Folkestone - Our Very Own Place In The Sun

I’ve lived in Folkestone all my life, so I’d like to think I’m not easily surprised by it anymore, but weekends like the one we’ve just had still stop me in my tracks a bit.

The sun came out properly, and with it, the town just came alive. I was down by the Folkestone Harbour Arm yesterday and it was as busy as I’ve seen it in a long time.

The beach was packed, people in the water, queues outside food spots, music playing, it had that real holiday feel to it. And yet for a lot of people, this isn’t a holiday. It’s home, or at least it soon will be.

That’s the thing with Folkestone. When it looks like that, it doesn’t take much convincing.

I ended up chatting to a couple at Gaia Studios, they’d come down from Stratford just for the day. Nothing unusual in that. But by the time we’d finished talking, they were already looking ahead, asking about areas, schools, what they could get for their money.

One good weekend in the sun and suddenly it’s not just a day trip anymore, it’s a serious thought. And I see that happen all the time.

People come here for a bit of sea air and a change of pace, and they get a glimpse of something that feels a bit more permanent. Space, fresh air, a slower rhythm, but without feeling cut off. You can still get back into London easily, but you don’t necessarily feel the need to.

From a property point of view, weekends like this do more than any brochure ever could.

Buyers aren’t just viewing houses, they’re picturing their lives here. Morning walks along the coast, evenings on the harbour, kids on the beach instead of stuck indoors. It becomes real very quickly.

And that’s why the market responds the way it does.

We’ve seen steady growth here for a while now, and I don’t see that slowing down. Demand is strong, particularly from people relocating out of London, and supply only stretches so far. When Folkestone shows itself at its best, like it did this bank holiday, it gives people that final push.

If you’re thinking of selling, there’s a real opportunity right now. The town is firmly on people’s radar, and buyers are motivated. And if you’re looking to buy, whether that’s stepping up or getting onto the ladder, it’s worth acting sooner rather than later. Prices have been moving in one direction, and all the signs suggest that will continue.

I suppose what I’m saying is this: I’ve seen Folkestone in all weathers, over many years. But when the sun shines like it just has, you’re reminded exactly why people choose to stay.

And more often than not, once they’ve seen it like that, they don’t look elsewhere. Interested in moving? Give me a call on 01303 475085 or email me: lee.churchyard@match-estates.co.uk to see if we can help!