Chatham and the Medway towns offer exceptional value just an hour from London. Here's why landlords are increasingly looking to Kent for their next investment.
The Medway towns — Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester and Strood — are increasingly attracting attention from property investors who recognise that extraordinary value can still be found within the orbit of London. For landlords willing to look slightly further afield, Medway offers yields that are very difficult to achieve anywhere in Essex or Surrey.
The case for Medway
Property prices in Chatham and Gillingham are among the most competitive within London commuting distance anywhere in the South East. Two-bedroom flats available from £130,000-£180,000 and three-bedroom houses from £200,000-£270,000 create yield opportunities that landlords in more expensive markets can only envy.
Rents for two-bedroom properties in Medway typically achieve £850-£1,100 per month, producing gross yields of 6-9% on entry prices in this range.
London connectivity
High Speed 1 services from Chatham reach London St Pancras in approximately 50-55 minutes, while standard services reach London Victoria in around 65-70 minutes. Commute times are slightly longer than c2c or Thameslink from Essex or Surrey, but the yield differential more than compensates for many investors.
Local employment
The Medway towns have substantial local employment including the University of Greenwich Medway Campus (generating student rental demand), the Pentagon shopping complex, substantial NHS employment through Medway Maritime Hospital, and significant logistics and distribution employment.
Investment caution
Medway's high yields reflect both the value opportunity and some higher management requirements. Tenant screening needs to be thorough in some parts of Medway, and property condition at entry price points may require investment. Investors who manage their due diligence carefully can achieve excellent results.
Contact us to discuss property management across Medway and Kent.