Named in a 2015 study as the best place in England and Wales to raise a family, Wokingham continues to feature highly on house-hunters' priority lists. The market town, situated in the heart of Berkshire, is also one of the safest places to live, as it boasts some of the region's lowest crime rates.
Not only does Wokingham provide everything its residents might need, the town offers easy access to both Reading in the west and London to the east, making it a big draw for city workers who prefer a little peace when away from the office.
If you're considering moving to Wokingham, it makes sense to take a closer look at the market here at present. Knowing exactly what's going on with prices and the variety of housing stock on offer should help you make your decisions.
Here, then, is all the important stuff…
A diverse market
There's something for everyone in this fantastic town – in terms of size, type and price. Of the 189 homes available at time of writing, more than half are detached, although there's a healthy selection of semi-detached (39) and terraced properties (17), as well as 28 flats.
There are homes to suit families of all sizes too. Four-bed houses make up the biggest proportion – with 54 currently available – while three-beds (48) and two-beds (40) follow closely behind. There are 28 five-bed properties on the market right now, meaning the smallest pool is predictably made up of one-bedroomed homes.
Property prices in Wokingham
With availability covered, let's take a closer at what's around in terms of price. The most populated bracket is £500,000 – £1 million, comprising 76 homes. There are 35 properties in the £400,000-to-£500,000 bracket; 32 priced between £300,000 and £400,000; and 30 between £200,000 and £300,000. The rest are split evenly across £100,000 – £200,000 and £1 million-plus.
Wokingham has an overall average property price of £434,518, according to the Land Registry data used by Rightmove. This figure differs between the various types of home available, however. Detached houses go for an average of £585,017, for example, while semi-detached sell for a much lower £381,515. Terraced properties fetch an average of £329,763.
Prices in the town have increased by 13 per cent over the past year, and are up 27 per cent on 2013. This growth is in line with the rest of the country.
Nearby areas in comparison
Wokingham may be top of your list, but that's no reason to ignore what's available in the other towns and villages nearby. Crowthorne is another fantastic option, for example. Here, you'll find that prices are similar, with the overall average standing at £438,266.
You may find that you get more for your money in Bracknell and Sandhurst, which have averages of £323,241 and £328,267 respectively – just remember, Wokingham is considered one of the UK's most desirable places to live for a reason!
The rental market in Wokingham
Fancy moving to Wokingham but can't fully commit just yet? There are a few rental properties on the market right now – 102 in fact. The average monthly fee of £1,405 is considerably higher than the national figure (excluding London) of £744. Once again, though, you do get what you pay for.
Compared with London, where the average is £1,560 pcm, Wokingham is a little cheaper. Also, the capital has a lot of flats to account for, so chances are you're getting more for your money back in Berkshire. Perfect if you're happy to commute.
Of course, there's a lot more to consider before you take the plunge and start looking for somewhere to live in Wokingham. You can start by reading our guide on the town itself, but if you still have questions left unanswered, get in touch with our local experts today.