Estate agents have also defended Hemel Hempstead against its ‘ugly’ epithet by sharing the qualities that attract new homeowners to the Dacorum town.
Aaron Shaw, senior negotiator at Connells in Marlowes, said the most attractive thing for people new to Hemel Hempstead is affordability, while colleague Simon Beazley said: “You do get a lot more value for money here, and there are good links to other places like London and Watford.”
Brown and Merry, also in Marlowes, reports its home sales in Hemel Hempstead are up 45 per cent this year, compared to just a 15 per cent increase across Herts generally.
Area director Jonathan Weedon said: “Hemel is host to a number of local attractions and beauty spots. As far as buildings go, we have a number of historic and beautiful examples so there really is a lot to recommend to those looking for a great, and attractive, place to live. Indeed, our home sales are up in Hemel which speaks volumes about the appeal of the town.”