Anyone who bought a property along the Crossrail route during the first wave of building must be feeling pretty pleased with themselves.
Home values within a mile of one of the 40 stations opening from the end of the year have leapt by an average of 66 per cent since 2009 — 15 per cent above the average price increase, a Hamptons International study shows.
At the western end of the 60-mile route, Reading continues to be an Elizabeth line winner as the link will benefit commuters living in the wider Berkshire area as well as the town itself.
Just outside Reading, urban development gives way to country scattered with small villages, some lining the Thames. Prices are about 10 per cent below comparable homes further west in Oxfordshire.
Reading is an important regional commercial centre, feeding off the M4 Heathrow business corridor. A quarter of office space being built in the western M4 corridor is in Reading and the link to Paddington is one of the UK's fastest-growing commuter routes, with the station getting a £425 million revamp.
The Brick Works is a scheme of warehouse offices, while 18-storey Verto is Reading's tallest apartment block, a canalside tower with three roof gardens and 103 homes from £262,250. Call Halams (0118 960 1010).
