W2
With its beautiful garden squares, terraced homes, and reasonable prices (compared to other SW and W postcodes) Bayswater has always been a popular residential area. However, the injection of billions of pounds worth of investment will transform W2 into one of the most exclusive postcodes in the capital. Most notably the opening of the Crossrail’s Elizabeth Line in 2022, the redevelopment of Whiteleys and Fenton Whelan’s Park Modern will be driving forces to the growth of Bayswater.
W11
With a “Bohemian meets super cool” atmosphere Notting Hill has been identified as one of London’s postcodes with more potential in a post-pandemic world. Notting Hill was the only area in the capital to be named in Knight Frank’s Next Neighbourhoods 2021 and it is expected to significant growth in the near future.
It is particularly popular with young families seeking the best education for their children, and Notting Hill offers plenty of excellent schools. It also offers easy access to green spaces with 16 garden squares, proximity to Holland Park and Hyde Park coupled with great restaurants, pubs and cafes.
SW11
The Battersea Power Station has been one of the most popular and celebrated developments in recent times. Not only the apartments are stunning, they are also surrounded by an amazing selection of restaurants, bars and amenities, including the new Tube station which will provide much needed transportation means.
The whole area has been transformed by the development and house prices have definitely gone up significantly. Still, Battersea is still cheaper than most Central London postcodes and it is still considered up and coming. One of the great things about living in Battersea is having access to Battersea Park which provides a children’s zoo, boating lake, mini golf, sports pitches and many acres to run, walk or bike.
W14
London’s aging exhibition centre Olympia and its surroundings are set to be transformed with a £1bn plan for a new arts, entertainment, events and creative business quarter. Heatherwick Studio – responsible for the Coal Drops Yards redevelopment design, as well as the 2012 Olympic torch and Routemaster bus design – is set to be involved in the scheme. It is hoped the new venture will bring an extra £9m of consumer spending into the borough. It will also attract London property investors keen for a slice of the action.
NW8
So close to central London it’s practically in it, St John’s Wood is another north London neighborhood worth mentioning. This area is famous for Lord’s Cricket Ground and The Beatles’ Abbey Road Studios (and the famous zebra crossing).
St John’s Wood High Street has lots of shops and cafes along it, and Saint John’s Wood Church Gardens are peaceful for walks. Nearby Regent’s Park boasts 410 acres of beautiful green space, with the largest outdoor sports centre in Central London, boating lakes and stunning rose gardens.
As a destination for families and students alike, St Johns Wood has strong ties in education with a number of universities close by. There are many good primary schools to choose from, as well as two well-regarded state secondaries. Arnold House, Abercorn Place, St Christina’s, St John’s Wood Pre Prep and Francis Holland are further options for those interested in private education.
