One cheap seaside town nicknamed God’s Waiting Room for its high population of pensioners is being invaded by rich Londoners as its popularity soars.
Bexhill in East Sussex has seen huge interest from young remote workers with jobs based in the capital due to its bargain housing prices.
The average London home is now valued at £706,000, according to Zoopla, with the median price tags for terraced and semi-detached homes hitting £781,000 and £776,000 respectively.
But in comparison, Bexhill’s housing seems like a bargain with the average price for a home in the town being £338,833 in March 2024 – about £367,000 less than London.
Prices have sent city folk flocking to the coast with the average home in Bexhill finding a buyer within 35 days.
But the young professionals will be sharing their new town with one of the oldest populations in the UK.
About a third of people living in Bexhill’s Rother district are aged 65 or over, according to the 2021 census giving it one of the highest median ages in the country of 54 years.
The figures made it the second oldest population in the country, finishing below Rustington in West Sussex which has a median age of 56.
For commuters the journey from Bexhill to London is easy but not quick, with the regular running train service taking just under two hours to reach stations in the capital.
The direct service which runs to either Victoria or Charing Cross is operated by Southern and a ticket can be purchased for as little as £10 in advance.
But commuters should beware that on the day of travel tickets can be as expensive as £45, with the drive taking roughly the same time as the train journey.
Bexhill has plenty of attractions to offer new residents from its shingle beach, which is perfect for strolls, to historic sites including the King George V Colonnade and the De La Warr Pavilion museum.
Those looking for a night out can venture to Brighton on the train which takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
