, M4 and M40. Didcot Parkway train station is a gateway to the whole of the South with both London Paddington and Bristol Parkway accessible in under an hour. Currently undergoing a £6.7m refurbishment, it is expected that the number of passengers using Didcot Parkway will increase from the 2.7 million recorded in 2011/2012. Just beside the station is Didcot Railway Centre which is a very popular tourist attraction. The accessibility for tenants working in London, Reading, Oxford and Bristol continues to sustain a high demand for rental property.
2. Increasing number of tenants looking to move into the area
There is also an increase in the number of tenants employed locally in the area. Just a few miles from Didcot is Diamond Light Source and Harwell Science Centre which employ over 4,500 people. Both science centres are world renowned so there is always an influx of scientists relocating to the area. Even closer is Milton Park which employs over 6,500 people across 200 organisations.
3. Shopping and leisure in Didcot
The Orchard Shopping Centre in Didcot is now a popular place, attracting people from the local towns of Abingdon and Wallingford and surrounding areas. Didcot Town has been much improved now boasting more than 30 stores including Argos, Sainsbury’s and Next, cafés, restaurants, an entertainment centre and cinema.
© Copyright Steve Daniels and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
For all these reasons, Chancellors Estate Agents in Didcot have seen a significant increase in the number of investors looking to buy in the area and many of our existing landlords are increasing their portfolio. Our lettings team has achieved some record high rents and in many cases landlords are receiving multiple offers. With Chancellors’ close links with local companies we are often contacted when they have employees moving to the area.
To talk to our local experts about investment property for sale in Didcot and the surrounding area, please contact Chancellors Didcot on 01235 811921.
Correct at time of publication. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of the Chancellors Group of Estate Agents Ltd or its subsidiaries. References to legislation, best practice and other matters with legal implications such as fees, rules and processes are included for information and editorial purposes only and are not authoritative, nor should they be interpreted as advice. When in doubt you should only take advice from an industry professional or solicitor where appropriate. E&OE.
