With its close proximity to London, great schools, beautiful countryside and pleasant towns and villages, Hertfordshire has a justifiable reputation as an expensive place to live. Living here doesn’t have to break the bank however, as Stephen Froome discovered…

Herts Advertiser: Market Place, Town Centre, StevenageMarket Place, Town Centre, Stevenage (Image: Archant)

One-bed flat in Stevenage

£135,000

If you are looking for an investment property, it doesn’t get much better than this one bedroom flat in Stevenage town centre, which comes complete with a 250-year lease.

Herts Advertiser: Market Place, Town Centre, StevenageMarket Place, Town Centre, Stevenage (Image: Archant)

The property is modern, trendy, and only a 10-minute walk from the railway station where there are regular trains to King’s Cross and Cambridge - ideal for a commuter.

The flat is in close walking distance of many amenities, including a variety of shops, cafés, hotels, restaurants, pubs and the Stevenage Central Library. Marketed as the perfect buy-to-let, the catch with this property is that it’s only available to cash buyers.

Market Place, Stevenage

Haart | 01438 723579 | www.haart.co.uk

Herts Advertiser: Node Way Gardens, WelwynNode Way Gardens, Welwyn (Image: Archant)

One-bed flat in Welwyn

Guide price £189,995

This large one bedroom ground floor apartment is ideally located on the south side of Welwyn. It comprises a large entrance hall with phone entry system, master bedroom with views over the communal gardens and living room and separate kitchen with modern fitted appliances.

Herts Advertiser: Node Way Gardens, WelwynNode Way Gardens, Welwyn (Image: Archant)

The property also offers ample parking, a larger than average bathroom and new uPVC double glazing throughout. Available for sale chain-free, this is ideal for a first-time buyer or investor. The amenities of Welwyn Garden City town centre – including John Lewis and Waitrose - are just a five minute drive away.

Node Way Gardens, Welwyn

Belvoir! | 01707 245345 | www.belvoir.co.uk

Herts Advertiser: Ground Lane, HatfieldGround Lane, Hatfield (Image: Archant)

One-bed flat in Hatfield

£200,000

This one bedroom ground floor flat would be ideal for a first-time buyer, an investor or simply someone wishing to downsize. It has a bathroom, kitchen, lounge and master bedroom, as well as allocated parking and an entry phone system. Available for sale chain-free, the flat is only a 10 minute walk from Hatfield station, which offers a direct service to London King’s Cross. The A1(M) and M25 are both close by, while the Galleria shopping centre is just a five minute drive.

Ground Lane, Hatfield

Herts Advertiser: Ground Lane, HatfieldGround Lane, Hatfield (Image: Archant)

Country Properties | 01707 271450 | www.country-properties.co.uk

Herts Advertiser: Ground Lane, HatfieldGround Lane, Hatfield (Image: Archant)