Where to live next: Wimbledon, London
Discover why families are flocking to SW19, with its beautiful green spaces, top-class schools, and village-like atmosphere within easy reach of central London
Famously home to the oldest tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon has much to offer beyond strawberries and cream. This leafy and affluent London suburb has long drawn in those seeking a more tranquil pace of life in the capital, thanks to its large green spaces such as Wimbledon Common, excellent schools and swift connections to the capital’s centre.
As such, the area commonly tops the wishlist of many families looking to settle down. Christopher Burton, Head of Wimbledon Sales at Knight Frank, notes the pandemic accelerated a migration from central London in search of more space, a trend that shows little sign of slowing down. Recent data from Knight Frank shows that demand in Wimbledon is strong, with the number of offers 44% higher than the five-year average in January 2025. “It offers the best of both worlds, with accessibility to London while retaining a country feel,” he says.
Education is often the number one priority for buyers. “We're seeing an increase in buyers looking at some of the fantastic state schools the area has to offer, possibly as a reaction to the recent change to add VAT onto independent school fees,” he adds, as well as those willing to pay for top-class local institutions such as King’s College School, Wimbledon High School and The Study Prep.
The area is principally divided into two main hubs - the ‘town’ and the ‘village’ - with the latter particularly sought after for its expansive Victorian homes and close proximity to upscale dining, cafés, boutiques and Wimbledon Common. Both well-presented properties and those with opportunity for refurbishment get snapped up quickly, and buyers can expect to pay around £2,000,000 to £6,000,000 for a 5-bedroom house.
Christopher advises patience is key, especially for those with specific requirements. “Many owners of bigger houses understandably love Wimbledon so much that they want to stay in the area when they downsize. There are often very few options available to them so buyers need to be patient with timeframes if they want to secure their 'forever home'.”
When it comes to those looking to rent rather than buy, Olivia Firmin, Knight Frank’s Head of Wimbledon Lettings, notes that the young families she often finds searching in the neighbourhood face similar challenges. “Properties around the village are few and far between for lettings and often come at a premium, so applicants should be prepared to put their best foot forward as the competition for these properties will be high,” she advises. Here a 4-bedroom house will typically cost between £6,000 - £10,000 per month.
But for Olivia, who went to school in the area, the advantages and diversity that SW19 offers are well worth the wait. “You have a fantastic sense of community and country village feel but can be in central London in just 20 mins. There is also so much variety in the architecture here; you can have a beautiful 18th-century manor house next to an ultra-modern property.”
Christopher and Olivia’s local gems:
“The Crooked Billet and the Hand in Hand pubs serve great, seasonal menus, with a cosy atmosphere that feels like you could be in the Cotswolds” - Olivia
“As an avid sports enthusiast and cricket player I’m often at The Wimbledon Club, which offers amazing training facilities for a variety of sports including cricket, tennis and squash” - Christopher
“The Light on the Common is a lovely locally-run brasserie that brings a touch of glamour to the village - and is a great spot for celeb spotting” - Olivia
-
}
