In July 2015, Vogue magazine reported that “All eyes are on Leyton and Stratford”. At Abidins we like to think we spotted the trend even earlier.
We can report that London’s first-time buyers and young families are homing in on the areas around Tube stations in Zones 3 and 4. Demand for flats and houses close to Stratford Tube station is growing at the fastest rate across the entire network, rising by 26 per cent over the past six months. Buyers are being tempted by fast transport links – as well as great properties.
The combination of solid Victorian stock and flat conversions is attracting those priced out of neighbouring Hackney. Good schools, great pubs and superb shopping? Tick those boxes too.
Another jewel in the crown is the wealth of beautiful green spaces and leisure opportunities all around, from Hackney Marshes and the Olympic Park to Lea Valley Park and Epping Forest.
Waltham Forest offers good transport links via the Victoria, Jubilee and Central lines, as well as overground, and these connections will improve even further with the Crossrail project and the 2016 reopening of Lea Bridge station – which will minimise the gap between Waltham Forest and its neighbour Hackney.
“Thanks to the Olympics East London is now on the radar of buyers from all over London and, of course, the council is investing in infrastructure. It’s an exciting time – over the next five years the area is going to change a lot, after meeting with delegates recently at Waltham Town Hall Chambers Lea Bridge Road and Blackhorse Lane have been identified by the London mayor Mr Boris Johnson as the next regeneration area with over four thousand new homes being created” says Abidins Managing Director Serkan Abidin.
With an influx of clients desperate to buy property across Leyton, Leytonstone, Stratford and Walthamstow, we profile the four key property ‘hot spots’ and what they can offer you. We also highlight some up and coming zones.
Stratford
Just 7 miles North-East of central London, Stratford is going places in every sense. The legacy of the 2012 Games lives on in fabulous new sports facilities, including the London Aquatics Centre, where a swim in the Olympic pool costs just £2 for a child, £3.50 for an adult. Imaginative landscaped gardens and cultural events draw visitors to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic park – the largest new park in London for over 100 years.
Stratford has a plentiful supply of Victorian terraced houses, now joined by new flats and houses – 11,000 homes are being built in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, including in the former Athletes’ Village, now renamed East Village.
For commuters, Stratford offers two superbly connected stations with fantastic links to central London, both in Zone 3.
There’s world-class shopping at Westfield Stratford City – one of Europe’s largest shopping centres. This retail paradise offers 337 stores which include major brands like Mulberry, M & S, John Lewis and 83 places to eat. The area also has some fine pubs, from the Grade II listed King Edward VII in Broadway to the edgier Hackney Pearl or Number 9, and the famous Theatre Royal Stratford East is still going strong.
Schools include an “outstanding” new state school, School 21 and a new sixth form, London Academy of Excellence. There are many “good” State primaries, two “outstanding” Catholic comprehensives and 3 private Muslim schools.
Walthamstow
So good they call it Awesomestow, Walthamstow remains one of the best value, appealingly villagey neighbourhoods within easy reach of central London. No wonder we’re seeing so many people desperate to snap up a home here.
With good schools, the refurbished William Morris gallery, a magnificent market, and easy access to the great green spaces of Epping Forest and the Lea Valley, what’s not to like?
Safe, family-friendly Walthamstow offers a variety of “outstanding” primary schools and four “good” secondaries plus the outstanding Walthamstow Girls’ School. Housing stock includes pretty Victorian homes towards Epping Forest and charming Warner Flats ideal for small families looking for a starter home
Walthamstow also offers some great independent shops and cafes. It also has a vibrant arts and crafts scene – the E17 Art Trail exhibition of local artists’ work is an annual fixture. The William Morris gallery marries Arts & Crafts treasures with modern works like Grayson Perry’s Walthamstow tapestry.
Oxford Circus is under 25 minutes away via the Victoria Line. And things can only get better: in Spring 2016, Lea Bridge Station will reopen (Lea Bridge Road Station is in Leyton), connecting commuters to Stratford, with its excellent links to the City and West End, in just five minutes.
“It all makes Walthamstow an even better option for buyers on a budget,” says Serkan Abidin. Awesomestow indeed.
Leytonstone
Close to Epping Forest and Westfield Stratford City, and a quick commute into the City, Leytonstone combines the best of urban living with the freedom of wild green spaces.
Here you’ll find appealing (and affordable) terraced Victorian homes, many with original period features. For families there are excellent nurseries and good schools, including Connaught School for Girls, Norlington Boys School & excellent primary schools including Davies Lane Primary School and Gwyn Jones Primary School.
At weekends you can enjoy the walking trails and boating lake of Hollow Ponds, part of the beautiful Wanstead Flats in Epping Forest.
Leytonstone has excellent pubs, including The North Star, The Birkbeck Tavern and The Red Lion – a popular gastropub with live music. For music lovers, there’s also the East Side Jazz club, housed in a proper old Victorian boozer. The area offers a varied choice of restaurants, from the Dim-Sum at Panda, Singburi for Thai and to the Mediterranean mezze at The Olive.
Also a popular hang out is the “All You Read is Love” an independent bookshop, cafe and bar near the Green Man.
For those of you that are interested in art the “Stone Space” is a space for creativity in E11 and is part of the E11 Arts Trail.
Leyton
Just 12 minutes from Liverpool Street on the Central Line, Leyton is an increasingly cosmopolitan ‘hot spot’ to buy in. With a great range of Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, it’s deservedly popular with families. Lying on the East side of Hackney Marshes, it offers great outdoor spaces within minutes – including Coronation Gardens and Leyton Jubilee Park – as well as its very own wilderness, Leyton Flats.
Leyton is, of course, home to Leyton Orient FC and Abidins are now proud sponsors of our local team. New Spitalfields Market, THE place for exotic fruit and veg. The Leisure Centre had a recent refurb, and the area offers great pubs including the William IV and Leyton Technical. With additions like La Petit Robe Rose Cafe (a French cafe selling vintage clothes) and the Lolita Tapas Bar, Leyton life is looking good.
Woodford
Demand is also up by 25 per cent in Woodford, Zone 4 on the Central line, making it London’s second-biggest climber in terms of local demand for property. “This area is popular with families selling in Zones 1-3, who are looking to get more house for their money within the catchment areas of reputable state and private schools,” says Serkan Abidin, Managing Director at Abidins Ltd.
Barkingside
First-time buyers priced out of Woodford are turning towards Barkingside, where starter homes cost an average £192,498 – about £60,000 cheaper than in Woodford – but are still on the Central line and in Zone 4.
OUR VERDICT
Serkan Abidin predicts: “Strong demand for all these areas will continue, due to improving transport links as well as the affordability of property compared to the rest of the capital. Now’s the time to buy – you won’t regret it.”
