Up-and-coming areas to buy a London property in 2025

As properties in Prime Central London and Zone 1 neighbourhoods become increasingly unaffordable, many priced-out homebuyers and investors are now looking at opportunities in London’s emerging property hotspots. These once-overlooked areas have now attracted the attention of policymakers and leading developers. With strategic investment in infrastructure and transport upgrades enhancing the lifestyle, commute experience and rental demand, here are some of the best places to buy a property in and around London in 2025.

Woolwich

Located in Zone 4, Woolwich’s attraction as a scenic riverside neighbourhood in the South East has caught the attention of renters and homebuyers. The opening of the Elizabeth Line has reduced commute to the City to less than half an hour, making living in the area much more convenient for students and working professionals.

Further plans to extend the DLR to Thamesmead have also increased investor interest in nearby places like Plumstead and Kidbrooke. With average property prices still very affordable and rental yields of over 5% achievable, new developments like Royal Arsenal Riverside, Lombard Square, Kidbrooke Village, and Southmere are highly sought-after.

Hayes

Another direct beneficiary of the Elizabeth Line, Hayes is today much more than a former EMI site where The Beatles recorded most of their albums. With improved connectivity to central London and quick access to Heathrow Airport, property and rental demand in the area has increased significantly.

Exciting canalside living opportunities and upscale amenities within new developments, such as Hayes Village, New Hayes and Padcroft, have increased housing demand from families and first-time home buyers. Investors are also interested as average rental yields in Hayes are over 5.5% and growing.

Southall

Another West London neighbourhood in family-friendly Ealing, Southall’s proximity to Heathrow Airport and Elizabeth Line connectivity makes it attractive for young professionals and families looking for affordable housing. The area’s popularity is rising with its abundant green open spaces, well-regarded schools, and a vibrant multicultural community.

At 12%, Southall recorded one of London’s highest annual rental growths last year and it is a favoured rental hotspot for investors. The Green Quarter by Berkeley and The West Works are some of the top new developments in the area, delivering yields of up to 6%.

Harrow

Known for its prestigious schools and competitively priced homes, as it is an outer London suburb, residents of Harrow benefit from a quick Tube commute to central London via the Metropolitan Line. The regeneration efforts by leading developers and local council upgrades have improved housing options for different homebuyer groups..

Eastman Village and Harrow Square by renowned housebuilder Barratt London are some new schemes in Harrow that are selling fast. With up to 6% yields, investors also realise the potential of buying a property in this growing North West London Borough.

Hendon

Surrounded by an oasis of parks and open spaces like Fryent Country Park, Hampstead Heath and the Brent Reservoir, Hendon is a charming North West suburb loved by families. Tube connectivity via the Northern Line and Thameslink services and access to the A1 and M1 has significantly improved commuting to the City from Hendon.

Hendon Waterside and Silkstream are among the top new build schemes in the neighbourhood, offering yields of over 6% with world-class on-site amenities. Other benefits of buying in Hendon include proximity to Brent Cross Shopping Centre and Middlesex University.

Bow

Strategically located in East London’s Golden Triangle between Canary Wharf, the City and Stratford, Bow is an inner-city suburb that benefits from vast open spaces like Victoria Park, Mile End Park and world-class sports facilities at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Tube and DLR connectivity is supported by several bus routes, which has led to many new residential developments cropping up in the area.

Bow Green by Berkeley’s St James is a brand-new development with over 1,400 homes, offering lucrative rental yields of up to 6.6% and a 44% increase in sales value over the last five years. The Zone 2 location and boutique shopping venues on nearby Roman Road add to the appeal of living in Bow.

Reading

Although located outside of London in Berkshire, residents of Reading can now reach Paddington (central London) in less than 40 minutes on the Elizabeth Line, while the express route via the Great Western Railway does the job in less than 25 minutes. As a thriving London commuter town and tech hub with many business parks, Reading has witnessed significant growth resulting from the development of key areas within the Thames Valley.

Bankside Gardens and Green Park Village are some newly built developments offering beautiful waterside homes with on-site train connectivity to London. The affordable starting prices and yields of over 4.5% further make Reading an ideal place to live and invest.

While these are some of the up-and-coming areas with ample regeneration initiatives giving rise to new housing masterplans, we continuously update our readers with the latest property market trends and tools, such as a comprehensive investment guide and ROI calculator. With 21 branches across the UK capital for assistance,
get in touch with your nearest Benham and Reeves branch to learn more about the best areas to invest in in London.

Sources for price growth, rental yield and commute times*: Rightmove, Dataloft, Land Registry and TfL