Living near popular cycling routes could add value to your home

While it was once golf that tempted people to move out of the cities into the countryside, nowadays access to good cycling routes is a key factor in buying a house, according to estate agents.

The spike in cycling's popularity in recent years, coupled with the increase in bike shops, cycling cafes and cycling clubs, finding some good places to ride a bike has become much sought after by house hunters.

“A remarkable number of my clients have really expensive bits of cycling gear in their garages. Where 20 years ago golf drew buyers to leave London and move to the Home Counties, now it’s cycling,” Nick Mead, partner at The Buying Solution, told the Telegraph.

“It’s not just about the exercise but the social aspect too. Bike shops are becoming community hubs.”

Areas around London in particular have seen increased interest from keen cyclists, with Surrey and the Chilterns offering plentiful routes as well as easy access to the capital for work.

“The growing trend for cycling has definitely introduced a new type of buyer to the patch and added a premium to homes with the Surrey Hills right on the doorstep,” says Charles Davenport, of Knight Frank.

“The challenging terrain, plus the cycle shop Lovelo and trendy café The Cog are making Berkhamsted and Tring desirable cycling hubs,” said Knight Frank's Oliver Beales, adding that unlike golf, cycling doesn't require on to live near a specific course. “Simply to be in an area such as the Chilterns or Surrey Hills is now a significant draw."

And it's not just the areas around London that are feeling the boost, with areas such as Cambridge and Bristol also among the areas where cycling is a factor in a buyer's decision making, according to the Telegraph.