In this guide, we’re exploring why you should consider moving to Farnborough to find your next home. You will find Farnborough in northeast Hampshire, just 45 miles from London. That makes it a popular commuter town, but there are so much more than convenient travel links to the capital. This charming town is filled with pretty properties, a friendly atmosphere and a range of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and traditional pubs.
A brief history of Farnborough
Farnborough has strong ties to the aviation industry, with His Majesty’s Balloon Factory opening in 1904. It was later renamed the Royal Aircraft Factory (RAF) and is responsible for pioneers like Geoffrey de Havilland and John Kenworthy. The town has worldwide recognition for its aviation and was the location of Britain’s first flight in 1908.
Where is Farnborough
Farnborough is located in northeast Hampshire and is part of the borough of Rushmoor and the Farnborough/Aldershot Built-up Area. It’s just 45 miles from London, 45 miles from Southampton and a short journey to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Moving to Farnborough
Farnborough has a good mix of housing, from charming period properties to new-build apartments. Homes near the town centre are popular, as are the quaint villages, like Cove, surrounding the town.
Buying in Farnborough
The average sold price in Farnborough is £351,049, which is slightly higher than the UK national average of £329,547. Expect to pay an average of £532,392 for a detached home, £313,851 for a terraced house and £213,126 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Farnborough, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Farnborough
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £875 per month in Farnborough, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £1,150 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,750 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Farnborough, you can expect to pay similar prices to the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £15, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £3 and £0.95p respectively.
Utility bills are lower than national average in Farnborough, at around £137 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal (UK average £155). Broadband also matches the average at about £31 per month.
Living in Farnborough
Open spaces
Farnborough offers easy access to the Hampshire countryside and many green areas in nearby Surrey. Enjoy a wander around the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Transport links
Farnborough is served by three railway stations, with Main offering direct services to London Waterloo. Motorists benefit from access to the M3, which provides direct links to London in around an hour, Winchester and Southampton.
Shopping
The town centre has undergone regeneration over the years and has a mix of independent shops and chains. The Meads Shopping Centre and Farnborough Retail Park offer indoor shopping spaces, while several stores are dotted around the town.
Eateries
There’s a good mix of restaurants in Farnborough and there are a fair few pubs too. Some of the pubs have an outdoor heated area, serve grub and a range of ales.
Nightlife
While there isn’t an extensive range of nightlife options in Farnborough, you can still enjoy an evening out. One of the bars is located in a hotel that serves contemporary chic cocktails set to a backdrop featuring secluded seats, deep sofas and soft lighting.
Art & culture
Farnborough is known for its aviation, and there are plenty of places where you can learn about the history. Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum is one of the most popular venues and has a collection of aircraft, satellites, simulators, wind tunnels and Royal Aircraft Establishment-related material.
Things to do
A biennial international airshow takes place in Farnborough and attracts thousands of visitors. It’s a trade exhibition for the aerospace and defence industries, with civilian and military aircraft on display.
What’s not to like?
The town is convenient for commuters to London, but many idyllic villages nearby also tend to draw attention more than Farnborough.
Who lives there?
Farnborough has a population of just 65,000 and a median age of 50.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 99mbps in Farnborough, which is higher than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Farnborough averages around 74 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Farnborough
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Farnborough. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: May 4th, 2022
