5 most popular areas to buy in London

#1 Dulwich

Dulwich is located in south London in the London Borough of Southwark. While Dulwich Village has a traditional rural village feel with cottages, Georgian town houses and independent boutiques and restaurants, East Dulwich is known for its fashionable restaurants and a mixed housing stock of flats and smaller properties for couples. Dulwich also has great schools, such as Dulwich College and James Allen’s School.

Demographic Dulwich Village has a reputation for being genteel and upmarket and has attracted families for years, as it offers great facilities, such as Dulwich and Sydenham Golf Club, JAGS and Dulwich College Sports Club.

Amenities You will find restaurants and coffee shops starting to make a new name for themselves in East Dulwich, which is becoming a trendy foodie place. Rocca Di Pappa, Chandni and Franklin are popular eateries in the area, which also has great nightlife and is known as a creative spot for young professionals.

Parks and leisure Dulwich is surrounded by green spaces such as Dulwich Park, Peckham Rye and Dawson’s Hill Park.

Transport links The area is still owned by the Dulwich Estate, which protects the district from excessive development and helps keep the village atmosphere. The area is not touristy, possibly because there is no underground station.
From North Dulwich station in Zone 2, you can take the train to London Bridge in about 15 minutes. If you are closer to West Dulwich Station, getting to Victoria will only take you 12 minutes and St Pancras in 27 minutes.

Market trends Most of the properties in Dulwich Village are period terraced and detached houses, while in East Dulwich there are more converted flats.

Property prices have increased 11% compared to last year and are 9.6% above the London average. The average price for a property in Dulwich is £816,011. Check out our report.

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#2 Hampstead

Hampstead is located in north London, in zones 2 and 3. There are a few distinct parts of Hampstead, such as Hampstead Village, Hampstead Heath and Hampstead Garden Suburb. Did you know that more millionaires live here than any other part of London?

Amenities Hampstead attracts families, professionals, retirees and even celebrities, probably because you will find plenty of independent restaurants and boutiques, cinemas and theatres and health clubs. High-end delicatessens and grocers have been in this area for decades, such as Melrose and Morgan, Providor, Artichoke and Jeroboams and there is a food market every Saturday.

Parks and leisure It is well known for having lots of space for running and long walks, and swimming in the ponds on Hampstead Heath – as well as acres of woodland, meadows and gardens to explore. There is also Golders Hill Park and Zoo, and on Parliament Hill you will find a beautiful place to watch the sunset on the highest point of Hampstead Heath, which is a legally protected skyline.

Transport links The area is great for public transport and is on the northern line, which takes you to London Euston in 14 minutes and Charing Cross in 20 minutes.

Market trends The price of sold properties in Hampstead has increased by 8.75% year on year and the average property price is 165% above the London average. A property will set you back around £1,081,007. Check out our report.

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#3 Hackney

Hackney has become increasingly popular with food lovers because of its trendy eateries, as well as with the hipster, artist scene and for its convenient location just four miles from Charing Cross.

Demographic A mixture of families and young professionals live in Hackney and the majority of properties are Victorian and Georgian terraced houses. In addition, we have noticed an abundance of converted spaces such as lofts and warehouses along the canal.

Amenities Broadway Market runs from London Fields to Regent’s Canal; The Hackney Empire theatre has been hosting plays, dance acts, live music and stand-up comedians since 1901; the high street is full of trendy restaurants and bars such as Lardo, Rawduck, Tiosk and Platform Bar and the farmers’ market is one of the best attractions in the area.

Parks and leisure Victoria Park is one of the oldest parks in London. You can also find London Fields Lido, which is a heated outdoor swimming pool with sunbathing areas.

Transport links From Dalston Junction and Haggerston Overground stations, you can reach Shoreditch High Street and Highbury & Islington in under 10 minutes.

Market trends Sold house prices in Hackney have increased by nearly 16% in the last year. The average property price is 2.8% above the London average and you can expect to pay around £668,881 for a property. Check out our report.

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#4 South Kensington

South Kensington is one of London’s most desirable areas and an important cultural hub. It borders sought-after Chelsea and Knightsbridge and has become a destination of its own, attracting buyers from all around the world.

Demographic Kensington is known as a cosmopolitan, European hotspot and the majority of its residents are families and professionals.

Amenities The area is one of the most popular for brunch, with a number of fancy French brasseries. Five Michelin-starred restaurants are in South Kensington, as well as an abundance of bars. Kensington High Street is down the road, where some of the biggest clothing brands are located.

Parks and leisure South Kensington is very close to central London and within easy reach of Hyde Park, Brompton Cemetery and Kensington Gardens. You will also find plenty of health clubs and spas. The district has some of the most well-known museums, such as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and the V&A.

Transport links The closest stations you can find are South Kensington Underground Station and West Brompton Overground Station. From South Kensington, it will take you 8 minutes to get to Victoria and less than 15 minutes to the City.

Market trends A two bedroom house will cost in the region of £2,800,000. Check out our report.

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#5 Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is London’s financial hub, where professionals work for banks and investment companies. While there are some apartments in Canary Wharf itself, to the south in the Isle of Dogs you can find families, as well as young professionals.

Amenities Canary Wharf offers a large choice of restaurants and bars, some with breath-taking panoramic views of London. Two Michelin-starred restaurants are in this area as well.

Parks and leisure Mudchute Park and Farm offers 32 acres of green spaces and a host of activities, such as horse riding and animal petting sessions.

Transport links From Canary Wharf Underground Station there is quick access to central London on the Jubilee line and the DLR and you can be in London Bridge in 6 minutes. Crossrail, or the Elizabeth line, is due to open in December 2018.

Market trends Property prices in Canary Wharf have increased by 14% in the past three years. The average property price is 15.80% above the London average and a property in this area costs £672,142 on average. Check out our report.

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