Balham, in southwest London, has always been Clapham’s poor-ish relation. But everything is relative. One resident observes that the car park at the local Waitrose is “jammed with yummy mummies trying to park their 4x4s”. Estate agents attest to the area’s affluence.The Wandsworth Common side is increasingly gentrified; it is the destination for young families with children in private schools who have no need to be in the catchment area of the sought-after state primaries.
What’s the appeal?
Larger houses with larger gardens, plus a family-friendly lifestyle. The area retains a measure of urban grit, but you can grab a latte at Caffe Nèro and stock up on organic produce at As Nature Intended. There are green spaces — Clapham, Wandsworth and Tooting Bec commons are close by.
What’s the politics?
The Tooting constituency covers most of Balham; Sadiq Kahn — a popular figure after his successful campaign against the redevelopment of Springfield Hospital — holds the seat for Labour with a majority of 5,381. Mark Clarke is the Conservative candidate.
Transport?
Balham is on the Northern Line, in Zone 3; a trip to Bank costs £2.70 with an Oyster Card. Clapham South is in Zone 2 (trip to Bank, £2.30) and is a handier station for many Balham residents. Wandsworth Common station on the Overground is the chicest starting point. Trains to Victoria take 15 minutes. The number 319 bus — known as the “yummy mummy route” — takes you to Sloane Square.
Where are the nicest bits to live?
Balham’s best bits are the “Nightingale Triangle” and roads such as Balham Park Road, close to Wandsworth Common. A four-bedroom Victorian townhouse (usually with a loft or side return extension) in the triangle (the terraced roads west of Nightingale Lane) cost just under a million. Double-fronted houses adorned with wrought-iron balconies and decorative clay tiles on Ritherdon Road and Elmbourne Road start at £1.2 million. Du Cane Court, a pre-war block, is Balham’s Art Deco treat; one-bedroom flats start at £235,000.
Prices fell by 20 to 25 per cent in the downturn, but they have staged a comeback. Hometrack figures show that the average Balham home costs £391,500, against £409,000 in 2007.Bargains are hard to find in this neighbourhood but east of Balham High Road a two-bedroom garden flat costs from £350,000 to £500,000 and a terrace from £600,000 to £700,000.
Are there any decent pubs?
Balhamites adore the Bedford; this live music venue with its revered comedy club, the Banana Cabaret, is one of the best in town. Locals spend their Friday nights at the former Balham Bowls Club, now a vintage-style bar with an “old members’ club feel”. The Clarence is also popular.
What about restaurants?
For parents with a night off there is Chez Bruce on Bellevue Road: pricey but excellent. Lamberts and Harrison’s are smart, and Trinity Stores is a classy café/deli.
What are the schools like?
The catchment areas for the highly popular state primaries — Holy Ghost RC, Ravenstone, Henry Cavendish and Telferscot — are tight. Good independents include Balham Prep, Hornsby House and Frinton in nearby Tooting.
Any downsides?
Crime is an issue. Not for those who dislike suburbia.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Sunday, 24 January 2010
London Rents Map Website
The London Rents Map shows average private sector rents for different types of home across London. Mayor Boris Johnson said the website, which he described as a ‘brilliant one-stop shop' for both landlords and tenants, is part of his efforts to support London's private rented sector.
Mr Johnson said, "It is hugely important for London's economy, diversity and dynamism to have a thriving private rented sector, which accommodates people from all walks of life and encourages newcomers to the capital.
"We know that people looking to rent sometimes don't know where to go for the right information, so this new website is about supporting the market by making that information available," Mr Johnson added.
Simply type in a postcode, borough, or Tube station and the website will list the average price per week for any size of private property, from a room in a shared flat up to a four-bedroom pad.
The data on average rents is given at postcode district level (SW19 or E7, for example), and is based on a sample covering the last 12 months so does not fully reflect the most recent short-term trends in the market.
Mr Johnson said, "It is hugely important for London's economy, diversity and dynamism to have a thriving private rented sector, which accommodates people from all walks of life and encourages newcomers to the capital.
"We know that people looking to rent sometimes don't know where to go for the right information, so this new website is about supporting the market by making that information available," Mr Johnson added.
Simply type in a postcode, borough, or Tube station and the website will list the average price per week for any size of private property, from a room in a shared flat up to a four-bedroom pad.
The data on average rents is given at postcode district level (SW19 or E7, for example), and is based on a sample covering the last 12 months so does not fully reflect the most recent short-term trends in the market.
Monday, 14 December 2009
London Flat Hunters Choose Clapham
The recovery of London’s property market is beginning in Canary Wharf and Chingford.
Exclusive Homes & Property research has found a clear divide when it comes to home-hunting with those in search of good-value houses looking to the northern and eastern suburbs of the capital, while flat-hunters go south and west.
A smaller group, looking for top-end “bargains”, searches in Hampstead, St John’s Wood and Marylebone. The Olympic zone with its new-build homes is attracting both house- and flat-hunters to Stratford.
People seeking houses look around Mill Hill, Barnet and Finchley to the north; in good-value outer-east districts such as Chingford, Woodford and Wanstead; and in south-east “villages” of Greenwich and Blackheath.
Flat-hunters, often looking for a more central location, put Canary Wharf, Clapham and Putney at the top of their lists.
London Evening Standard Homes and Property
Exclusive Homes & Property research has found a clear divide when it comes to home-hunting with those in search of good-value houses looking to the northern and eastern suburbs of the capital, while flat-hunters go south and west.
A smaller group, looking for top-end “bargains”, searches in Hampstead, St John’s Wood and Marylebone. The Olympic zone with its new-build homes is attracting both house- and flat-hunters to Stratford.
People seeking houses look around Mill Hill, Barnet and Finchley to the north; in good-value outer-east districts such as Chingford, Woodford and Wanstead; and in south-east “villages” of Greenwich and Blackheath.
Flat-hunters, often looking for a more central location, put Canary Wharf, Clapham and Putney at the top of their lists.
London Evening Standard Homes and Property
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Watchdog Bans Misleading Spicerhaart Mailing
The Advertising Standards Authority has pulled a direct mail for estate agents Spicerhaart Group after a recipient complained that it was unclear that it was marketing material.
The mailing included a compliments slip with text that appeared to be handwritten stating: "Re: Your home. Please call me as a matter of urgency quoting reference number XXX. Regards, Lesley Miller".
Two phone numbers were also included as well as small print which stated: "Haart is a trading name of Spicerhaart Limited...".
The mail-out, which appeared to be a hand-written letter, intended to encourage home-owners who already had their property on the market to sign up with Haart Estate Agents.
The advertiser said even though it received only a very small number of complaints, it would be willing to make changes to the envelope.
It said the mailing was only sent to consumers who were actively engaged in the house sale process in areas where Haart had an active branch presence.
It had not intended to mislead consumers and had believed it was evident the mailing was marketing material used to seek estate agency instructions.
The mailing included a compliments slip with text that appeared to be handwritten stating: "Re: Your home. Please call me as a matter of urgency quoting reference number XXX. Regards, Lesley Miller".
Two phone numbers were also included as well as small print which stated: "Haart is a trading name of Spicerhaart Limited...".
The mail-out, which appeared to be a hand-written letter, intended to encourage home-owners who already had their property on the market to sign up with Haart Estate Agents.
The advertiser said even though it received only a very small number of complaints, it would be willing to make changes to the envelope.
It said the mailing was only sent to consumers who were actively engaged in the house sale process in areas where Haart had an active branch presence.
It had not intended to mislead consumers and had believed it was evident the mailing was marketing material used to seek estate agency instructions.
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Clapham Schools SATs Can Add £10k to house Prices
Primary schools that perform well add almost £20,000 to the value of homes in their catchment areas, according to new research.
Nationwide Building Society has released figures showing that schools where every 11-year-old achieves at least a level 4 in their Sats exam boost house prices in the area by 11 per cent, adding £19,500 to the price of the average home.
The study found that a 10 per cent increase in the number of pupils achieving a level 4 grade adds £8,000 to the average house price in London.
Homes “between the commons” of Wandsworth and Clapham command tens of thousands of pounds more than similar properties nearby.
Nationwide Building Society has released figures showing that schools where every 11-year-old achieves at least a level 4 in their Sats exam boost house prices in the area by 11 per cent, adding £19,500 to the price of the average home.
The study found that a 10 per cent increase in the number of pupils achieving a level 4 grade adds £8,000 to the average house price in London.
Homes “between the commons” of Wandsworth and Clapham command tens of thousands of pounds more than similar properties nearby.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Clapham Fireworks Display
The Clapham fireworks display takes place on Thursday 5th November 2009 on Clapham Common, with proceedings starting at 7:30pm promptly. Admission is free.
Monday, 2 November 2009
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