How to choose your new neighbourhood

Location, location, location…The phrase has become something of a cliché in the property industry, and for good reason. Where your property is situated can make or break the enjoyment of your new home, whether seeking out the perfect lifestyle fit or ensuring a wise investment. At Knight Frank our local offices are embedded in their community, here to lend a helping hand. However if you’d like to begin your own research first, our experts share some sage advice on how to start your search. 

When looking, remember to focus on the reasons for your move. “Buying in an unfamiliar area is becoming ever more popular with our buyers, many of whom are trying to minimize their commute to work. I would always advise spending an entire weekend in an area of interest and using it as your base to travel to and from,” says Sophie McCarthy, Partner in Knight Frank’s Islington office. This extends to how you spend your life outside the office, too. “If your free time consists of coffees, lunches or shopping, it’s important to know what is (and what isn’t) on your doorstep. I also believe some areas change noticeably from day to night, so getting an idea of what that feels like is well worth the time.” 

If possible, spending some time getting to know the existing residents can pay off in the long run - after all, they could be your new neighbours. “For those who like to frequent a pub, go to one of the local watering holes for a drink and feel out the atmosphere. A well-loved pub with character and friendly locals can give you a small insight into the community,” says Mark Lee, Head of Canary Wharf, Aldgate and Wapping sales at Knight Frank. “If you are moving to an area with a few options, test them all, each will more than likely have their own unique crowd and feel.”

Have in mind what you prefer in a neighbourhood, whether tranquility or convenience tops your list, and put this to the test. “Explore and test out local restaurants during weekdays, not just at weekends to ensure you are getting a true sense of the local atmosphere. Also make sure you check the proximity to sports venues – as large stadiums can mean very busy roads on match days,” advises Zara Watterson, Senior Negotiator in Knight Frank’s Richmond office. “When looking around a new area I would recommend checking to see how many ‘for sale’ boards are on the streets, and also how many estate agent branches there are – this will indicate whether it is a transient area or more stable.”

And for those who can’t yet travel to scope out their chosen area in person, Christopher Burton, Head of Wimbledon sales at Knight Frank, shares this tip. “I've heard buyers sometimes look at Google Earth to deem how family friendly an area is based on how many trampolines they can see in the gardens.”

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