In a few months the High Speed Javelin Fleet will be carrying train passengers from Ashford to north London in 37 minutes. Hobbs Parker’s Alex Davies looks at this shot in the arm for the Kent property market.

I am delighted to hear recent reports High Speed 1 trains are to become operational from Ashford to London St Pancras from as soon as this spring and that a full service will be available from the end of the year.

Hobbs Parker is one of the longest established firms of chartered surveyors, auctioneers and estate agents in Ashford and our own offices were relocated to make way for the link so we follow developments very carefully.

It is no coincidence an increased level of inquiries have been received by my offices from property buyers planning to purchase in the area, with a view to using the service and looking to benefit from local house prices. There is a greater sense of awareness in London where an advertising campaign has contributed.

I expect this service to initially appeal to those in the upper property price brackets but over time a broader range of commuters are likely to materialise.

I believe we are now about to see the real benefit of the International Station to local people and commerce alike. The return of the Eurostar service to Brussels is also hugely welcome. The combined impact of a high speed London service and established Eurostar links should serve the business community particularly well.

All the indications are house prices may be stabilising so as Ashford emerges as a truly commutable town with high speed train links to both London and Europe, I can firmly predict we shall eventually enjoy house price growth to match the strength of this infrastructure and the early days of this service will provide a strong stimulus for recovering prices.

No-one should underestimate the substantial benefit to our region from these purpose-built 140mph trains, taking only 36.5 minutes from Ashford to London St Pancras and becoming operational ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

Business in Ashford is certain to benefit as the town is placed firmly on the map and the continued growth of the area should enjoy more inward investment as a result.

This service is likely to be closely monitored by the government and replicated elsewhere if successful so I believe we are on the verge of a high speed revolution in the Ashford area.