It’s no secret that getting on the property market isn’t always an easy task.
But if you do happen to be in a position to get on the ladder, new research has unveiled the hottest spots for first-time buyers in the UK – and, occupying one of the top spots is a town dubbed an ‘island of despair.’
Any guesses? It’s Slough.
As per new figures from Halifax, this Berkshire town is the second hottest location for first-time buyers, who, in 2023, accounted for 73% of all property purchases in the area with an average first-time buyer price of £322,961.
Comparatively, the bustling city of Manchester took the top spot at 75% (with an average of £212,891), while Sandwell in the West Midlands came in third at 73% and a price of £179,058.
However, a few particularly scathing Reddit debates have seen Slough subjected to some intense criticism.
‘There are some nice places nearby, it’s just that Slough is an island of despair in the middle of one of the poshest areas of the country,’ @FeekyDoo penned, while @EllaSingsJazz argued that while it ‘used to be great for shopping,’ it’s now ‘completely run down.’
‘An unmatched opportunity to experience first-hand what Dante was trying to describe as purgatory,’ @GuybrushFunkwood added, as @sbos_ simply wrote: ‘grief.’
Is it really all doom and gloom though? From speedy rail connections into London to its proximity to greenery, there’s plenty Slough has going for it.
Things to do in Slough
Fancy immersing yourself in nature? Slough is home to both Black Park and Langley Country Park, featuring woodland trails, impressively colourful displays of flowerbeds, and ample space for long dog walks.
There’s also Alexandra Park, which dates back to 1893 and now hosts a playground, crazy golf course and numerous cafés – and in the winter, there’s even an ice rink and a Christmas market.
There are family-friendly activities aplenty to try too, including Absolutely Ice, where you can dabble in everything from ice-karting to skating and discos, as well as Slough Ice Arena and even Go Ape.
Around 3 miles south, Windsor is just on the doorstep – famously home to Windsor Castle (and Legoland, no less).
Here, you can watch the guards march throughout the year, or learn a little bit about the local history at Windsor and Royal Borough Museum.
And, if you’d like to stretch your legs, why not stroll along the aptly named Long Walk? The route was famously created by Charles II, and, spanning 5,000 acres of countryside, finishes up in the picturesque Windsor Great Park.
Transport links in Slough
With speedy railway links into central London, Slough is also an ideal commuter hotspot. Trains into Paddington run approximately seven times an hour and take between 18 and 33 minutes.
Plus, once you’re there, you’re easily connected to the rest of the Big Smoke via the Bakerloo, Circle and District Lines.
So, with all that in mind, perhaps don’t write Slough off just yet.
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