Houses for Sale in Tankerton

Shared ownership in Tankerton

Are you considering a shared ownership home in Tankerton as a step towards owning your own piece of Kent? Moat have been providing homes for over 25 years, and we’ve pulled together some of the key insights we’ve learned in that time, including the advantages, costs, and availability of shared ownership in this peaceful but well-connected district.

 

Where is Tankerton?

Nestled along the picturesque Kent coastline, Tankerton is a hidden gem that offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, historic charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re a beach lover, history buff or foodie, Tankerton provides an ideal place to live and relax. Here’s everything you need to know about this enchanting seaside town.

Tankerton (formerly Tankerton-on-Sea) is a suburb of Whitstable in Kent in south-east England. It was designed in the late 19th century as the train network brought holidaymakers to the sea.                                                                                                                                                                          Tankerton is located about 60 miles from London. It’s easily accessible by train, with direct routes from London St. Pancras or London Victoria to Whitstable Station, meaning it’s great for commuters.

The history of Tankerton

Tankerton, a charming coastal gem, is often overshadowed by the bustling appeal of nearby Whitstable. Nestled along Kent's northern coast, this tranquil enclave offers breathtaking sea views, a close-knit community atmosphere and a serene lifestyle. Despite its peaceful vibe, Tankerton boasts excellent connectivity to London, making it an ideal spot for commuters and those seeking a balanced blend of coastal living and urban accessibility. Its understated charm and convenience make it a delightful discovery for those exploring the Kent area.

Tankerton’s roots stretch back to the medieval period, when it was primarily a farming area. The name "Tankerton" is believed to derive from Old English, meaning "the settlement by the tank or tuns" (enclosed plots of land). Over time, the area evolved into a seaside retreat, benefiting from its proximity to the bustling port town of Whitstable.

In the 19th century, Tankerton began to flourish as a seaside destination, thanks to the Victorian love of coastal holidays. During this era:

  • The Tankerton Slopes were landscaped, creating the iconic grassy promenade that overlooks the beach. 

  • Beach huts, which remain a hallmark of Tankerton today, started to appear along the shore, catering to holidaymakers seeking privacy and convenience while enjoying the beach.

This continues with numerous city dwellers opting to come to Tankerton for a retreat, something residents benefit from on a daily basis. 

 

Why Tankerton’s History Makes It a Great Place to Live

  1. A Sense of Continuity
    Tankerton’s history fosters a deep sense of place and belonging. Residents enjoy living in a community where the past is celebrated and integrated into everyday life, from the heritage of The Street to the enduring charm of the Victorian beach huts.

  2. Timeless Beauty
    Historical landscaping and thoughtful development have preserved Tankerton’s natural and architectural beauty, ensuring that modern living coexists with the past.

  3. Community Spirit
    The area’s history of resilience and community during challenging times has created a tight-knit, welcoming neighbourhood. Events like the Tankerton Freewheelin Feastival and local markets reinforce this communal identity, which are close by.

  4. Proximity to History
    Living in Tankerton places residents close to key historical landmarks, such as Whitstable Castle and Whitstable’s famous maritime sites, offering opportunities to engage with the area’s past.

Why call Tankerton home?

Tankerton’s rich history is more than a backdrop; it’s a living legacy that has helped build the area’s character and makes it a wonderful place to live. For those seeking a home with a sense of history, community, and coastal charm, Tankerton offers the perfect blend of past and present.

1. Tankerton Slopes

The star attraction of Tankerton is the Tankerton Slopes, a gently rolling hill that descends towards the shingle beach. This grassy area is perfect for picnics, kite flying, or simply soaking up the panoramic views of the sea. At low tide, you can explore the famous ‘Street’, a natural causeway that stretches out into the sea—a magical experience for families and adventurers alike.

2. Tankerton Beach

This Blue Flag beach boasts clean waters, colourful beach huts and a relaxed atmosphere. Unlike busier neighbouring beaches, Tankerton Beach offers a more tranquil seaside experience, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves.

 
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3. Tankerton High Street

Tankerton High Street, offers a charming blend of independent shops and eateries. Highlights include JoJo's Meze, a Mediterranean-style restaurant known for its fresh tapas, and Farm & Harper, celebrated for its seasonal dishes and cozy atmosphere. 

Tankerton Books provides a haven for literary enthusiasts, while Pottery Box is perfect for creative activities. The high street’s proximity to Tankerton Slopes adds to its appeal, combining boutique shopping and dining with scenic coastal strolls.

4. Explore the Tankerton Trails

Tankerton is a gateway to beautiful walking trails, including sections of the Saxon Shore Way. These trails provide stunning coastal views and opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside.

For those looking to explore further, the nearby town of Whitstable is renowned for its oysters and has a vibrant culinary scene.

So pack your bags, bring your walking shoes and prepare to fall in love with this charming coastal town.

The future of shared ownership in Tankerton

For those considering Tankerton, shared ownership presents an attractive proposition. With a variety of homes available, shared ownership can be the low-deposit stepping stone you need to own a home in this sought-after borough without the financial pressures of buying on the open market.

Shared ownership, a part buy part rent model backed by Homes England, is one of the most affordable home ownership options available in the area, allowing buyers to reduce their initial costs by purchasing a share in a home and paying rent on the remaining value.

Within the scheme, we offer everything from city apartments to family homes, so whether you're looking for shared ownership in Tankerton, Tonbridge & Malling, Gravesham or the wider Kent area, get started on the property ladder with your dream home through Moat.

If you need more information please read through our FAQs, or information hub and deep dive into what is shared ownership here.

For shared ownership properties in the wider Kent area, please see our page on shared ownership Kent.

 

Why choose Moat Homes?

We are a leading housing association, owning and managing over 23,000 homes in the South East. We are experts in the area and surrounding areas of Kent and Canterbury and have a number of shared ownership homes that are available. 

We are incredibly proud to be:

  • An experienced and compassionate landlord in our communities

  • Dedicated to building strong relationships with the local authorities in the areas we work in

  • One of the Homes England delivery partners, developing around 500 new homes every year

  • Financially strong, allowing us to deliver excellent services to our customers and build new homes

  • An expert in providing shared ownership

 

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