A buyer’s guide to Ashburton, property prices and council tax, schools and their real Ofsted position, transport, healthcare, flood risk, the local lending realities, and the questions worth asking before you commit.
- Quick Answers
- Prices
- Market
- Why Ashburton
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
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We do not arrange mortgages ourselves, we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers.
Figures in this guide were correct when it was produced and do change. Always verify council tax with the local council, school ratings with Ofsted and journey times with the operator before you rely on them.
Mortgage Adviser & Broker in Ashburton
Whether you’re buying your first home in Ashburton, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching this characterful old stannary town on the southern edge of Dartmoor, with its slate-hung buildings and narrow streets, its antiques shops and independent-retail spirit, St Andrew’s church, the River Ashburn running through the centre and the moor rising just to the west, this guide covers what buyers and homeowners actually want to know, including the honest points on the lack of a railway, the A38 and flood risk by the Ashburn.
Quick answers about Ashburton
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Ashburton a good place to live?⌄
Yes, a characterful old Dartmoor-gateway town with independent shops, antiques and the moor on the doorstep.
Is Ashburton expensive?⌄
Mid-to-higher for south Devon; overall averages often around £320,000–£400,000.
What is Ashburton known for?⌄
A stannary town and the gateway to Dartmoor, slate-hung buildings, antiques and independent shops.
Does Ashburton have a train station?⌄
No, the nearest main-line station is Newton Abbot; the A38 gives fast access to Exeter and Plymouth.
Where is the nearest A&E to Ashburton?⌄
Torbay Hospital (Torquay) or the Royal Devon & Exeter (Exeter). Newton Abbot has a minor injuries unit, not a full A&E.
Is Ashburton right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others. Here is how Ashburton rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | ★★★★☆ | Its own primary (Ashburton Primary, Good) and secondary (South Dartmoor Community College) schools, a real community, and Dartmoor and the River Dart nearby for an outdoor childhood, with fast A38 access, check the latest school reports (the college’s latest inspection has no single overall grade) and, near the Ashburn, the flood risk. |
| Downsizers & retirees | ★★★★★ | A characterful, walkable old town with antiques and independent shops, a real community and the moor on the doorstep, at mid-to-higher prices, with the nearest full A&E at Torbay or Exeter, and a flood check near the Ashburn, in mind. |
| Creatives & independents | ★★★★★ | Ashburton’s antiques trade, independent shops and slightly alternative, creative spirit make it a magnet for makers, downshifters and small businesses wanting character and the moor close by, a genuine identity rather than a commuter dormitory. |
| Second-home & holiday buyers | ★★★★☆ | A characterful Dartmoor-gateway town with the moor, the River Dart and the coast within reach has real holiday and letting appeal, factor the additional-property SDLT surcharge, any letting rules and the flood check into the numbers. |
| Commuters | ★★★☆☆ | Fast A38 access to Newton Abbot, Exeter and the M5, and to Plymouth, is a genuine asset, but there is no station in town (the nearest is Newton Abbot, around twenty minutes away), so weigh the drive to the train. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Ashburton does brilliantly, and what to weigh carefully, before you commit.
Ashburton at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & councils | Devon (Teignbridge District Council; Ashburton Town Council, two-tier) |
| Postcode district | TQ13 |
| Approx. character | A characterful old stannary town and southern gateway to Dartmoor National Park |
| Average house price | Overall often £320,000–£400,000; cottages/terraces from ~£230,000, larger detached & moor-edge homes £500,000–£700,000+; sources vary |
| Railway | No station; nearest main line at Newton Abbot (~20 min), direct trains to Exeter, Plymouth & London; A38 to the cities |
| Nearest A&E | Torbay Hospital (Torquay) or the Royal Devon & Exeter (Exeter), ~25–40 min; Newton Abbot has a minor injuries unit |
| Schools | Ashburton Primary (Good) and South Dartmoor Community College (secondary, 11–18, no single overall grade), check current position |
| Known for | A stannary town & Dartmoor gateway, slate-hung buildings, “Ashburton marble”, antiques & independent shops, the old wool trade |
| Character | Narrow streets of slate-hung and period buildings, St Andrew’s church, a conservation-area centre and the moor rising to the west |
| Roads | The A38 Devon Expressway by the town; the M5 (J31, Exeter) within reach |
| Green space | Dartmoor National Park to the west, the River Ashburn and River Dart, and the moor, woods and country all around |
| Council tax (Band D) | £2,678.05 for 2026/27 (Devon CC + police + fire + Teignbridge district + Ashburton town precept), confirm your exact band |
Property prices & council tax in Ashburton
Ashburton is a mid-to-higher, characterful market for south Devon, an old town of slate-hung cottages and terraces, period town houses and some modern edges, with its Dartmoor-gateway setting and independent identity supporting demand. It offers cottages, terraces, flats, period and modern houses and larger detached, characterful and moor-edge homes. Published figures vary by property, position and condition, so treat the ranges below as a broad guide and verify for the exact home, and, for a property near the River Ashburn, budget for a flood and insurance check.
| Property type / area | Typical position in the market | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Cottages, terraces & flats | Indicatively around £230,000–£310,000 | First-time buyers; downsizers; investors |
| Period & modern houses | Indicatively around £320,000–£450,000 | Families wanting character and space in and near the town |
| Larger detached homes | Indicatively around £450,000–£600,000 | Families wanting more space, gardens or a moor-edge setting |
| Characterful, converted & moor-edge homes | Indicatively around £600,000–£800,000+ | Downsizers, creatives & second-home buyers wanting a special home near Dartmoor |
| Ashburton average | Overall often £320,000–£400,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the town |
What income might you need?
These illustrative figures use roughly 4.5x household income and assume a typical deposit. They are a starting point for budgeting only, not a quote.
£270,000
Cottage / terrace
~£60,000
household income (guide)
£360,000
Area benchmark
~£80,000
household income (guide)
£600,000
Larger / moor-edge home (indicative)
~£133,000
household income (guide)
Ashburton affordability & stamp duty calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Ashburton and what stamp duty you'd pay. Illustration only. Real figures depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Illustration only, not a mortgage offer. Lenders' income multiples and criteria vary. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Borrowing ready-reckoner (around 4.5× income)
| Yearly income | Rough maximum mortgage |
|---|---|
| £40,000 | ~£180,000 |
| £60,000 | ~£270,000 |
| £75,000 | ~£337,500 |
| £90,000 | ~£405,000 |
| £120,000 | ~£540,000 |
Stamp duty (SDLT) in England, as at October 2026
| Portion of price | Standard rate | First-time buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £125,000 | 0% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £125,001 to £250,000 | 2% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £250,001 to £925,000 | 5% | 5% on £300,001–£500,000 (no relief over £500,000) |
| £925,001 to £1.5m | 10% | — |
| Over £1.5m | 12% | — |
Worked examples: a £250,000 home = £2,500 stamp duty (£0 for first-time buyers); a £450,000 home = £12,500 (£7,500 first-time buyer); a £650,000 home = £22,500 (first-time buyer relief doesn't apply over £500,000). An additional-property surcharge of 5% applies to second homes and buy-to-lets.
SDLT rates as at October 2026 (England & Northern Ireland). Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) differ. Figures are a guide, confirm with your conveyancer.
The Ashburton property market in depth
Ashburton offers a steady, characterful market as an old stannary town on the edge of Dartmoor, slate-hung cottages and terraces, period town houses, some modern homes and larger detached and moor-edge properties, with its character, its setting and its independent identity driving demand from families, downsizers, creatives and second-home buyers.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Cottages, terraces & flats | The more accessible way in; popular with first-time buyers, downsizers and investors near the centre. | £230,000–£310,000 |
| Period & modern houses | The mainstay of the family market, character and space in and around the town. | £320,000–£450,000 |
| Larger detached homes | More space and gardens on the edges of the town and towards the moor, the heart of the upper market. | £450,000–£600,000 |
| Characterful & moor-edge homes | Special properties near Dartmoor, the Dart and the countryside, the top of the local market. | £600,000–£800,000+ |
Ashburton’s appeal, a characterful old stannary town on the southern edge of Dartmoor, with slate-hung streets, antiques and independent shops, its own schools, and the moor, the Dart and the coast within reach, makes it a steady, sought-after market, from cottages and terraces to family houses and moor-edge homes.
That mix means budgeting and the right mortgage matter. Older stone and slate-hung cottages and period homes can need survey work and often sit in the conservation area or are listed, where alterations are controlled, and homes towards the moor may fall within Dartmoor National Park, where planning is tighter; flats bring lease, ground-rent and service-charge questions lenders assess; and, importantly in a town on a river, any home near the River Ashburn needs a careful flood and insurance check, which can affect both mortgageability and premiums. A mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans, the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Ashburton so popular?
Ashburton’s appeal is character and independence with Dartmoor on the doorstep, an old stannary town with slate-hung streets, antiques and independent shops, its own schools, and the moor, the Dart and the coast within reach.
Character & independence
Ashburton is one of the most characterful small towns on the edge of the moor, narrow slate-hung streets, St Andrew’s church, a conservation-area centre, and a strong antiques and independent, slightly alternative retail identity that gives it a genuine, creative spirit rather than a commuter feel.
The gateway to Dartmoor
As the southern gateway to Dartmoor National Park, Ashburton has open moorland, tors, rivers and woods rising just to the west, a spectacular outdoor setting for walking, riding, cycling and wild swimming on the doorstep.
Heritage & setting
A stannary town where Dartmoor tin was assayed, with the old wool trade, “Ashburton marble”, its parish church and its river, Ashburton wears its long history openly, and, with the A38 just past the town, combines that heritage with fast access to the cities.
Transport & commuting from Ashburton
Transport in Ashburton is built around the A38 and the main-line station a drive away at Newton Abbot, fast by road, with the honest caveat that there is no railway in the town itself. These indicative times are a starting point, always verify current timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ashburton → Newton Abbot | ~15–20 min | Via the A38, the nearest main-line station, shops and services |
| Ashburton → Exeter (by car) | ~30–35 min | Via the A38 Devon Expressway and the M5, the city and the motorway |
| Ashburton → Exeter (by train from Newton Abbot) | ~15–20 min | Direct main-line trains from Newton Abbot station, a short drive away |
| Ashburton → Plymouth (by car) | ~35–45 min | Via the A38 south-west |
| Ashburton → Totnes | ~20–25 min | Via the A38/A384, the nearest alternative main-line station |
| Ashburton → the M5 (J31) | ~30–35 min | Via the A38 to the motorway at Exeter |
| Ashburton → Torquay / Torbay | ~25–30 min | Via the A38/A380, the coast and Torbay Hospital |
| Ashburton → Dartmoor (Haytor/Widecombe) | ~15–25 min | Onto the open moor to the west and north, the National Park on the doorstep |
Getting around Ashburton
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through, the practical picture.
By car
The A38 Devon Expressway just past the town gives fast access north-east to Newton Abbot, Exeter and the M5 and south-west towards Plymouth, with Dartmoor and the coast close, strong road links for a moor-edge town.
By train
There is no station in Ashburton; the nearest main-line stations are Newton Abbot (~20 min) and Totnes, with direct trains to Exeter, Plymouth and London.
By bus
Buses connect Ashburton to Newton Abbot, Totnes, Buckfastleigh and the surrounding area, with some services onto the moor in season.
On foot & by bike
The compact old town centre is very walkable, and Dartmoor, the River Ashburn and the surrounding lanes and moorland give superb walking and cycling on the doorstep.
For the airport
Exeter Airport is around thirty-five to forty minutes away via the A38/M5, handy for regional and some European flights.
For the moor & the coast
Dartmoor National Park rises just to the west (Haytor and Widecombe within fifteen to twenty-five minutes), and the coast at Torbay and Teignmouth is around twenty-five to thirty minutes south-east, moor and sea both within easy reach.
Schools in Ashburton
Ashburton has its own primary school and, in the town, the area’s secondary, South Dartmoor Community College, and Devon is a comprehensive county (there is no eleven-plus or grammar system), so state places are by catchment and admissions. As the picture at individual schools changes over time, and Ofsted’s framework changed in September 2024. It is worth confirming the current position directly for a specific address.
| School | Type | Inspection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashburton Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed, 4–11) | Good | The town’s own primary on Whistley Hill, part of the South Dartmoor academy trust, rated Good at its most recent graded Ofsted inspection (May 2023), a well-regarded community school; check catchment and admissions. |
| South Dartmoor Community College | Secondary (state academy, co-ed, 11–18) | Read report | The area’s secondary, in Ashburton on Balland Lane, with a sixth form. It was inspected on 24 September 2024 under Ofsted’s new framework, which no longer gives a single overall grade, so its most recent inspection has no single overall grade, its individual judgements (quality of education, behaviour, personal development, leadership and sixth form) were all judged good, a clear improvement from a previous Requires Improvement judgement (2022); read the latest report and check admissions. |
| Dartmoor & district primaries | Primary (state, co-ed) | Read latest reports | Families in the villages around Ashburton also use primaries in the surrounding parishes and on the moor edge, read the latest reports and check catchment and admissions for a specific address. |
| Post-16 & sixth-form options | Further education & sixth form (16+) | Post-16 options | South Dartmoor Community College has its own sixth form; many students also continue to Exeter College or South Devon College (Torbay), reachable by bus and the main-line train from Newton Abbot, check current courses and admissions. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Ashburton
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check, policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Ashburton.
Popular parts of Ashburton & nearby
Where you buy in Ashburton shapes both your budget and your character, from the old town centre and the streets along the Ashburn to the edges of the town and the moor beyond. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Ashburton
Ashburton mixes stannary-town heritage and independent character with some of Devon’s best moor-and-river days out. A few of the best-loved local highlights and things to do nearby.
Sports, leisure & community in Ashburton
For a small town, Ashburton offers a great deal, antiques and independent shops, Dartmoor on the doorstep, the Dart and the Ashburn, River Dart Country Park and Pennywell nearby, a real community life, and the coast within reach.
The outdoors
Dartmoor National Park to the west, the River Ashburn and the River Dart, River Dart Country Park, and moorland walking, riding, cycling and wild swimming on the doorstep, a superb outdoor lifestyle, with the coast a short drive away.
Culture, heritage & community
St Andrew’s church, the town’s stannary and wool heritage, its museum, its antiques and independent shops and an active community and events life give Ashburton a genuine, creative character.
Shopping & eating out
Renowned antiques shops, independent retailers, delis, pubs and cafes on the old streets for everyday life and browsing, with Newton Abbot’s market and retail and Exeter’s and Plymouth’s big shops all within a drive.
Healthcare & local services in Ashburton
Healthcare access is reasonable, GP provision in Ashburton and a community hospital with a minor injuries unit at Newton Abbot, with the nearest full A&E a drive away at Torbay or Exeter.
Ashburton has GP provision in the town, with dentists and a pharmacy locally, and Newton Abbot Community Hospital a short drive away provides many services including a Minor Injuries Unit. The nearest full A&E departments are at Torbay Hospital in Torquay and the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in Exeter, each around half an hour or so by road. GP and dental registration availability changes over time, so always check directly with a practice about its current catchment before relying on it for a move, and on the moor edge, note that some services are a drive away.
Living in Ashburton
Day to day, Ashburton is a characterful old stannary town on the edge of Dartmoor, slate-hung streets, antiques and independent shops, its own schools, St Andrew’s church and the River Ashburn, with the moor on the doorstep and fast A38 access to the cities, at mid-to-higher prices. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Ashburton has the amenities of a proper old town, a characterful high street of antiques and independent shops, delis, pubs and cafes, a primary school and the area’s secondary college, GP provision, St Andrew’s church, a museum and a strong community and events life, with Newton Abbot’s market and larger shops and Exeter’s and Plymouth’s city services all within a drive. The big everyday pluses are the character and independence, the Dartmoor setting, and the fast A38 access to the cities, the M5 and the coast.
Connectivity for working is generally good, superfast and, in much of the town, gigabit full-fibre broadband reaches Ashburton, so home and hybrid working is very possible, complemented by the A38 to Exeter and Plymouth and the train from Newton Abbot for office days. The main trade-offs are honest ones: there is no railway station in the town (a drive to Newton Abbot or Totnes), Dartmoor National Park and conservation-area planning constraints tighten to the west and in the centre, and low-lying ground near the River Ashburn carries a genuine flood-risk point that affects insurance, all worth weighing for a specific home.
| Everyday amenity | In Ashburton? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes | Ashburton Primary (Good); check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Yes (11–18) | South Dartmoor Community College, the area’s secondary, in Ashburton, with a sixth form |
| GP & hospital | Local, minor injuries at Newton Abbot | GP provision in town; Newton Abbot Community Hospital (minor injuries) a short drive; nearest 24-hour A&E at Torbay or Exeter (~25–40 min) |
| Nearest A&E | Torbay / Exeter (~25–40 min) | Torbay Hospital (Torquay) or the Royal Devon & Exeter (Wonford) |
| Railway | No (Newton Abbot ~20 min) | No station in the town; nearest main-line stations at Newton Abbot and Totnes, direct trains to Exeter, Plymouth & London |
| Shops | Yes (antiques & independents) | Renowned antiques and independent shops, delis, pubs and cafes; Newton Abbot and the cities within a drive |
| Green space & moor | Yes | Dartmoor National Park to the west, the River Ashburn and River Dart, and moor, woods and country all around |
Working & connectivity in Ashburton
Superfast broadband reaches almost all of Ashburton, with gigabit-capable full-fibre available across much of the town, so home and hybrid working is very possible, complemented by the A38 to Exeter and Plymouth and the train from Newton Abbot for office days. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in some older slate-hung cottages, the conservation area and the moor-edge lanes and hamlets, so check the specific property on the providers’ and Ofcom’s coverage checkers before you commit.
| Connectivity | Typical picture |
|---|---|
| Fixed broadband | |
| Mobile coverage | Generally reasonable in the town; more variable towards the moor and in the valleys |
| Road for office days | The A38 to Exeter (~30 min) and Plymouth, and the M5; Newton Abbot station ~20 min for rail |
| Train & air | Newton Abbot and Totnes main-line stations within reach; Exeter Airport ~35–40 min via the A38/M5 |
Check broadband before you make an offer in Ashburton
Broadband speeds can vary street by street in Ashburton, so check the exact address before you commit. Ofcom's free checker shows which broadband speeds and mobile coverage are available at any UK property.
Check broadband at an address (Ofcom)Flood risk in Ashburton
On flooding, the key point in Ashburton is the River Ashburn, which runs through the town: parts of the low-lying ground near the river can be at risk of river and surface-water flooding, and moor-fed rivers can rise quickly in heavy rain, so a careful, property-specific flood check is essential there, while much of the town on the higher ground is at lower risk.
Cost of living & running a home in Ashburton
Beyond the mortgage, it helps to picture the ongoing costs of a home here. Indicative only, always confirm for a specific property.
| Typical ongoing cost | Indicative figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council tax (Band D, 2026/27) | £2,678.05 | Devon CC + police + fire + Teignbridge district + Ashburton town precept, confirm your band |
| Buildings insurance | Varies, check flood risk near the Ashburn | River and surface-water flood risk near the moor-fed river can affect premiums and availability; get a quote and flood check (and check Flood Re eligibility) before committing |
| Water & wastewater | ~£500–£800/yr | South West Water area, check the supplier for the address |
| Broadband | ~£30–£50/mth |
Financing a home in Ashburton
A characterful moor-edge town like Ashburton is a rewarding place to buy into, a few points on the mortgage side, and the flood and planning ones, are worth understanding first.
Ashburton’s character and sought-after setting mean the right mortgage matters, from cottages and terraces to family houses and moor-edge homes. Older stone and slate-hung cottages and period homes can need survey work and often sit in the conservation area or are listed, where alterations are controlled, and homes towards the moor may fall within Dartmoor National Park, where planning is tighter; flats bring lease, ground-rent and service-charge questions lenders assess; and, importantly in a town on a moor-fed river, any home near the River Ashburn needs a careful flood and insurance check, so a survey is wise on an older home and a lease review essential on a flat. Getting the right lender for your circumstances is where good advice pays off.
That’s Family Finance introduces you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers who search across lenders to fit your circumstances, and we make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Read our full guide to mortgage protection insurance. Talk to us →
Conveyancing & the searches to expect in Ashburton
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Ashburton, above all flood risk near the River Ashburn, the conservation-area, listing and National Park planning position on an older or moor-edge home, and the lease on a flat.
History, heritage & famous connections
Ashburton grew up on the River Ashburn at the southern foot of Dartmoor, on the old road between Exeter and Plymouth. Its fortunes were made by tin and wool: as one of Devon’s four ancient stannary towns, tin mined on the moor was brought here to be weighed, assayed and stamped for duty, while the medieval and later wool trade brought further prosperity, seen in its merchants’ houses and its fine parish church of St Andrew.
The town’s distinctive look, slate-hung facades and the local ornamental limestone known as “Ashburton marble”, dates from these prosperous centuries. When the tin and wool trades declined and, later, the branch railway closed, Ashburton could have faded; instead it reinvented itself, and today it is known for its antiques trade, its independent and slightly alternative shops and its role as the southern gateway to Dartmoor National Park, a characterful old town living confidently in the present, with the A38 giving it fast access to the modern world.
Ashburton through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Medieval | Ashburton develops on the River Ashburn as a market town and one of Devon’s four stannary towns, where Dartmoor tin is assayed and stamped. |
| 15th–17th c. | The wool trade brings prosperity; St Andrew’s church and the town’s merchants’ houses reflect its wealth. |
| 18th–19th c. | Ashburton’s slate-hung buildings and “Ashburton marble” give the town its distinctive look; it thrives as a coaching town on the Exeter–Plymouth road. |
| 1872–1958 | The Ashburton branch railway opens and later closes, leaving the town without a station. |
| 20th–21st c. | Ashburton reinvents itself around antiques, independent retail and its role as a Dartmoor gateway, bypassed by the A38. |
| Today | A characterful old stannary town on the edge of Dartmoor, with a strong independent identity and fast A38 access to the cities. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Ashburton on the map.
A Dartmoor stannary town
Ashburton’s status as one of Devon’s four ancient stannary towns, where tin mined on Dartmoor was weighed, assayed and stamped, is its defining historic connection, a mark of its medieval importance.
Slate-hung buildings & “Ashburton marble”
The town’s distinctive slate-hung facades and the local ornamental limestone known as “Ashburton marble” give its streets a look found nowhere else, a genuine part of its character and heritage.
The antiques town on the moor’s edge
Ashburton’s reputation as a centre for antiques and independent, slightly alternative retail, and as the southern gateway to Dartmoor National Park, is what puts it on the map for visitors and buyers today.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Ashburton is a major commitment, and the mortgage is only part of the picture. Whatever you buy, the right protection can help keep the home yours if life does not go to plan.
Life cover
Pays out a lump sum if you die during the policy term, typically arranged to clear the mortgage so your family can stay in the home.
Critical illness cover
Pays out if you are diagnosed with a serious illness the policy covers, helping you keep up payments while you focus on recovery.
Income protection
Replaces part of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury.
Life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection are what we do. We don't arrange mortgages ourselves; we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, and make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it.Talk to us →
Things people don't always tell you about Ashburton
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Ashburton compared with nearby towns
How Ashburton sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it, a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashburton | ~£320k–£400k | No (Newton Abbot ~20 min) | The characterful stannary town & Dartmoor gateway; slate-hung streets, antiques & the moor on the doorstep |
| Bovey Tracey | ~£300k–£360k | No (nearest Newton Abbot) | The other “Gateway to Dartmoor” market town to the north, with crafts, character and the moor close |
| Newton Abbot | ~£280k–£320k | Yes (main-line junction) | The busy market and railway town to the east, more affordable, with the station, the racecourse and plenty of services |
| Totnes | ~£350k–£420k | Yes (main line) | The characterful, independent-minded town on the River Dart to the south, with its castle, heritage and alternative spirit |
| Buckfastleigh | ~£300k–£350k | No (heritage steam line) | The old wool town on the Dart to the south-west, with Buckfast Abbey and the South Devon steam railway nearby |
Pros & cons of living in Ashburton
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| A characterful old stannary town on the edge of Dartmoor | No railway station in the town (nearest Newton Abbot / Totnes) |
| Its own primary and secondary schools (Ashburton Primary Good; South Dartmoor college) | Dartmoor National Park & conservation-area planning constraints |
| Renowned antiques & independent shops | River/surface-water flood risk on low-lying ground near the Ashburn |
| Dartmoor, the Dart & the coast within reach | No full A&E (Newton Abbot has a minor injuries unit; nearest A&E at Torbay/Exeter) |
| Fast A38 access to Newton Abbot, Exeter & Plymouth | Older slate-hung and listed homes limit alterations and need survey work |
| A genuine, independent, creative identity | Mid-to-higher prices, above the larger commuter towns nearby |
| Slate-hung streets, St Andrew’s church & “Ashburton marble” | The secondary college’s latest inspection has no single overall grade |
Villages & areas around Ashburton
Many buyers who love Ashburton look just outside it too, a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Ashburton?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
Families
People wanting a characterful town with its own primary (Ashburton Primary, Good) and secondary (South Dartmoor Community College) schools, a real community, and Dartmoor and the Dart nearby for an outdoor childhood, who check the latest school reports and, near the Ashburn, the flood risk.
Downsizers, retirees & creatives
People wanting a walkable, characterful old town with antiques and independent shops, a real community and the moor on the doorstep, at mid-to-higher prices, with the nearest full A&E at Torbay or Exeter, and a flood check near the river, in mind.
Second-home, holiday-let & remote workers
People wanting a Dartmoor-gateway base with the moor, the Dart and the coast within reach, or a characterful home for hybrid working with good broadband and A38 access, factoring in the additional-property SDLT, any letting rules and the drive to the station.
What your money buys in Ashburton
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure, indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Ashburton, step by step
A simple order of play that keeps things on track.
1. Get your budget straight
Work out your deposit and the true monthly cost (mortgage, council tax, insurance, which flood risk near the Ashburn can affect, and SDLT, including any additional-property surcharge on a second home or holiday let), and get a mortgage in principle so you can move quickly.
2. Do your homework on the property
Check river and surface-water flood risk (especially for any home near the Ashburn), get a full building survey (wise on older, slate-hung and listed homes), check the conservation-area and Dartmoor National Park planning position, review the lease on a flat, check the school position and catchment, and confirm your commute, before you fall in love.
3. Line up the right people
A mortgage adviser, a good surveyor and a local conveyancer will save you time, money and stress. We can introduce you to the first.
Already live in Ashburton?
This guide isn't just for people moving in. If you already own here, a few moments now can save a lot later.
If your current mortgage deal is within about six months of ending, it's usually worth reviewing your options rather than drifting onto your lender's standard variable rate, which is often more expensive. And whether or not you're moving, it's worth checking that your protection still matches your life. We can introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser, and review your life cover, critical illness cover and income protection alongside it.
Review my options →In summary: buying in Ashburton
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Ashburton
- Enjoy the town, the slate-hung streets, the antiques and independent shops, St Andrew’s church and the River Ashburn, with Dartmoor on the doorstep.
- Note the transport, no station in town, but Newton Abbot and Totnes stations are a drive away and the A38 gives fast access to Exeter and Plymouth.
- Note the setting, a characterful stannary town and southern gateway to Dartmoor, with the moor, the Dart and the coast within reach.
- Check river and surface-water flood risk carefully for any home near the River Ashburn, and confirm insurance and Flood Re eligibility.
- Confirm the council tax and band, Ashburton (Teignbridge district + town council) Band D is £2,678.05 for 2026/27.
- Budget realistically, prices are mid-to-higher, and older, listed and moor-edge homes need survey, consent and planning checks; use an adviser.
- Note the nearest A&E is at Torbay or Exeter (~25–40 min); Newton Abbot has a minor injuries unit, verify current arrangements with the NHS.
- Get a full building survey on an older, slate-hung or listed home, and on a flat review the lease, ground rent and service charge.
- For schools, check the current position on Ashburton Primary (Good) and South Dartmoor Community College’s latest report, and catchment for a specific address.
- On a second home or holiday let, check the letting and licensing position and factor the additional-property SDLT surcharge.
- Walk the old streets and up towards Dartmoor, and along the Ashburn, to get a feel for the town and its setting.
- Remember Dartmoor is just to the west and the coast around twenty-five to thirty minutes south-east.
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle before you start viewing in earnest.
- Review your protection at the same time as your mortgage, important for family buyers.
- Take your conveyancer’s advice on the flood, conservation-area, National Park, lease and standard searches.
Nearby areas worth considering
If you are weighing Ashburton against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Bovey Tracey
The other “Gateway to Dartmoor” market town to the north, with its crafts, character and the moor on the doorstep.
Newton Abbot
The busy market and railway town to the east, with the main-line station, the racecourse and plenty of shops and services.
Totnes
The characterful, independent-minded town on the River Dart to the south, with its castle, its heritage and its alternative spirit.
Chudleigh
The small market town below the Haldon Hills to the north-east, with Chudleigh Rock, the Pixie’s Cave and Ugbrooke House.
Kingsteignton
The large, affordable commuter town near Newton Abbot, with its own schools, ball-clay heritage and fast A380/A38 links.
Exeter
The cathedral city and regional capital to the north-east, with the university, the hospitals, the jobs and city amenities.
Family Protection
Whichever area you choose, the right life cover, critical illness cover and income protection matter just as much as the mortgage.
Talk to us about family protection →Speak to Us
Researching Ashburton or a nearby area? We are always happy to point people in the right direction.
Ask us where to start →Is this the right route for you?
This is likely a good fit if…
- You are buying, moving or remortgaging in Ashburton and want help comparing lenders rather than relying on one bank’s own range.
- You are employed or self-employed with reasonably clean credit and a deposit of around 5% or more.
- You want the mortgage and the protection that goes with it sorted together, rather than as two separate jobs.
- You would rather someone else dealt with the lender, the paperwork and the chasing.
We do not advise on the mortgage ourselves. The mortgage advice comes from a separately regulated firm we introduce you to.
Not sure it fits? Ask us anyway.
More money guides for Ashburton
Buying is one piece of it. These cover the rest of the picture locally.
- Financial advice in Ashburton the local money picture, and introductions to a regulated adviser
- Combining your pensions in Ashburton: bringing old pots together
- Equity release in Ashburton: how much you could release, and the risks that matter
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashburton a good place to live?
Is Ashburton expensive?
What is Ashburton known for?
Does Ashburton have a train station?
Where is the nearest A&E to Ashburton?
Does Ashburton have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Ashburton?
How much is stamp duty on an Ashburton property?
How much is council tax in Ashburton?
Which police and fire services cover Ashburton?
Is Ashburton a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Ashburton?
What is broadband like in Ashburton?
Is Ashburton good for families?
Is flooding a problem in Ashburton?
Is Ashburton in Dartmoor National Park?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Ashburton?
Can existing homeowners in Ashburton benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Ashburton, planning a move, reviewing your finances or simply exploring your options, we're always happy to point people in the right direction.
By submitting your details you agree that your contact information will be passed to a carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.
Also for homeowners in Ashburton: Equity release in Ashburton: releasing tax-free cash from your home in later life.
Protecting the mortgage is the part we advise on ourselves. Read how mortgage protection insurance works, including which type of cover suits which situation.
Short reads that work through the local numbers. No sales pitch.