Kent Property Market Report 2025 Launched
Posted on 13 November 2025Ashford’s Resilience Amid Change
On 4th November 2025, Kent’s property sector converged on Ashford International Hotel for the launch of this year’s Kent Property Market Report. Created by Caxtons Property Consultants and Kent County Council, the report provides annual insights into Kent’s property market performance and outlook. The report shows that Ashford is cementing its position as a strategic growth hub in Kent, with regeneration and commercial development projects continuing to shape its property landscape. Despite economic headwinds, the town’s property market shows resilience and innovation across residential, commercial, and retail sectors.
Commercial & Industrial: Pipeline Strengthens
Industrial property availability rose to 145 sites in 2024/25, up from 125 the previous year. Planning activity remains robust, with 20 consents for industrial uses granted in 2024/25, the second highest amount in Kent. Industrial rents rose slightly to around £135 per Square Metre, just above Kent average prices but lower than traditional industrial clusters such as Dartford and Sittingbourne.
Key developments include Waterbrook Park Phase 2 expanding with commercial plots and a new David Lloyd club, and Entralon Gate at Orbital Park, offering five modern units totaling 54,000ft² for light industrial and logistics businesses.
Retail & Town Centre: Rents bounce back but remain a bargain
Retail rents in Ashford jumped 23% from 2024 to 2025, bringing retail rents back to their 2022 and 2023 levels. At £400 per Square Metre, retail space in Ashford is below Kent average rents, representing an opportunity for businesses looking to open in a well-served, large catchment area. The Ashford Designer Outlet also marked its 25th anniversary in 2025 after a record-breaking 2024, reinforcing its role as a regional shopping destination.
Residential Market: Prices Adjust, Development Accelerates
Average house prices in Ashford fell by 7% between Q2 2024 and Q2 2025, outperforming England and Wales (-10%). Prices dropped from £402,443 to £372,421, reflecting a market correction rather than decline. New-build sales prices per square foot now range from £332 to £450. Meanwhile, construction at Kings Crescent’s £90m The Triangle is adding 400 new homes, and Ashford Borough Council is advancing regeneration at the Kent Wool Growers site and Swanton House, delivering needed affordable and social housing. A major breakthrough came with the launch of Stour Environmental Credits Ltd, a joint venture between Ashford and Canterbury councils, unlocking stalled housing projects through nutrient mitigation credit trading.
Regeneration & Infrastructure: All change in towns and for rail connectivity
Ashford Borough Council is redeveloping Park Mall in Ashford Town Centre to integrate housing and commercial premises, while plans advance to transform the former Odeon site into a vibrant community and creative hub. In Tenterden, the regeneration of the former Embassy building has seen Loungers invest in the town alongside a new inclusive play and sensory hub with Rockits Sensory. The council is also lobbying for the return of international rail services, aiming to boost connectivity and economic growth, with Virgin Group having been announced as the main competitor to Eurostar by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
Investment & Outlook: Sustainability Leads
Despite uncertainty, Ashford’s property market remains resilient, supported by inward investment and regeneration. Sustainability is a priority, with modular, low-carbon temporary accommodation homes, delivered by the council and ZedPods, being an example of tackling the climate and housing crisis locally. Furthermore, feasibility studies for district heat networks continue to seek to deliver net zero energy infrastructure in the Borough. Overall the Kent Property Market Report suggests the outlook for 2026 is optimistic, with Ashford continuing to attract investors, businesses and residents alike.