Population: 75,600
Average house price: £508,000
Cost of living: ££
Where
Battersea is located in the borough of Wandsworth on the south bank of the River Thames. Historically the area was part of Surrey, but in 1965 it became a London borough. Near to Chelsea, Battersea was an area where wealthy people who couldn’t quite afford an SW1 postcode resided. However, the area has since gone up in the world and it is now a highly-desirable address in its own right.
Who
Commuters and young professionals who have to travel to the centre of London on a regular basis. The large green open space of Battersea Park also makes the area ideal for families with young children.
Why now?
Recent plans have been unveiled to extend the Northern line, on the London Underground, which will see the area have its own underground station for the first time. The extension will form a continuation of the Charing Cross branch of the line. Although the extension is not expected to be implemented until 2015, it is bound to have a large effect on property in the area. Gary Patrick, sales director at Barratt London, says, ‘Battersea is looking to become increasingly popular with a range of buyer profiles.’ He adds, ‘Buying a property in Battersea means buying into the village-feel, but with the convenience of having central London at your doorstep. The area is in zone two, so is very central, and sits in a great location by the river [Thames] and next to Battersea Park.’
