Let’s face it – buying a house in Tunbridge Wells hasn’t been easy in recent years. TN1 and the surrounding “Royal” postcodes have seen prices soar, leaving many buyers and investors priced out or compromising on space.
But just a short walk, or a faster train stop, away lies a quieter success story. In 2026, Southborough and High Brooms are emerging as the value gap zones: areas that offer the Tunbridge Wells lifestyle without the town centre premium.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for your first foothold in Kent or a landlord seeking long-term growth, now is the moment to look north of the Pantiles.
What’s driving the shift?
Several forces are converging in 2026 to make Southborough and High Brooms two of the most interesting areas on the Tunbridge Wells map:
1. Transport improvements
High Brooms station has seen timetable upgrades and investment in facilities. With faster, more frequent services to London Bridge, Waterloo East and Charing Cross, the area is now a genuine commuter favourite, without the TN1 price tag.
2. The Local Plan
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Local Plan is focused on easing housing pressure by encouraging high-quality, sustainable development in and around Southborough. This includes:
- New family housing
- Improved retail and community amenities
- Green corridor protection and local park investment
- Sensible infill projects, not overdevelopment
3. Lifestyle catch-up
Southborough’s high street is evolving. While it’s not as polished as The Pantiles, the area now offers:
- Independent cafés
- Artisan food shops
- Access to the leafy green space of Southborough Common
- Walkable routes to schools, gyms and sports clubs
The 2026 value gap: What buyers are discovering
In early 2026, buyers and investors are realising they can gain more space, better transport, and a strong community feel, all while saving tens (sometimes hundreds) of thousands on purchase price compared to TN1 or the villagey west side of Tunbridge Wells.
Here’s how prices compare:
| Location | Average 3-bed house price (Jan 2026) | Difference from central TW |
| Central Tunbridge Wells (TN1) | £725,000 | – |
| Southborough | £595,000 | ~18% less |
| High Brooms | £545,000 | ~25% less |
It’s not just about saving on the purchase – lower prices mean lower deposits, less stamp duty, and a more accessible path to homeownership or investment.
Buy a house in Tunbridge Wells, but buy smart
If your dream has always been to own in Tunbridge Wells, Southborough and High Brooms now offer a smarter, strategic route in.
Here’s why buyers are acting now:
First-time buyers
- More affordable family homes in good condition
- Access to good-rated local schools
- Fast, walkable access to High Brooms station
- Near parks, shops and transport – without the hustle of town centre
Upsizers and relocators
- More space for the money
- Gardens, off-street parking, and scope to extend
- Community feel with access to Tunbridge Wells culture
Landlords and investors
- Strong rental demand from London commuters
- Lower capital outlay and higher yield potential
- Tenant interest in eco-conscious 1930s and 1950s homes
- Long-term capital growth as regeneration takes hold
Streets to watch in Southborough and High Brooms
We know the local patch well, and these streets are especially active in early 2026:
Birken Road & Taylor Street
Charming Victorian terraces, many already modernised. A favourite with first-time buyers and young professionals.
Ridgeway and Pinewood Gardens
Post-war semis offer larger plots, often with driveways. Perfect for growing families and landlords eyeing strong yields.
Yew Tree Road & Southborough Drive
Close to the heart of Southborough with great access to schools and local cafés. Increasing demand is pushing prices gently upward but there’s still value to be found.
High Brooms Road
Ideal for commuters. Many houses are within a 5–10 minute walk of the station, with strong interest from renters and buyers alike.
Southborough property market 2026: The growth story
The area has seen a steady year-on-year price growth of 4.8%, outperforming parts of central Tunbridge Wells, where price inflation has started to level off.
And with new housing stock being delivered under the Local Plan, infrastructure upgrades continuing, and buyer awareness rising, that growth looks set to continue.
Rental demand is also strong. In Q1 2026:
- Two-bed homes in Southborough average £1,450 pcm
- Three-bed homes in High Brooms let for £1,700–£1,850 pcm
- Void periods are low, especially for homes near the station or school catchments
First-time buyer homes in Kent: A rare opportunity
While many parts of Kent have seen sharp rises, Southborough and High Brooms still offer realistic options for first-time buyers, particularly those moving out from London.
Schemes such as shared ownership, Deposit Unlock, and green mortgages can make these purchases even more affordable in 2026.
With many homes already meeting EPC Band C (or upgrade-ready), buyers can also benefit from better mortgage deals tied to energy performance.
Investing in property in Tunbridge Wells: Why timing matters
Many investors assume Tunbridge Wells is too expensive or too mature a market to deliver value. But 2026 proves otherwise.
The key is to invest in the rising zones – not the already-maxed-out ones.
Here’s what makes Southborough and High Brooms ideal for investment:
- Strong commuter base (London in under 50 minutes)
- Steady capital growth projected over next 5 years
- Tenant demand from healthcare workers, civil service, retail professionals and hybrid-working couples
- Proximity to grammar and independent schools increases appeal
And with Belvoir’s support, you won’t just invest, you’ll maximise your return and stay compliant.
Eco-compliance and the Renters’ Rights Act 2026
As of 2026, investors must also stay ahead of legislation, especially:
- EPC Band C expectations (likely to become mandatory by 2028)
- Mandatory registration of all rental properties on the National Landlord Portal
- Stricter repair and documentation rules under the Renters’ Rights Act
If you’re buying a home in Southborough or High Brooms, look for:
- Modern boilers and smart heating controls
- Cavity wall and loft insulation
- Double-glazing
- EPC Band C or scope to upgrade
Belvoir Tunbridge Wells can arrange EPC reviews, upgrade roadmaps, and fully managed lettings to ensure you stay compliant and profitable.
Belvoir Tunbridge Wells: Your local partner in a shifting market
At Belvoir, we combine hyper-local knowledge of RG1, RG4 and TN4 with a national understanding of what makes property investment work.
Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth investment property, we offer:
- Property search support and area insight
- Lettings valuations and rental yield forecasts
- EPC and compliance reviews
- Fully Managed landlord services
- Ongoing support as legislation evolves
We’re not just here to find tenants, we’re here to help you build a secure, long-term portfolio in Tunbridge Wells and beyond.
Final word: Buy well, buy now
The rise of Southborough and High Brooms isn’t a short-term trend – it’s the result of long-term planning, infrastructure investment and buyer demand shifting in smart directions.
If you’re thinking of buying a house in Tunbridge Wells in 2026, ask yourself:
- Do I want more for my money?
- Do I need strong commuter links?
- Do I value growth and stability over postcode snobbery?
If so, this is the moment to act, and Southborough is where to start.
Book your 2026 buying or investment consultation today
Whether you’re a buyer, investor or both, Belvoir Tunbridge Wells is here to help you find, assess and manage your next move with confidence.
