Another area of the capital that’s enjoying a second lease of life, Paddington property has shrugged off its old image and the area is now a very desirable place to be.
You get the best of both worlds, as it combines the cut and thrust of city life with easy access to pretty streets, squares and courtyards in and around Westbourne Grove. It’s got a strong multicultural flavour, with amazing Middle Eastern cafes, clubs and shops around the regenerated Praed Street area. Having said that, it’s also got a strong historic feel, thanks to literary heroes Sherlock Holmes and Paddington Bear. If you want a fascinating variety of different influences both modern and historic, you’re looking in exactly the right place.
Paddington property falls into all sorts of different camps. On the one hand you’ve got studios, flats and serviced apartments – perfect for short term lets. At the other end of the scale, you have luxury flat conversions. In terms of price, it’s a really mixed bag. There are bargains to be snapped up but you will pay slightly more if you want to live to the south or west of the area.
Looking to get on the property ladder for the first time? If so, the Paddington property market is a good place to start. Follow the example of many young professionals and start investigating the ex local authority flats up for sale in the area. These are often more spacious than new builds and can be improved upon to increase the original sale value. Another avenue to explore is shared ownership. With the government keen to push the concept of affordable housing, it’s a good time to part buy a Paddington property.
Edgware Road and Sussex Gardens are excellent place for first time buyers and those on lower incomes to look. A 2-bed flat on Edgware Road currently costs around £300k, whilst a studio in Sussex Gardens comes in at around £240k. Great Western Road in Westbourne Park is another good place to look, with 1-bed flats for around £200k.
Nearby Bayswater boasts some truly stunning, period terraced houses. Gorgeous, whitewashed Victorian and Georgian terraces are on the market, along with fabulous mews properties at the higher end of the spectrum for around the £1million mark. You’ve also got 1 and 2-bed apartments in new developments converted from period properties with solid wood flooring and underground parking. Not to mention great views over the Grand Union Canal. Ideal for aspiring young professionals. If that sounds appealing, you’re looking at prices around the £430k mark.
Buying or renting a Paddington property will give you access to some of the capital’s best travel links. The bus services are excellent and connect to all areas of the city during the day and at night. Then of course you have the mainline train station, with services running to the south west with regular trains to Reading, Oxford and Bristol. And let’s not forget the Heathrow Express. Then there’s the tube links to the Circle, District, Bakerloo and Hammersmith & City lines. In short, you’ll be very well connected.
Other benefits of choosing Paddington property include access to a whole host of amenities. On the social side of things you’ve got bars, pubs and restaurants aplenty, along with the Whiteley’s shopping centre, which also has a cinema inside. Families are also well catered for, with schools, libraries and access to sports facilities. You’ve also got a huge green space nearby in the form of the beautiful Hyde Park.
This area of London certainly has alot going for it. Add up all the evidence and you’ll soon see that a Paddington property isn’t just a place to live. It’s also a pretty smart investment.
Related Property Searches