The only way is Essex: Thurrock named most popular location for Londoners fleeing the capital

 
On the map: Thurrock brought us Russell Brand and scenes from Indiana Jones (Picture: Getty/LUCASFILM)
Ruth Bloomfield3 February 2015

The most popular destination for Londoners leaving the capital is Thurrock, a study has found.

The report, by Hamptons International, highlights the top 20 locations Londoners have relocated to in the last year.

Researchers say the appeal of the Essex borough of Thurrock, where Russell Brand was born, includes its green space — more than half its area is designated as Green Belt land.

It also boasts the Lakeside shopping centre, which opened in 1990. Its Tilbury Docks were used to film scenes in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Batman Begins and the 2004 Jude Law remake of film Alfie.

But Johnny Morris, head of research at Hamptons, said the chief motivation for Londoners thinking of moving to Thurrock was price.

“The gap between buying in London and in places like Thurrock is absolutely huge,” he said. “We have seen an increase in the number of first-time buyers looking further afield for a home they can afford as prices in London continue to increase.”

The top 20 is based on Land Registry figures showing the places which had the greatest number of new residents moving from London last year.

According to figures, flats in London sold for an average of £451,194 last year, with terraced properties selling for £586,532. In Thurrock, the average price of a flat was £120,556, with houses going for £219,852.

Londoners moving there spent an average of £189,591 on their purchases. “Thurrock is the first place, going out of London, where the prices are affordable for people on normal money,” said Glen Kempster, director of Howgate & Kempster estate agents.

He believes Grays — the largest town in the borough and where comedian Brand was born — is the obvious choice for commuters since trains to Fenchurch Street take 35 minutes. An annual season ticket costs £3,272.

The list includes four Essex areas, three in Kent, five in Surrey, five in Hertfordshire and one in Bedfordshire, as well as Brighton and Bath.

The top ten destinations (and the average amount spent by exiting Londoners)

1 Thurrock, Essex (£189,591)

2 Epping Forest, Essex (£428,151)

3 Medway, Kent (£183,429)

4 Elmbridge, Surrey (£801,012)

5 Broxbourne, Hertfordshire (£341,371)

6 Spelthorne, Surrey (£899,676)

7 Reigate & Banstead, Surrey (£408,130)

8 Hertsmere, Hertfordshire (£456,343)

9 Dartford, Kent (£210,887)

10 Epsom & Ewell, Surrey (£555,958)

(Source: Hamptons International/ Land Registry)

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