As one of the most iconic cities in the world, London is a vibrant and diverse capital which is highly sought-after by homebuyers for the quality of life it offers and its unmatched diversity and culture. Its numerous districts each offer their own charm and character with a variety of amenities to suit any homebuyer – from buzzing central London neighbourhoods to quaint, leafy boroughs.
The London property market is renowned for its resilience, with property price predictions for the next 5 years looking healthy for the Capital. The city’s status as a global, financial and cultural hub attracts homebuyers from all over the world, being particularly desirable for working professionals and international buyers.
So, as location is often a deciding factor for many homebuyers, we shortlist some of the best places to live in London.
Our Best Places to Live in London Shortlist:
Kensington
Boasting royal connections, proximity to some of London’s most famous parks, and easy access to Central London and its employment hubs; Kensington is often touted as one of the best places to live in London for its quality of life, convenience, and prestige.
Kensington is a treasure trove of history, culture and leisure activities, hosting some of London’s most iconic entertainment venues, museums and galleries. In fact, Kensington is home to over 30 museums, including The Natural History Museum, The Design Museum and The Science Museum often listed on the best things to do in London and renowned across the world.
Kensington’s retail scene is one of the most desirable in the UK, with its high street catering to a wide range of tastes with everything from high-end to high street lifestyle and fashion brands. Just a stone’s throw away from the high street is Knightsbridge, which boasts two of the most exclusive department stores in the world: Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
Find out more about living in Kensington in our area guide, here.
Islington
Just north of the city centre, Islington is one of London’s coveted neighbourhoods and for good reason. From trendy cafes, colourful markets and a vibrant nightlife, Islington is full of character. In fact, it was placed 5th best place to live in London based on a survey conducted by HomeViews with local amenities being a prominent ranking factor.
Upper Street is Islington’s stand out area, with one of the highest concentrations of eateries in the Capital. It’s the major shopping destination in Islington, offering a diverse range of boutiques, high street retailers, independent shops as well as an abundance of culinary wonders from every corner of the globe. The Camden Passage area is known for antiques and vintage stores as well as its eclectic mix of coffee shops and restaurants – something for everyone.
Islington also has a brilliant cultural scene with numerous theatres, art galleries, and live music venues. The Almeida Theatre, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, and The Union Chapel are just a few of the main attractions in the area.
SevenCapital are currently in consultation stage with plans to restore and develop Archway Campus, a former infirmary identified by Historic England as part of their Heritage at Risk Register.
This will include restoring the historic buildings and introducing sensitively designed new build elements to bring the site forward as a residential-led mixed-use scheme which celebrates the history of the site whilst transforming it for modern day use that will provide circa 230 new homes as well as benefits to the local community. Find out more here.
Isle of Dogs
East London’s Isle of Dogs has seen a significant amount of regeneration over the past few decades, transforming it into a serene and picturesque riverside location brimming with history, culture and entertainment. In fact, the Sunday Times named the area as the “Best Place to Live in London” in 2019 – and we couldn’t agree more.
The Isle of Dogs is situated within close proximity to both the City of London and its thriving financial heart: Canary Wharf. Its excellent transport links mean that residents can reach central London in under 30 minutes, with Canary Wharf just a 20-minute walk and the city itself just a 25-minute direct commute via the Docklands Light Railway.
The Elizabeth Line, formerly known as Crossrail, has also opened the door to swifter commuting times particularly to key employment hubs, with journey times to Liverpool Street in 6 minutes, Farringdon in 9 minutes, Paddington in 17 minutes as well as London Heathrow in just 45 minutes. This makes The Isle of Dogs an extremely attractive and convenient location for working professionals.
Despite its prime city location, the Isle of Dogs boasts an abundance of green space with the likes of Island Gardens, Millwall Park, and Mudchute Park and Farm all of which offer a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of the inner city.
Mayfair
Like Kensington, Mayfair is an extremely prestigious neighbourhood renowned for its high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as its beautiful parks and gardens- including Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James’s Park.
Bursting with beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture, it is one of the best areas in London for those who enjoy the finer things in life, with some of London’s best restaurants such as The Ritz London, The Ivy as well as Michelin-starred Berares, Murano and Kai Chinese restaurant.
Mayfair’s shopping opportunities are also second to none, with the area’s boundaries consisting of Oxford Street to the north, Piccadilly to the south, Hyde Park to the west, and Regent Street to the east. Retail is a major draw for residents and visitors alike, with numerous high-end designer outlets and easy access to upmarket department stores such as Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
Barnet
Situated a little further afield in North London, Barnet is one of our best places to live in London for many reasons. Barnet is steeped in history and provides residents with the perfect balance between the buzz of city life while offering the tranquillity of near-countryside living due to its proximity to both Central London and its outer green belt.
Barnet is extremely well connected, with access to overground and underground trainlines offering journey times to Central locations such as Kings Cross St. Pancras, Euston, Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square starting from just 29 minutes. Additionally, High Barnet high street lies just a short drive from the M25 which provides excellent access to Greater London and the wider South East.
It is the second most populated borough of London – a testament to the area’s quality of living and the amenities it offers including a wealth of bars and restaurants, numerous sporting facilities spanning Tennis clubs, golf courses and even Saracens Rugby Club; as well as numerous top rated schools, making the area one of the best in London.
Camden
Camden Town is renowned for two things: its eccentric culture and its host of music venues including Electric Ballroom and the legendary Roundhouse, which boasts the likes of Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin as some of its past performers. Camden offers an abundance of concerts, theatre productions and events to cater to a variety of needs.
At its heart sits Camden Lock, a trendy blend of canalside bars, quirky cafés, market stalls, and artistic spaces. It offers everything you need – from music to fashion outlets, delicious street food to leisure activities. Similarly, Camden Market offers over 1,000 unique retail shops, stalls and eateries – from traditional European street food to delicious Asian delicacies.
Camden is a dynamic and culturally rich part of London, making it one of the best areas in London for those who enjoy a lively urban environment with a diverse mix of experiences.
SevenCapital: A London Property Developer
SevenCapital are proud to present our latest property development in London located in Kensington.
Comprising seven residential blocks, 100 West Cromwell Road will offer a mix of spacious studio apartments, one, two and three- bedroom apartments, with some featuring an open or enclosed balcony, along with a select number of duplex apartments and three- and four- bedroom houses.
A new landmark, 100 West Cromwell Road will feature a 29-storey residential tower, which will become the tallest building in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Find out more about our latest London property development, here or sign up for development updates below.