Commuter towns benefit from London property prices

The lack of affordable housing in London is forcing prospective buyers towards commuter towns around the fringes of the city.

That is according to the National Housing Federation (NHF), which argues the capital is unable to meet the housing demands of prospective buyers.

"There's no doubt cities in the south-east are seeing substantial growth, and we're particularly seeing the creation of new commuter areas outside London," said a NHF spokesman.

"Towns like Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead, Leighton Buzzard; these are all towns which have seen many more new homes and many more commuters arriving in them, as the capital simply isn't able to provide affordable housing or suitable homes."

The NHF was speaking in response to prime minister Gordon Brown's recent commitments to build 240,000 new homes annually until 2020.

It is hoped the plans will alleviate housing shortages in several areas of the country, including the capital.

While commuter towns can be attractive, London is the desired destination for my homebuyers.

"There are attractions to commuter towns – these areas are greener, more spacious. But for a lot of people it isn't actually a choice [to move there]; a lot of people would prefer to remain in the city, but actually find themselves forced to a commuter town because it's simply not affordable to live in London anymore," continued the NHF spokesman.

"Rather than commuting a long distance, a lot of people would prefer to live near their jobs; but they can't do so."

And it is the most vulnerable groups who suffer most.

"First-time buyers are looking to get a foot on the ladder, and London's simply impossible.

"But also for families who are looking to move up the ladder, going from a two-bedroom to a three-bedroom property; sometimes that's just not possible in London, so moving out is their only option," concluded the NHF.