Moving to Kent from London: The Complete 6 Guide
Thousands of Londoners make the move to Kent every year. More space, lower prices and a greener lifestyle — here is everything you need to plan your move successfully.
Get a London to Kent Quote — 07721935061Moving to Kent from London is one of the most popular relocation decisions in South East England. Lower house prices, larger properties, good schools and faster rail connections to Central London have made Kent the top choice for Londoners looking for more space without losing their London income. This guide covers the best areas, commute times, costs and exactly how to plan your London to Kent move.
Why People Are Moving to Kent from London
- Average house prices in Kent are 40 to 60% lower than equivalent London properties
- Three and four bedroom houses are widely available at prices comparable to one bedroom London flats
- Rail services to London Bridge, Cannon Street, Charing Cross and St Pancras are fast and frequent
- The Kent countryside, coast and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are within easy reach
- Kent schools consistently perform above the national average
- Remote and hybrid working has made longer commutes more manageable for many households
Best Areas in Kent to Move to from London
| Area | Train to London | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sevenoaks | 25 min to London Bridge | Affluent commuter town, excellent schools, AONB nearby |
| Tonbridge | 40 min to London Bridge | Market town feel, strong schools, River Medway |
| Dartford | 30 min to London Bridge | Affordable, good transport links, regenerating town centre |
| Gravesend | 35 min to London Bridge | Thames-side, affordable, strong community |
| Maidstone | 70 min to London Victoria | County town, best value for larger family homes |
| Swanley | 30 min to London Victoria | M25 access, affordable, popular with families |
Property insight: According to Rightmove, the average property price in Kent is significantly lower than in London boroughs with equivalent rail journey times. Sevenoaks averages around £550,000 compared to over £750,000 for equivalent zones in South East London.
Moving to Kent from London: What to Plan
Do the commute from the specific property at rush hour. Check the station car park situation. Walk the high street. Kent towns vary enormously in character — Sevenoaks and Tonbridge feel very different from Dartford or Gravesend.
Completion date weekends fill up fast. Book your man and van as soon as your completion date is confirmed. London to Kent routes are in high demand, especially on Fridays and at month end.
Use the GOV.UK address change service to update HMRC, DVLA and other government services. Set up a Royal Mail redirect so nothing gets lost in the transition.
Network Rail and Southeastern offer annual season tickets between most Kent stations and Central London. The cost is significant but tax-efficient if purchased through an employer salary sacrifice scheme.
Register with a local GP, update your electoral roll registration, and update your car insurance and breakdown cover to your new postcode. Some Kent postcodes carry lower insurance premiums than London postcodes.
How Much Does a London to Kent Move Cost?
| Move Size | Example Route | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Studio flat | Lewisham to Dartford | £130-£195 |
| 1 bed flat | Croydon to Sevenoaks | £195-£260 |
| 2 bed flat | Greenwich to Gravesend | £260-£390 |
| 3 bed house | South London to Maidstone | £340-£510 |
All prices based on our hourly rates (£65/hr with 1 man, £85/hr with 2 men). Fuel included for Kent routes. No ULEZ surcharge on the London portion as our vans are fully compliant.
ULEZ and the London to Kent Route
Any move starting in London will pass through the ULEZ zone. Non-compliant vans face a daily charge of £12.50, which some operators pass on to customers. All Affordable Man and Van vehicles are fully ULEZ compliant, so there is no surcharge on any London to Kent route we operate.
You can check any vehicle's ULEZ compliance using the TfL ULEZ vehicle checker.