The Elizabeth line, formerly known as Crossrail, will finally open on the 24th of May. It has over 40 stations, and our consultancy has been abuzz with possibilities for increased connectivity across London.
Sarah Tonkinson, Foxtons Managing Director of Institutional PRS and Build to Rent (BTR), said, “We do a lot of consultancy, and at the moment, the hot topic is who will live along the Elizabeth Line…A BTR development’s great transport links are strong selling points, because connectivity matters to residents.”
Transport links are one of the most important considerations when renting in London. No matter how much we grumble when the trains are delayed, public transportation is a real asset that has shaped the landscape of the Capital. The Tube is the longest metro in Europe, “ranking above Madrid, Berlin and Paris” (Statista). In his book London’s Underground: The Story of the Tube, Oliver Green said “London is now a world city, an international metropolis that everyone wants to experience…[and] those travellers use the Tube as part of their journey…Over a period of more than 150 years, its look, design and engineering has become a unique part of London’s character” (pg 7).
Why is the Elizabeth Line needed?
A newly opened train line could be the best thing for the huge renter demand in London, as it makes many more commutes feasible. According to the Crossrail article, Plan to Complete the Elizabeth Line, “The railway is more than 100km long with new trains operating in 42km of new tunnel and track under central London, connecting 41 stations and bringing an additional 1.5million people within 45 minutes of London.” This may shape demand in upcoming months. As reported in Property Investor Today, “Property prices in postcodes set to benefit from a Crossrail station currently sit at an average of £572,686, some 17% higher than the average of £490,429 across the wider districts in which they are found” (article).
Where will the Elizabeth Line go?
The line will run horizontally across London, connecting Heathrow and Reading in the west with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. The central section, between Paddington and Abbey Wood, will open first, with further services upcoming. If you’ve heard us talk about quantum factors, and how savvy investors use them to look for London's investment opportunities, you'll know why the areas around these stations are likely to go up in value, and in demand, quite rapidly.
Where to rent
When we talk about BTR (Build to Rent), we highlight a couple of key factors that every good development should have. Our suggested development, if you want to make the most of the upcoming Elizabeth Line, is UNCLE Southall, and it has both key factors:
1. An easy commute – This UNCLE development is in West London, right on the doorstep of the upcoming Elizabeth line’s Southall stop. When the Elizabeth Line goes here, residents will be 17 minutes away from Bond Street and 24 from Liverpool Street, and easily connected to Heathrow for international travel. While it won’t be the first stop to open, residents also have just a 4 minute walk to Southall train station and an 18 minute train journey to Paddington. Plus, they’ll have gotten in early to a beautiful home in an up-and-coming area, right before it’s linked all across London.
2. A built-in community – Besides the beautifully designed apartment, there should be additional features in BTR developments that set them apart from traditional renting and homeownership. Particularly, onsite resident managers to keep everything running smoothly, useful onsite amenities and a fantastic community feel with quality resident events. In UNCLE Southall, you can find your centre in the yoga studio, delight in the view from the roof terrace, sing your heart out to karaoke, join a dog-walking club (this building is one of the rare pet-friendly properties to let in london), and bring that collaborative energy to your WFH in the co-working lounge.
Connected through London
Living in West London, right by Southall station, you'll have an easy journey to Paddington. Also, once the Elizabeth line opens through here, you'll have many links across the Capital.
A spacious, state-of-the-art apartment
Beautifully designed one, two and three bed apartments with underfloor heating and super-fast internet.
At home in your community
It's easier to make new London friends with a community message board, karaoke room, co-working space, lounge and gym space and a rooftop terrace.
Available now
We have a limited number of apartments available, if you'd like to book a viewing: 1 bed apartment, 1 bed apartment, 2 bed apartment, 2 bed apartment, and 3 bed apartment.
