Hitchin, a historic market town in Hertfordshire, has been named London's most popular commuter town for 2026, according to a new study commissioned by Rightmove. The survey considered property prices, travel times, and local lifestyle, revealing that average property prices in Hitchin have reached £495,800, pricing out many local residents.
Rising prices and London influx
Local journalist Eleanor Noyce, who grew up in Hitchin, notes that locals have long complained about Londoners moving in and driving up house prices. Data from Hamptons exclusively shared with Metro last year shows that 9% of homes sold in Hertfordshire were bought by Londoners. During the 2024 General Election, it was a headline issue, as rents in the area rose by 36% in the five prior years, while house prices increased by 13%.
Commuter appeal
Despite the high cost, Hitchin's appeal is bolstered by its speedy commute to London. A train from Hitchin to King's Cross takes just 31 minutes. However, the cost of commuting averages over £3,000 a year, making it sometimes cheaper to live in the capital. According to the ONS, the average rent in North Hertfordshire is £1,421 per month, compared to £1,525 in London's cheapest borough, Bexley.
Local perspective
Noyce, who moved to London for work as a journalist, expresses bittersweet feelings about being unable to afford to return. She highlights Hitchin's attractions, including its market square, St Mary's Church (the largest in Hertfordshire), and the world-famous Hitchin Lavender farm, which was ranked the 10th most beautiful flower field in the world in 2024. The farm, run by a local family for over 120 years, offers pick-your-own lavender and sunflowers, as well as outdoor film screenings.
Housing market details
Over the last year, semi-detached homes in Hitchin sold for an average of £613,156, a 4% drop from the previous year, according to Rightmove data. The peak average price was £490,965 in 2022. Noyce notes that gentrification is evident with the arrival of chains like Gail's bakery, and she laments that she will likely never be able to afford to return permanently.
