London Loft Conversions
London Loft Conversions
Property in South London has been in growing demand over recent years, with one of the most popular areas being Croydon, a property hotspot. The downside though is that soaring prices make it harder to move home within south London. So, if you have an expanding family, or need a granny flat, or a separate apartment for older children (or students), you could all find yourself in increasingly cramped living space.
Fortunately, here at Modern Attics we have the solution – move upwards instead of out. Loft conversions are the ideal way to create extra family room, without the need to encroach on the garden, or to move house, which in today’s current climate may mean paying a premium for a larger property.
South London is not an exact area as it is defined in different ways. Here Modern Attics takes a look at some of the main districts in the sub-region: Croydon, Wandsworth, Bromley, Merton and Sutton.
The London borough of Croydon has rocketed in popularity in recent years. According to Zoopla, property prices have shot up 13% in the last 12 months, and are likely to rise even further. Properties include terraced and semi-detached homes, as well as detached houses, which can go from £550,000 to well over a million, particularly in sought after areas such as Boundary Way and Springhurst Close. Add the fact that the borough has seen all sorts of exciting developments in recent years – including the new Westerfield and Centrale shopping centres – and it makes sense to stay put.
In addition, the up-and-coming borough has its own ‘Tech City’, described as South London’s answer to Silicon Valley. This makes it the ideal start-up destination, particularly among technology and digital industries. With the various incentives offered to new businesses moving to the area – plus Croydon’s excellent over and underground links to central London (13 minutes by tube from East Croydon to London Bridge and 18 minutes from South Croydon) – it is hardly surprising that house prices are rapidly on the way up.
Another place where it is popular to move upwards instead of out is Wandsworth, which is considered a hotspot for young professionals. According to the local government site, www.wandsworth.gov.uk, figures reveal the area has had the fourth largest population growth in London over the past decade. Wandsworth is popular for a number of reasons including good schools, a low crime rate, green spaces, a vibrant social scene, lower house prices compared to central London, and excellent transport links. The neighbourhoods of Battersea, Tooting, Southfields and Balham have been named as among London’s top places to live.
Loft conversions are also a popular option among those living in South London’s Merton, SW19, which includes Wimbledon and Mitcham. According to Foxtons estate agents, property prices are 43% above the London average and have grown by a fifth in the last 12 months (2015 prices). Properties include one, two, three and four bedroom homes as well as substantial family homes. Parks and green spaces, old buildings, and some fantastic local restaurants are a big plus for those who live there.
Keeping costs down by moving upwards is also a consideration for householders wanting more space in the Bromley area, the only London borough with an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a diverse range of properties from cottages in Bromley Old Town, to traditional Victorian, Edwardian and 1920s semis in Shortlands, starter homes in Bromley Common, and detached homes in Bickley. In the centre of Bromley it is terraced homes that make up the bulk of the property market.
Among the reasons for the area’s popularity, particularly among young families, are the relatively low prices compared to central London, green spaces, excellent schools, good shops and facilities – and it’s only 15 minutes from central London.
For those who are buying a house in London borough of Sutton, or for existing residents, an attic extension is seen as a big plus. Why? The London borough of Sutton has seen the highest demand for property in the UK with homebuyers – including families – clambering to move here, according to the ‘This is Money’ financial website. A loft extension is an attractive feature for homebuyers and when you come to sell, it will help put your property above the rest.
Among the reasons why Sutton is seen as a top place for families to live are its outstanding schools, low crime rates, the ‘village atmosphere’ and attractions which include Honeywood Museum and Little Holland House, the former house of artist Frank Dickinson.
Wherever you live in South London, if you are considering loft conversions, contact Modern Attics for a free survey and quotation.
