The New English Commute: via the Channel

The Independent reports on the rise of a new phenomenon of Britons commuting to work in London—from France. Middle-class buyers, priced out of "character" English homes and stuck in cookie-cutter subdivisions, are increasingly purchasing properties in Normandy and other parts of France's north—where prices are as much as 30% lower—then commuting to London several days a week.

Bargain-basement flights, new mortgage rules and a strong pound have led to the influx of British buyers, and the new high-speed Eurostar link promises to accelerate the trend. Particularly for workers with irregular schedules, who can crash for a few days in London and then return to France, la vie de campagne has become increasingly attractive. (More commuting stories.)