Proximity to the new high speed railway line has already had a positive effect on sales in north Kent areas.

Whether it’s young professionals looking to commute into London, families moving out of London looking for more space, downsizers who still want be close to London, or buyers wanting a second home by the sea, the proposed easy journey is a real draw.

Plus property prices are still relatively lower in this area than similar commuter locations in the other home counties. Most parts of the county also have the added benefit of being so close to the beautiful Kent coast – in fact we have more coastline than any of the neighbouring counties – another huge attraction for people of all ages.

Having maybe been ignorant of quite how much Kent has to offer in the past, buyers from further afield are also catching on. And it’s not just the property appeal – for those interested in yachting, sailing, golf or angling, there are several clubs. Perhaps the secret is out of just how lovely a place we live in, but it is good for the value of our properties.

Ebbsfleet, Ashford, Canterbury and Ramsgate, along with Folkestone, will all benefit from shorter journey times to London when high-speed rail services begin this December. So all areas within driving distance of these stations or with connecting lines are really set to benefit.

Not all the new times are confirmed, but as a guide, the journey from Ashford International to St Pancras International will take 37 minutes, reduced from up to 84 minutes, and Ramsgate to St Pancras will take 80 minutes, a saving of up to 49 minutes.

We are seeing a surge in sales near these stations, or stations that link with the larger hub stations on the high-speed route. Meanwhile, Herne Bay and Whitstable are both also set to benefit, and homes here have proven especially popular since news of the new rail links.

At Hampton Heights, a development by Blueberry Homes of 24 stylish two and three-bedroom luxury apartments, situated in Hampton Bay, there have been several sales, with 11 reserved since the launch less than two months ago.

Buyers include a range of local downsizers and younger couples as well as investors from further afield, a promising sign.