Following 30 years of renewal and regeneration, Greenwich is one of the capital’s most attractive and sought-after areas in which to live.
Famed for giving its name to Greenwich Mean Time, Greenwich is where hemispheres meet as well as being home to a World Heritage Site, The O2, London’s only cable car and its oldest Royal park. The area also offers a host of fabulous properties for those who relish its village atmosphere.
Ben Morris, director of new homes at Colliers International comments, “Following 30 years of renewal and regeneration, Greenwich is one of the capital’s most attractive and sought-after areas in which to live and there are now a number of factors that are putting the area at the top of the buyer wish list – not least, the endless array of entertainment in the vicinity such parks, gyms, cinemas, restaurants and markets which have added life and vibrancy to the area beyond the tourist sites. The University of Greenwich and the Goldsmith’s University of London are also within a short walk.
“Furthermore, the Mayor’s Outer London Fund has given £1.5 million, supported by £732,000 from the council, for a series of projects to prepare neighbouring area, Deptford’s high street, for the future. These improvements are making the high street more appealing, better equipped to accommodate more residents and able to really fulfil its potential.”
Nimish Patel, sales manager of Chestertons in Greenwich, tells us that, traditionally, the area attracted buyers with a creative or artistic profession but it’s a little different nowadays. “Due to the areas growth in popularity,” he explains, “we are seeing more bankers, doctors and lawyers choosing to live here. Families mainly make up the composition of the street currently. They are attracted by the village atmosphere that Greenwich has to offer, which is unlike many other London towns.
“Greenwich is steeped in history and is still very much a tourist hotspot. The area is famous for the Cutty Sark museum, the Queen’s House, the theatre and Greenwich Park, and visitors come from all over to see these attractions. Despite its history, the area has had some general gentrifications over the last few years with the opening of many new restaurants and the refurbishment of the Greenwich Market which is open seven days a week. Greenwich has also been the home to a few famous faces, including Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis in his younger years. There is a blue plaque property on Crooms Hill which used to belong to his father, poet Cecil Day-Lewis.”
Bound for St Kat’s
Bound for St Kat’sEstablished in 1828, St Katharine Docks is Central London’s only marina, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of boating up the Thames and mooring right next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Vessels are welcomed from all over the world and many people visit just to watch the lock in operation.
Robert Scullion-Smith, lettings manager at Dexters Wapping, says, “Buyers and tenants are increasingly moving here from the City and Canary Wharf. Warehouse conversions are the typical stock here, often with a mix of both contemporary and traditional interiors. Typical buyers and tenants include City workers from the banks looking for walking distance to the City or across to Canary Wharf via Canada Water from Wapping overground station.
“Easy access to Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf are the big draws, and those with families love the location as it’s very quiet and unassuming compared to neighbouring areas. The average rent of a two-bed property is around £475 – £575 a week, increasing to £700 – £1,400 in a riverside location with a view.”
