London, with its job opportunities, culture, sport and more, has always been a top choice for people looking to relocate within the UK. However, over time, certain parts of the city have become more desirable for settling down.
According to lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos, there are ten areas in London that will be the most sought-after places to live next year. Some of the neighbourhoods on the list might not surprise you, but others could raise an eyebrow.
London is likely to see a rush of first-time buyers trying to snap up what they can before April 1, 2025. From that point, stamp duty is set to revert to its previous levels.
First-time buyers in England or Northern Ireland pay no stamp duty on property purchases up to £425,000. This is called ‘first-time buyers’ relief, reports MoneyHelper. For properties costing up to £625,000, you will pay no Stamp Duty on the first £425,000. You’ll then pay Stamp Duty at the rate of 5 per cent on the remaining amount, up to £200,000
But the ‘nil rate’ threshold will go back to £300,000 on April 1, from the current level of £425,000. With very few areas in London having houses available for under £300,000, the change will mean more people trying to close sales before that date.
Crouch End
Flats in Crouch End sold for an average of £512,000 last year, while terraced homes fetched an average of £1,139,000
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Crouch End, located in the North London borough of Haringey, is described by Muddy Stilettos as having an ‘elegant, laid back vibe’. It’s ideal for families, offering a market town feel rather than a big city buzz, with plenty of green spaces and excellent schools.
Celebrities such as David Tennant, Katherine Ryan and Simon Pegg also call Crouch End home. For food lovers, the area boasts Les 2 Garçons Bistro, Dunn’s Bakery and The Queens Pub – all recommended by Muddy Stilettos.
According to property website Rightmove, flats in Crouch End sold for an average of £512,000 last year, while terraced homes fetched an average of £1,139,000.
Dartmouth Park
Staying in North London, Dartmouth Park offers a unique blend of city life and suburban tranquillity. Nestled between Kentish Town and Highgate, and close to Hampstead Heath, Dartmouth Park is the perfect spot for outdoor swimming, dog walks or summer picnics.
One of the key attractions of this area is its strong sense of community, as highlighted by Muddy Stilettos. The local neighbourhood forum regularly organises events and activities.
However, the stunning location and proximity to the heath come with a hefty price tag – flats average at £655,000, while terraced homes sold for an average of £1.7 million last year.
East Dulwich
House prices are steep
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East Dulwich in South London has been dubbed ‘cool’ by Muddy Stilettos, earning it a spot on their list of top places to live in London. The area boasts fantastic food options – Yard Sale pizza, family-run Greek restaurant Kanella and Co, and high-end Japanese cuisine Yama Momo are all mentioned.
It’s also a trendy shopping destination, featuring independent bookshop Rye Books and homeware and plants at Forest London. Every May, the Dulwich Festival celebrates local artists and provides a great opportunity for the community to come together.
The presence of high-quality schools makes it a popular choice for parents with young families, and it’s better connected to Central London than it might appear from looking at a Tube map. East Dulwich has a railway station with trains to London Bridge taking just 15 minutes.
However, house prices are steep. The average property price is £814,568 – with flats costing an average of £508,410 and terraced properties fetching close to £1,072,747, according to Muddy Stilettos.
Islington
Flats here sell for around £600,000
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Islington, a bustling London neighbourhood that perfectly balances city life with green spaces, is home to independent boutiques, eateries, pubs and a weekly farmers’ market. Popham’s bakery is a must-visit for pastry lovers, while Trullo offers rustic pasta in a cosy setting.
According to Muddy Stilettos, the area also boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous parks, playgrounds, and community groups for families. It’s a cultural hotspot too, with Union Chapel being a popular music venue and Everyman cinema catering to film enthusiasts.
Flats here sell for around £600,000, while renting a two-bedroom flat will set you back at least £2,300 per month.
South Kensington
If you’re looking for cultural activities, Kensington is your best bet, home to over 30 museums and galleries
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South Kensington, a well-known and affluent area in West London, has made it to this list for reasons beyond its reputation. Muddy Stilettos highlights the neighbourhood’s ‘charm factor’, which comes from its mix of architectural styles – Victorian townhouses, grand white homes and more.
But what makes the area truly stand out is the sheer amount of culture available right on your doorstep. Cafe culture thrives at Coco Momo Kensington, while Brother Marcus, Belvedere and Como Garden are other spots recommended by Muddy Stilettos.
The area boasts some top-notch pubs, and for those with a sweet tooth, Buns From Home and Hjem bakeries are the go-to spots. But if you’re looking for cultural activities, Kensington is your best bet, home to over 30 museums and galleries.
These include the renowned Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as the chic Serpentine Galleries. Don’t miss out on The Design Museum, Leighton House and Sambourne House.
However, living in this beautiful neighbourhood might require you to sell an organ or two (or maybe even your soul), with flats going for around £2.4 million and terraced houses for more than £4 million, according to Muddy Stilettos.
Queen’s Park
Nearby Portobello Market offers independent shopping
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Queen’s Park in West London, described by Muddy Stilettos as a ‘hidden gem’ with the ‘swagger of Notting Hill without the big-city stifle’, is another family-friendly yet trendy area that made it onto the list of the best places to live in London next year. It’s also a celebrity hotspot, with Daniel Craig, Sienna Miller, Louis Theroux and Dermot O’Leary all calling the area home.
Nearby Portobello Market offers independent shopping, while London Zoo and Lord’s Cricket Ground are just a short distance away.
Queen’s Park is a haven for families, boasting six tennis courts, a children’s playground, a paddling pool, a farm and a cafe – perfect for keeping the kids entertained all day. The weekly farmers market also serves as a social hub, offering a chance to stock up on organic produce.
However, property in this area doesn’t come cheap, with flats averaging at £630,401 and terraced homes selling for around £1,664,338 last year, according to Muddy Stilettos.
Teddington
Compared to other areas on Muddy Stilettos’ list, Teddington is slightly more affordable
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Down in South West London, Teddington brings a touch of the countryside to the city. A stroll through Bushey Park leads to Hampton Court Palace, while the charming high street is dotted with independent shops, cafes and a dreamy local bookshop.
The neighbourhood hosts annual beer and seafood festivals and the Landmark Arts Centre offers community classes ranging from singing lessons to photography workshops. Despite not being served by the London Underground, there are ample bus services and railway links that can get you into central London in just over 30 minutes.
Compared to other areas on Muddy Stilettos’ list, Teddington is slightly more affordable, with flats selling for an average of £488,462 and terraced houses going for around £959,975 last year.
Walthamstow
Wood Street is a vibrant hub in Walthamstow
(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga)
Walthamstow has recently been touted as an emerging area, perfectly balancing the appeal for trendy twenty-somethings and a welcoming community hub for young families. According to Muddy Stilettos, the neighbourhood is a blend of ‘community-led projects, pubs and greasy spoons rubbing shoulders with cool bars, hip restaurants, recording studios and galleries’.
The food scene is vibrant with places like Rhythm Kitchen E17, Coven of Witches and Hucks getting a mention by Muddy Stilettos. God’s Own Junkyard, a treasure chest of neon signs and film props, is worth a visit.
Wood Street Indoor Market is perfect for a leisurely weekend, or if you prefer nature, Walthamstow’s Wetlands, teeming with kingfishers, herons and birds of prey, is a breath of fresh air. Flats are selling at an average price of £411,316, while terraced homes go for around £678,420.
Wandsworth
According to Muddy Stilettos, flats are selling for an average of £632,000, and terraced homes go for £1,154,979
(Image: Battersea Arts Centre)
Muddy Stilettos describes Wandsworth in South London as less ‘in your face’ than its neighbouring areas Clapham and Balham, which adds to its charm. With excellent schools, impressive transport links and several expansive green commons nearby, Wandsworth is predicted to be a fantastic place to live in 2025.
The neighbourhood is a haven for everyone – if you’re on the hunt for independent shopping, make your way to Bellevue Road for designer brands, while Southside shopping centre houses all the budget brands (Primark, H&M, and so on) you might need. Gravity Southside, a hub of e-karting, urban golf, darts, an immersive gamebox, bowling and a cinema, is conveniently located next to the shopping centre.
According to Muddy Stilettos, flats are selling for an average of £632,000, and terraced homes go for £1,154,979.
Wimbledon
Flats in the neighbourhood sell for around £500,000 while terraced houses sell for an average of £700,000
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Everyone adores Wimbledon, renowned for its prestigious tennis club and beautiful green parks, so it’s no surprise the neighbourhood has made it onto the list. But, as Muddy Stilettos points out, there’s much more to SW19 than this.
There are some fantastic places to eat – 21 Grams serves excellent coffee, while Cent Anni is an independent spot with stunning pasta. Independent shops make Wimbledon a shopaholic’s dream, while there are also plenty of exercise classes for those looking to stay fit.
Wimbledon Common offers 1,400 acres of space for walking, cycling or a picnic, or nearby is Cannizaro Park, a beautifully landscaped garden hidden behind Cannizaro House. Wimbledon is also known for its excellent schools – Wimbledon High School is a top-performing all-girls school while King’s College School frequently tops league tables.
Flats in the neighbourhood sell for around £500,000 while terraced houses sell for an average of £700,000.