Thanks to remote work, places like St. Albans, Windsor, and Sevenoaks have become surprisingly expensive. They’re not cities themselves, but they carry a “London premium” because everyone wants a garden and a fast train. A direct line to King’s Cross can cost you £600 a month just in tickets.
Here’s the modern twist: you’re paying for space and soul, not just square footage. Practical tip: check if your employer offers a season ticket loan or a cycle-to-work scheme—it can save you thousands. Fun fact: St. Albans has the highest number of estate agents per person in the UK, which tells you everything about the competition for homes.