Ipswich is among ten top UK property destinations, according to a digital newspaper.
According to The London Economic, affordable house prices and hourly commutes to London have earned Suffolk’s county town a slot in their top ten property destinations.
Beautiful beaches are also within a short distance, the publication adds, and with investment on the rise it is ranked alongside Reading, Margate and Liverpool as a location to watch.
Ipswich council leader David Ellesmere said the town’s cultural offer sets it apart from the rest.
“Ipswich is becoming recognised as a very attractive place to live nationally,” he said.
“We have got very good transport links, especially to London, and house prices are a lot cheaper in the area.
“In Ipswich we have got a fantastic cultural offer far better than what towns and cities bigger than us are offering.
“The town centre is improving, we have a great array of restaurants and shops and of course our fantastic Waterfront, which is also being improved with construction work beginning on the wine rack.
He added: “Things are only going to get better for Ipswich.”
Simon Clow, of Ipswich estate agents Palmer & Partners, said Ipswich is attractive for investment, particularly among first-time buyers.
“Ipswich is more affordable and therefore has more to offer to first time buyers, there is a distinct price difference between a town like Ipswich and Colchester,” he said.
“It is attractive to buyers generally, and I would agree that it is up and coming.
“Although there is only a short distance between them and it is only up the road, people are paying between 15% to 20% more.
“First time buyers are more likely to choose Ipswich, it has a lot to offer and is on the main route to London.”
Paul Clement is chief executive of the town’s business improvement district, Ipswich Central.
He said: “Time and again, Ipswich is emerging as a fast-growing place to be.
“This is a just reward for the Vision project which is, quite literally, turning our town around.”
To view the rankings in full, visit thelondoneconomic.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here