by Jo Sword

Enquiries from potential house buyers in Ashford are steaming ahead - thanks to a 21st century train service.

Just weeks after it was launched, the High Speed Rail Link 'preview service' appears to be having a positive effect on house sales in Ashford.

The service, which runs through the town, is not even set to start for real until December. But buyers are said to be snapping up homes on the back of the positive start to the service.

Journey times to the capital have been slashed from an hour-and-a-half to 37 minutes.

According to Alex Davies, director at Ashford-based estate agents Hobbs Parker, buyers are prepared to pay the price of a season ticket to swap city living for the fresh air and countryside that Kent has to offer.

He said Hobbs Parker has seen interest in Ashford properties by London buyers go up between 15 and 20 per cent.

"The interest in Ashford's commutability is occupying a lot of our time," he said.

"We've already arranged a number of sales for people looking to exchange house prices in the capital for greater value in the Ashford area. We're definitely noticing a surge in interest from buyers who now see the town as commutable."

With house prices in the Kent town 20 per cent to 34 per cent lower than in comparable commuter areas in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Surrey, it is no surprise the Ashford is becoming a new hot spot.

A recent report commissioned by London and Continental Railways suggests fast rail services into London will boost property prices in Ashford by at least £12,800.