From which city is it better to commute to work in London: research

In the UK, a study was conducted to determine the most favorable places for commuters working in London. These cities include Chatham, Northampton, Dover, and Sheerness.

The study categorized the cities based on average mortgage payments in each area and the cost of a monthly pass. It is emphasized that the number of passengers is still significantly lower than before the pandemic, with almost half of office workers now commuting five days a week to London from other cities, as reported by TheTelegraph.

According to the study, Chatham is recognized as the best place for commuting within a 40-minute train ride from London. The average monthly mortgage payment for a 25% deposit was £1,223.

Meanwhile, the journey from the northern city of Kent to the capital takes 38 minutes, costing £504 for a monthly pass, including a 4.9 percent increase in rail fares. This means commuters spend £1,727 each month in travel and mortgage costs, based on a 75% loan-to-value for the average home in the area.

It is emphasized that this is £1,313 less than the average combined cost of trains and housing in all commuter towns between 20 and 40 minutes outside London, resulting in savings of £15,756 in one year. The next cities with the best value for money were Rochester and Gravesend, also in Kent.

Next is Northampton, which offers the best value for money for commutes of 40 minutes to an hour. The city is a 46-minute train ride from London, with a monthly pass costing £688. Although this is above average for towns the same distance from London, significant savings come with a mortgage, as the average repayment for a deposit-only loan in Northampton is £839 per month. Combining mortgage repayments and rail fares, commuters spend £1,528 each month, saving £1,155 compared to the average.

The next best cities for commuters are Gillingham in Kent and Tilbury Town in Essex. Additionally, Dover is the cheapest option for commuters traveling between one hour and 80 minutes from London, with the journey taking 67 minutes. Commuters pay £645 monthly for travel, but with an average monthly mortgage payment of £920, the total monthly cost is £1,565. This was followed by Southampton Central, Hampshire, and Ipswich, Suffolk.

The farthest from London is Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey in the north of Kent. It is a 96-minute train ride from London, with a monthly pass costing £532 and an average mortgage repayment of £902. This means commuters can live and travel from the island for an average of £1,435 per month. Those who live there will pay £10,332 less annually than the average for cities located at the same distance from London.

Experts add that after the pandemic restrictions are lifted, employees will return to their offices at least a few days a week. Therefore, commuting and all associated costs and logistics are back in the spotlight for buyers. However, as mortgage costs remain high, it is imperative that they consider whether the benefits of lower monthly costs outweigh the longer commute time.

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