How to beat the house-hunting crowds in London

London is a city that never stays still. In the space of just a few years, an area that had once been seen as undesirable can transform into an epicentre for new cafes, restaurants, and housing developments. Whether you’re looking for one of the best nightlife areas in London or a quiet suburban retreat, there is something for everyone.

In this ever-changing landscape, people can often be drawn in by the ‘trendiest’ or most talked about boroughs, especially when you’re moving to the city from further afield. However, these areas can become highly competitive, with some properties coming off the market within just hours of being listed. If there are certain aspects that you are looking for from your next property or location, chances are there are plenty of alternatives to the notoriously popular areas that may not have come to the fore in your initial search.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best areas to live in London, and have offered potentially lesser known, but equally appealing, alternatives for each. In this way, we can help you beat the house-hunting crowds and avoid a stressful buying process. So, read on to discover the range of choice London has to offer. If you would like any further assistance in your property search, please contact one of our local offices. Our team would be delighted to help.

For families

The wish list:

• Green spaces
• Top-rated schools
• Access to the countryside
• Easy commute
• Larger houses/flats

While it’s frequently voted as one of the best areas to live in London for families, Richmond is ideal for anyone looking to settle on the outskirts of the Capital. Filled with all the green spaces your heart desires, close to the River Thames and packed with jaw-dropping properties, it’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason. If, however, you’re not quite ready to step out of the excitement of the centre, you could consider Fulham as an alternative.

With a beautiful uniformity to its streets, it can be easy to get lost in the architecture of this charming West London area. Sitting snugly in the bend of the Thames, it boasts a plethora of green spots, wide-ranging activities and top-rated schools, including international options. With similar house prices to Richmond, you may find that Fulham is the closer-to-central option that hadn’t yet crossed your mind. To find out more about one of the nicest parts of London (in our opinion), you can head over to our Fulham area guide, and to compare house prices, you can take a look at our Richmond area guide.

For merrymakers

The wish list:

• Lively bars and pubs
• Easy travel connections
• Night buses
• Restaurants
• New builds/flats

An area that has been on the up for many years now, Brixton is a hot spot for those who crave energetic and dynamic entertainment day or night. It’s one of the best areas for pubs in London, offering a diverse range of traditional pubs as well as trendy bars. It’s also a great location to consider buying a property in, with a mix of historic and modern homes available. With its famous market, street art, and live music venues, Brixton has a unique atmosphere and culture that draws in both locals and tourists.

With all of that and more, Tooting can be the perfect spot for those who want everything that Brixton offers, without the crowds.

Sitting adjacent to popular areas like Balham and Wimbledon, Tooting has experienced a recent surge in development and investment, making it one of the most sought-after areas in London. It boasts an impressive array of gastropubs, lively bars, and trendy cafes, as well as having excellent connectivity with the rest of the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a night out or a peaceful stroll in the park, Tooting has something for everyone. To find out more about what the area has to offer, check out our Tooting area guide. Additionally, you can compare house prices by browsing our Brixton area guide.

For that village feel

The wish list:

• Independent shops
• Green spaces
• Community feeling
• Markets
• Crescents/squares

We all know that feeling; you’ve turned a corner and have ended up in an area of London that feels like it’s a million miles from the Capital. Birds are chirping, there’s probably a farmer’s market happening in the square, and people smile at you as you go by (are you sure this is London?). Chances are that the image you have in your head is of Hampstead. Synonymous with independent stores, large swathes of green and more coffee shops than you could ever try out, it may just be one of the most well-known spots in London. However, if you’re looking to get that same feeling without having to fight tooth and nail for a property, you may want to turn your attention to Chiswick.

With all the charm of a countryside village, and just a stone’s-throw from Kew Gardens, you’ll find the business of the city melts away upon entering this borough. Whether you’re in need of a weekend away in the Chiltern Hills, or are looking to get into Central London within half an hour, Chiswick offers the best of both worlds. The area boasts exquisite natural scenery alongside more modern entertainment, such as its popular comedy club. Enjoy beautiful views of the Thames as you meander through the gardens of Chiswick House; in this corner of the world, you can forget about the busyness of London completely. To find out more, head over to our Chiswick area guide.

For young professionals

The wish list:

• Easy transport links
• Top-rated restaurants and bars
• Close to offices and co-working spaces
• Independent shops
• Smaller properties and flats

Up and coming areas in London can be a great option for young professionals looking to settle down. There comes a point where you realise you don’t want to go out clubbing every weekend. In fact, you would rather find a cosy pub to settle into or find the perfect little spot for brunch. That’s right, we’re talking about those of you who have moved on from weekend-long revelling but wouldn’t consider yourselves over the hill just yet.

In London, there are hundreds of places that might fit the bill, but one of the most popular spots in recent years has been Clapham. Fantastic for connections across the Capital, this borough has become a haven for millennials who are transitioning into the next phase of their London life. If, however, you find Clapham to be a bit too saturated, then an up-and-coming area that should be next on your list is Kennington.

Just across the river from the Houses of Parliament, Kennington had previously been known as the home of politicians. In recent years, however, with a number of new builds and renovations, it has seen an influx of young professionals who want to live within walking distance of the city centre. With luxury flats available and an array of dining options, this is the perfect place for anyone who wants to dip their toe into South London without being too far away from northern amenities. Take a look through our Kennington area guide to familiarise yourself with the area, and don’t forget that our South London network of offices are on hand to help you find the perfect home. If you’re also wanting to compare house prices, you can browse our Clapham area guide.

For retirees

The wish list:

• Green spaces and markets
• Easy access to the countryside
• Beautiful architecture
• Top-rated restaurants
• Smaller homes/flats

So, you’ve partaken in the hustle and bustle. Maybe you’ve lived all over London, or you’re moving out of an area you’ve lived in your whole life. Either way, you’re likely wanting your new borough to be a bit quieter, whilst still having access to the best parts of the Capital. For many, this is South Kensington. With comfortable-sized flats, well-known museums and galleries and coffee shops galore, it’s an area that lets you peruse to your heart’s content. Of course, the problem with the area having so much to do is that it can become very busy, especially in the height of summer when thousands of tourists deluge on the area. As an alternative, therefore, you might want to consider Queen’s Park.

A much quieter corner of London, Queen’s Park offers a slightly calmer atmosphere than that of Kensington, whilst still having plenty of things to do. Large parks, independent coffee shops and Sunday markets make for a very relaxed way of life. However, if you decide you need a hit of London’s hustle and bustle, you can take the Overground or Underground to almost anywhere in the city. Although traditionally popular with families, this area can be for anyone who wants to live in a Victorian or Edwardian home without having to compete with thousands of other prospective buyers. If Queen’s Park sounds like an area you might enjoy, take a look through our area guide, and for a house price comparison, you can flick through our South Kensington area guide.

At Marsh & Parsons, we’re always looking to make your move in or around London as simple and stress-free as possible. Using our expert local knowledge, we’ve helped thousands of buyers find the home of their dreams, whether that was in the area they were originally looking for, or somewhere unexpected.

To speak to one of our team today, please call 020 8846 3470, contact us here, or head over to one of our offices to have a chat in person.

If you’re a homeowner ready to move, book a free, no-obligation valuation with Marsh & Parsons by clicking here.