Kent Property Market Report 2026/27
Posted on 6 November 2026Ashford is strengthening its position as one of Kent’s most exciting locations for business, investment and development, with millions of pounds of investment, ambitious regeneration plans and significant new commercial and residential opportunities highlighted in the Kent Property Market Report 2026–27.
The latest annual report, produced by Kent County Council and property consultants Caxtons, paints an encouraging picture of Ashford’s future, showcasing the scale of development activity taking place across the borough and the opportunities this presents for businesses, investors and developers.
At the heart of this growth is the Ashford International Station Investment Area (AISIA), which is emerging as one of Kent’s most significant regeneration and investment opportunities.
Covering 33 hectares of brownfield land around Ashford International Station, the area brings together plans for housing, commercial development, skills, transport and low-carbon infrastructure. Around £16 million of investment is planned or progressing across the area, helping to create the foundations for long-term economic growth and strengthening the case for the future return of international rail services.
A town centre being transformed
Ashford’s town centre is seeing significant change, with a series of regeneration projects designed to create a more vibrant place to live, work, shop and visit.
Planning applications for the Tanyard and former Civic Centre regeneration schemes could deliver around 200 new homes, alongside improved public spaces and the restoration of heritage buildings.
The former Park Mall shopping centre site is also being prepared for its next chapter. Following demolition, a temporary 200-space town centre car park has been created while longer-term plans for a mixed-use redevelopment progress.
Meanwhile, the former Odeon cinema is being brought back to life as a cultural, creative and community destination. The proposals include a flexible performance, events and creative space with capacity for 200 people, helping to increase town centre footfall and support the evening economy.
Elwick Place is establishing itself as a major leisure destination, strengthening Ashford’s hospitality and entertainment offer, while its second phase retains planning permission for approximately 200 homes.
Retail confidence is also evident. Primark has committed to opening a new 29,000 sq ft store at County Square in late 2027, taking over the former Debenhams store and part of the adjoining Select unit. The investment is expected to create jobs, attract additional visitors and reinforce Ashford’s position as an important retail destination.
Major opportunities for housing and development
Ashford’s growth ambitions extend well beyond the town centre, with substantial residential development opportunities across the borough.
One of the most significant is Newtown Works, described in the report as one of the South East’s largest brownfield regeneration opportunities. A planning application has been submitted for approximately 815 new homes, alongside commercial space, community facilities and improvements to the public realm.
Further south, the South of Ashford Garden Community represents a major long-term opportunity, with plans for approximately 7,250 homes and supporting infrastructure.
Other developments include Swanton House, which will provide 34 apartments on a vacant historic site and the Conybeare site which will provide 28 affordable homes alongside a Community Sheds project.
Together, these developments demonstrate the scale of Ashford’s housing ambitions and the potential to create new neighbourhoods, support local services and generate opportunities for businesses throughout the construction and development supply chains.
Investment in skills, sustainability and infrastructure
Economic growth is not just about new buildings. The report also highlights investment in the infrastructure, skills and facilities needed to support a successful local economy.
Ashford College Phase 3 is unlocking more than £9 million of investment in new teaching facilities and student amenities, helping to strengthen the borough’s skills and education offer.
There are also exciting plans to improve sustainability. The proposed Stour Centre Solar Array would feature more than 1,500 solar panels across 26 canopies, covering 234 parking bays and generating approximately 1MW of renewable electricity annually.
These projects demonstrate how Ashford is looking to combine economic development with investment in skills and lower-carbon infrastructure.
A growing visitor economy and distinctive business offer
The borough’s economic strengths also include its visitor economy, with Tenterden playing an important role in the wider growth story.
Investment in the town’s leisure centre and the successful reuse of the historic Embassy Building demonstrate confidence in Tenterden’s local economy.
Ashford is also gaining recognition as a centre for England’s and Kent’s growing wine industry. The launch of the Kentish Wine Way and increasing collaboration between local vineyards are helping to raise the borough’s profile as a destination for wine tourism, hospitality and related businesses.
Meanwhile, the borough’s established commercial locations continue to provide opportunities for businesses looking to expand or relocate.
The report highlights available office accommodation at Eureka Business Park, including Inca House, offering approximately 15,096 sq ft, as well as opportunities at Eurogate Business Park, where office suites of up to 6,789 sq ft are available.
There is also evidence of continuing activity in the industrial sector. A letting highlighted in the report was 5 Vanguard Industrial Estate which saw Hovat Ltd take 21,197 sq ft of accommodation on a 10-year lease.
Looking ahead: a borough with ambition
The emerging Ashford Local Plan 2043 will provide the framework for the borough’s future housing, employment and infrastructure growth, with adoption targeted for March 2028.
While the wider property market continues to face economic challenges, the Kent Property Market Report highlights the resilience of the county and the continued progress of major developments.
For Ashford, the combination of strategic brownfield regeneration, commercial opportunities, new housing, skills investment, retail confidence and a growing visitor economy provides a compelling picture of the opportunities ahead.
With £16 million of investment planned or progressing around its international station, major regeneration schemes moving forward and a strong pipeline of development opportunities, Ashford is continuing to build its reputation as a place where businesses can invest, grow and succeed.
