Ebbsfleet, Ashford, Canterbury and Ramsgate, along with Folkestone, will all benefit from shorter journey times to London when high-speed rail services begin in December. Not all the new times are confirmed, but as a guide, the journey from Ashford International to St Pancras International will take 37 minutes, reduced from up to 84 minutes, and Ramsgate to St Pancras will take 80 minutes, a saving of up to 49 minutes. Estate agents say that proximity to stations has boosted sales. Here are a few homes within walking distance of, or a short bus ride from, the stations:

Ebbsfleet: A five-bed detached home two miles from the station, reduced from £799,995 to £650,000, (Robinson Michael & Jackson, 01474 333111). A two-bed garden flat just under a mile from the station costs £180,000 (Halifax, 01322 224436).

Ashford: A Victorian five-bed house, just under a mile from the station, is £695,000, down from £750,000 (Stevens & Co, 01233 640400). Ward & Partners has a two-bed terrace for £120,000 (01233 639531).

Folkestone: A six-bed detached house 350 yards from the station is £480,000, down from £550,000 (Bairstowe Eves, 0845 4082882). Bairstow Eves is also selling a renovated one-bed flat for £129,995, less than 200 yards from the station.

Canterbury: A four-bed detached new-build house for £635,000, down from £675,000 at the beginning of the year, is 500 yards from the station (Strutt & Parker, 0845 338 0862). Your Move is selling a one-bed flat near the university for £119,995 (01227 454925).

Ramsgate: A five-bed detached house one mile from the station is £595,000 (Kent Estate Agencies, 01227 274220). New-build two-bed flats two thirds of a mile from the station cost from £129,950 (Miles & Barr, 01843 570500).

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