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| The Orient Express at Shalford Railway Station, near Guildford |
He made the comment that Guildford had five railway stations (Guildford, London Road, Shalford, Chilworth and Gomshall) and therefore wondered what affect they may have had on local house prices having recognised that the train line had originally been built to provide the only means of transport available for those living in smaller villages on the edge of Guildford, back in the 1800's (other than the horse and cart).
Shalford became well known for "the Great Fair of Shalford" set up by a charter issued by King John. In its heyday, it was said to have covered 140 acres and attracted merchants from across the country.
The River Tillingbourne joins the River Wey at Shalford, adjacent to the parish church. For centuries, the river provided an important source of income for the village because it was used in industries such as gunpowder manufacture. Some claim that the author of The Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan, once lived in the village and drew his inspiration from the fair, and from the ancient route known as the Pilgrims' Way, which passes nearby, on its way to Canterbury.
The Genesis, singer/drummer Phil Collins had a home in Shalford named Old Croft, where he wrote music for his first solo album Face Value and also the Genesis album Duke.
Chilworth has an interesting industrial past. At various times in history it has been the location of a wire mill, a paper mill and gunpowder factory. Chilworth Gunpowder works was established in 1625 by the East India Company and finally closed in 1920.
When looking at the local house prices in Shalford and Chilworth compared to Guildford what we found out about the villages was quite interesting. The average value of a property in Shalford is £630,477 which is just £109,153 more expensive than the average price in Guildford and £132,217 more expensive than the neighbouring village of Chilworth.
The most expensive street in Shalford is Bradstone Brook where an average property is worth in excess of £1.17 million. The most expensive property in Shalford was a 6 bed house in Chinthurst Lane, sold for £2.35m this year.
The most expensive street in Chilworth is Sample Oak Lane where an average property is worth in excess of £1.87 million. The most expensive property in Chilworth was a 6 bed house in Sample Oak Lane, sold for £2.7m in 2012.
While the average house price in the more affluent postcode of Guildford (GU1) was slightly lower than in the neighbouring village of Shalford it still holds its head up as regards both the most expensive street and individual property.
The most expensive street in the GU1 postcode area is Northdown Lane, situated off Warwicks Bench Road (reported on in last week's feature blog) where the average value is £2.96m. A 6 bed house with 5 baths was sold there for £2.76m in 2007 but is now worth approximately £3,756,000 and is therefore considerably more than the most expensive properties in both Shalford and Chilworth.
Having lived in Shalford for the last 20 years my investor friend has seen his property price increase by 312% over this period of time. Property prices have risen by 315%, in Chilworth and 308% in Guildford respectively so there has been a slightly better appreciation in the villages than in Guildford but nevertheless it would appear that while the train enabled people to commute they still have a preference towards living in larger and more expensive homes, located close to Guildford town centre.
If you would like to have a chat about property prices in Guildford or a general discussion on investment opportunities in the area your call will always be welcome. Phone 01483 320207 or email richard@guildfordpropertyblog.co.uk
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