London Local Property Guide
Welcome to London
Welcome to the city that is instantly recognisable with icons such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and even modern structures such as The Gherkin. As the UK’s multicultural capital that’s a tireless innovator of art, brewer of culture and dominator in the financial industry, London certainly makes for an exciting place to visit – and live.
Along with tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus and the London Eye, London is bursting with museums, libraries, cathedrals and walks along the Thames River that can keep you entertained for hours. Although London is known for its bustling city life, you’re never far from a relaxing green space. Here, you can walk among the deer in Richmond Park or enjoy the vast landscapes of Hyde Park or Highgate Wood. And thanks to the well-connected London Underground, there is, quite literally, everything on your doorstep. And if you live in London, it’s all for your taking.
If you’re considering moving into the area and scouting out houses for sale in London, take a peek at what’s on offer and how to meet local estate agents in London.
Find your local estate agent in London
If you’re thinking of selling your home in London and you want to take the next step, finding the right estate agent in London can help your home-buying and selling journey. To talk to a local expert focused on your needs, start your property search here. It’s as easy as popping in your postcode to view the sales or lettings agents near you.
Living in London at a glance
Living in London is unlike any other experience. It’s a big city, and the demographics and landscape change quickly from one part of the city to another. While there is a buzzing, artsy, creative scene in Shoreditch, the Canary Wharf’s financial district is home to corporate powerhouses. And yet, in London, you can have families living symbiotically next door to students, young professionals, and households of all generations.
There are so many different areas of London to explore, but wherever you decide to settle, you can be sure that you’re close to the host of all things culture, sports, events, music, theatre… the list goes on. There is virtually everything on your doorstep, and you can truly enjoy the variety of life. Families benefit from great schooling and strong community ties, while young professionals can enjoy living in the heart of the industry. There’s always a gig, show or event on somewhere.
If you’re tempted to start your search for London for sale property, keep reading to discover a handful of the top neighbourhoods.
Getting around London
Whether you’re moving around London or heading further afield, London is the hub of all things transportation. London has 6 major airports (London City, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stanstead and Southend) and a superior Underground and Overground tube that works like a well-oiled machine with impressive links to just about anywhere.
Several train stations can take you anywhere in the country, with direct trains to Birmingham, Manchester, Brighton, Swansea, Cornwall and Scotland. Ideal for escaping on short city breaks, London St Pancras Eurostar takes you to European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Rotterdam and more.
London Underground
London has one of the world’s most extensive public transport networks, covering the entire Greater London area. London is divided into 9 zones that begin from the city’s historic centre. These 9 zones are essentially the way the London Underground map is split, where you pay more as you travel farther on the system.
Zones 1 and 2 are Central London, where you can find Kensington Palace, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Piccadilly Circus, while Zone 6 takes you as far out as Heathrow Airport.
Travellers can save money by buying an Oyster card or making contactless payments with a debit or credit card. There are also alternatives such as Travelcards and bus and tram passes, which offer fixed monthly payments and unlimited travel options. For those with a regular commute, a monthly pass can save hundreds.
The links continue to get better. London’s Underground Night Tube has reopened, and there are even new metro stops as part of the transformational Elizabeth line buildout, with trains running directly from Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood. The direct journeys across the city are immense.
The London Tube is extremely well-connected, with locals and tourists relying on it to nip around the city. However, the buses and trams are also frequent and allow you to move around with ease.
By road
Buses are everywhere in London, providing regular connections across the city. And if you ever want to be a tourist for the day, there’s no better spot than on a red double-decker bus. But it’s not just for the sights; buses can get you to where you need to be.
You can also consider other means of transportation, such as a taxi or Uber, with plenty in supply and incredible sights to be seen from the passenger seat.
If you’re relocating to London with a car or are thinking of buying one, consider that you’ll need to pay the Congestion Charge. This is a £15 daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone between 07:00-18:00 Monday to Friday and 12:00-18:00 Saturday and Sunday. There are also ULEZ (Ultra-Low Emission) Zones in which Central London vehicles must meet emission standards or their drivers will need to pay to drive within the zone.
By bicycle
Despite sounding like a risky affair, cycling is reasonably safe in London. There are a number of cycle ‘Superhighways’ for commuters, which are dedicated cycle tracks separate from cars, and a variety of secure cycle parking areas around the city.
If you don’t own a bike or would rather not commit to buying one, you can still cycle using the ‘Boris Bikes’ or Santander Cycles. These bikes-for-hire are found between 750 docking stations, around every 300 metres in Central London. The bikes are easy and cheap to access and can get you to your next destination quickly.
Cost of living in London
For years now, the UK capital has been ranked the best city in the world thanks to its standout culture, liveability and prosperity. That said, the city ranks 17th among the world’s most expensive cities to live in.
For those living in an average one-person flat outside the city centre, the monthly cost of living in London is around £3,200. For couples and families, the cost understandably increases. There’s no denying that London can be an expensive place to live, especially compared to other cities in the UK and around Europe.
Expenses such as property will widely fluctuate depending on your situation and location. Plus, food, restaurants and transport will range across the different London boroughs. The good news is that London wages are the highest in the country, with the London Living Wage higher than the UK Living Wage (£11.95) at £13.15 an hour.
However, living in London doesn’t have to break the bank. By budgeting, staying savvy about deals and buying affordable property in the right area, you don’t have to deprive yourself of all the exciting offerings in this vibrant city.
Property for sale in London
London property for sale is some of the most varied and fascinating. There’s riverside living, canal-adjacent housing or homes in the suburbs on leafy streets. The spectrum of housing is a long and vast one. Where will you choose?
Your budget is one of the most significant factors when choosing your next home. And if you don’t have a sweet pile of cash waiting to be spent on a house, you’ll need to be savvy in the London housing marketing.
The price of property in London for sale will vary on its size and location. As a rule of thumb, the closer you live to Central London, the higher the price of property will be. The average price of a house in London is £539,000, according to the UK House Price Index. Although expensive, it’s worth noting that the price does fluctuate across the London boroughs, with many of the more expensive Central London properties driving up the average.
The average costs by property type in London (at the time of writing, November 2023):
Detached house: £1,107,455
Semi-detached: £700,539
Terraced: £591,317
Flat: £446,019
When looking to buy a house in London, there are many choices. There are new build apartments, sleek modern flats, townhouses, semis and detached homes. With a huge sense of community within the different areas of London, the London lifestyle rewards the homeowner.
Neighbourhoods in London
Brixton
Average property price: £637,000
A popular area of London, Brixton is undoubtedly one of London’s most diverse neighbourhoods. It’s boisterous, playful, colourful and ever-evolving, thanks to the influx of young adults moving to the area.
Those looking for an apartment for sale in London within Brixton can enjoy late Victorian terrace houses converted into flats, along with funky houses to suit a range of households and budgets.
The new energy in Brixton has brought a lot of start-up businesses into the mix, which has boosted the economy and provided jobs for the local workforce. In addition to plenty of work opportunities, Brixton also offers superb entertainment and food.
Brixton is part of the Borough of Lambeth in South London. It’s a town that’s very multicultural and entertaining to live in, with a plethora of bars and restaurants to socialise with friends and hang out.
Public transport is readily available, with the Northern Line tube stopping at Brixton station.
See properties for sale in Brixton, London.
Islington
Average property price: £836,600
Just north of the city centre is the Borough of Islington, making it the ideal location for those who want to be smack in the middle of London. On your doorstep are prominent areas, such as Kings Cross, Archway, Highgate, Finsbury and more. But if you’re looking to go further afield, the choice is yours as there are 10 tube stops in the area. In short, Islington is extremely well-connected by the Underground, in addition to the bus routes that run both day and night.
Dripping with culture, residents can enjoy renowned venues such as the Almeida Theatre, Islington Assembly Hall and the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art. There are also beautiful parks and green spaces like Highbury Fields and Finsbury Park to enjoy, as well as bustling dining and nightlife for socialising.
Islington properties for sale vary, offering a broad spectrum for those looking to buy in the area. There are 1-bedroom flats, 2-bedroom flats, terraced houses and townhouses available. While the price of property tends to be slightly higher in Islington, you benefit from the desirable, central location.
Explore property for sale in Islington, London.
Richmond
Average property price: £724,060
Richmond-upon-Thames is located right along the River Thames in South West London, notably one of the best areas to live in the region. It’s around 50 minutes from Central and North London and the only borough in the city to be situated on both sides of the river.
Notable mentions must include the largest royal park in all of London: Richmond Park. It’s around 2,500 acres of pure grassland, trees, wildlife and various landscapes. Visit at the right time and you’ll see the park’s most popular residents: deer. Stroll a little further up the hill to enjoy the glorious landscape featuring St. Paul’s Cathedral too.
Richmond offers a whole host of theatres and cinemas, parks, good schools and great shopping and dining. With everything you need on your doorstep, it’s no wonder that families are flocking to this prestigious area of the capital.
View properties for sale in Richmond, London.
Fulham
Average property price: £1,305,900
Ideal for families, Fulham is known for its wealth and prosperity. It’s a safe part of the city, located in South West London, within the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. While it has a seedy history from the 1700s, when it was the prime place for gambling and drinking, those days are long gone. Today, it’s now considered one of the most expensive areas in London.
Fulham offers a lively social scene and has easy access to all of London. It also provides employment opportunities for professionals across several industries. Fulham tends to be popular with upper-middle-class families, with a collection of high-end restaurants, River Thames walks, outdoor spaces and a lively nightlife.
Seek out houses for sale in Fulham.
Hackney
Average property price: £717,640
It’s young, it’s hip, it’s no wonder trendy professionals are turning to East London to live: Hackney is often their most desirable location to buy in. Thanks to the vibrant nightlife, contemporary pop-up stores, countless museums, creative atmosphere and thriving arts scene, it’s one of the most sought-after locations of houses for sale in London.
The wider Borough of Hackney has seen many rejuvenation projects over recent years, transforming old industrial buildings into modern apartment complexes. This means that many flats sit in wonderfully restored buildings, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and large windows for that ‘loft’ appeal.
What’s more, many of its schools are ranked ‘well above average’, making it even more appealing for young families looking to relocate. There are also great amenities in terms of health clinics and community centres too.
Despite limited access to London Underground stations, the area is served well by the Overground transportation, connecting Hackney to the rest of London.
See houses for sale in Hackney, London.
Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Average property price: £2,322,180/£1,508,000
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, located in West-Central London, is adjacent to Westminster. It holds royal status as Kensington Palace – the birthplace of Queen Victoria – is located within its boundaries. As such, the borough is renowned for its wealth, affluence and luxurious lifestyle. If you’re looking for a high-spec flat for sale in London, then you can’t go wrong in this location. For families, areas around the leafy Holland Park are a great choice.
What’s more, Notting Hill is right on your doorstep. Known for its colourful architecture and lively atmosphere, the houses for sale here are stunning. And once you settle into your new home in London, don’t forget to explore the Portobello Road Market!
Scope out property for sale in Kensington and Chelsea, London.
Greenwich
Average property price: £641,954
For young families, Greenwich has everything you could need: beautiful parks, fantastic schools and great transportation links. The Greenwich area has over 20 primary schools, all of which are rated well by Ofsted. There’s also a strong community spirit, which supports families in feeling like they’ve integrated quickly into the local area. And even with the purse-friendly Zone 2 location, you can be in Central London within 40 minutes via public transport.
While picturesque West Greenwich architectural gems can be more pricey, East Greenwich has some great properties for sale that are suitable for first-time buyers, including new developments and more traditional character properties that need a little modernising. In addition to the beautiful parks and green spaces, there are many reasons why Greenwich could make an ideal place to call home.
View homes for sale in Greenwich, London.
Quick facts
The Shard is the tallest building in London
Time to Paris: 2 hours 20 mins
Londoners will be able to travel to Birmingham in just 49 minutes with the completion of HS2
London has hosted the most modern Olympics more times than any other city in the world
Population: 8.9 million
Average temperature in winter: 8C
Average temperature in summer: 20C
Average house price: £539,000
Average monthly rent: £2,600
Households: 3,494,980
Schools: 3,250
Helpful links
All of the city services and information, including schools, parking and healthcare:
Transport in and around London:
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Find your next house for sale in London
Looking to move to London? Whether you want to be near iconic monuments, close to top universities or are looking for a life of opportunities for your family, London makes a perfect spot. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of London properties for sale that can suit your needs and budget. Get started on your home search and connect with your estate agent in London.
See other Purplebricks local property guides.