Kennet Island

Development Overview

Kennet Island is an established, master-planned 'urban village' community located off the A33 in Reading, Berkshire (RG2 0GH), approximately three miles from Reading town centre. Developed by the multi-award-winning Berkeley Homes, the site transformed a 72-acre brownfield area into a thriving residential area featuring over 1,300 new build homes. The architecture is contemporary, set within landscaped grounds and centred around a pedestrianised piazza and ecological area near the Foudry Brook. Kennet Island is now a complete development, meaning properties for sale are generally part of the resale market, offering the benefit of moving into an established community.

Property types are diverse, including modern apartments and substantial 3- and 4-bedroom houses. Recent market data indicates that 2-bedroom apartments have been marketed with prices in the range of £280,000 to £290,000 (Leasehold). 3-bedroom houses were last officially launched from £380,000, with larger 4-bedroom houses from £445,000 (Freehold properties also feature in the resale market, such as a 2-bed end-terrace house recently listed at £385,000).

Property Details

The properties at Kennet Island were built to a high specification characteristic of the Berkeley brand. The final collections of houses offer a mix of two and three-storey layouts, with buyers having had the option of contemporary open-plan kitchen/living spaces or more traditional separate family rooms. Larger 4-bedroom models often face parkland and include up to two en-suite bedrooms. Kitchens are fitted with fully-integrated appliances, including those from Bosch. Apartments typically feature two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, private balconies, and come with allocated parking and long leaseholds (e.g., over 900 years remaining on some units).

Location Benefits

Kennet Island offers exceptional connectivity. It is strategically positioned with direct access to the A33 and M4 motorway. For commuters, Reading Train Station is a significant hub, accessible via a regular, dedicated bus service (such as the Reading Buses Line 50 or 60c) with an approximate journey time of 7-9 minutes. Direct rail services from Reading can reach London Paddington in approximately 26 minutes, and residents also benefit from the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) for extended network access into the capital.

On-site amenities form the core of the community, arranged around a central piazza. These facilities include a private gym, a licensed café, a nursery/child day care facility, and a convenience store. Adjacent to the development is a Hilton Hotel with a swimming pool, spa, bar, and restaurant, as well as a private Circle hospital. Reading town centre, with The Oracle shopping centre and riverside restaurants, is in close proximity. The development is also served by several local schools.

Practical Information

As an established community developed by Berkeley Homes, all properties are now complete. Purchasers should expect to find homes available on the resale market across a price spectrum ranging from apartments at approximately £280,000 up to the larger houses exceeding £445,000. Due to the communal facilities, properties are typically subject to annual service charges and ground rent (specific costs vary per block, e.g., a 2-bed apartment example showed a service charge of approximately £1,730.06 p.a.). For current availability, specific pricing, detailed service charge schedules, and to arrange viewings of available resale properties, prospective buyers should contact local Reading estate agents.