Property insider: Chiswick

W4 locals are proud of their culinary corner of west London, and rightly so. Chiswick has fabulous local deli's, Michelin-starred restaurants and independent, specialty shops, as well as charming riverside homes and elegant Victorian architecture.

'People are moving from Kensington and Chelsea to larger houses in Chiswick - it's the new Notting Hill'

Young families and professionals love this part of west London, moving on from Chelsea and Kensington flats to find more space for their money in this affluent village - known as ‘the new Notting Hill’ for its star-studded homeowners, including Colin and Livia Firth, Jamie Theakston, Ant and Dec and Adrian Chiles.

Local estate agent Steven Jones of Kinleigh, Folkard & Hayward’s Chiswick office, has worked in this area for nearly ten years, and describes it as "an affluent, stylish and cosmopolitan west London suburb with great shops and restaurants. Chiswick is very leafy and green, and certainly has a villagey feel."

This area is popular with both homebuyers and renters, thanks to the choice of four Tube stations on the District line and easy access to the M4 and M40 motorways. Trains to London Waterloo take half an hour from Chiswick station.

What types of properties are typical to Chiswick?
There are Edwardian and Arts & Crafts family houses in Bedford Park, handsome Victorian properties on the Glebe Estate, Grove Park and Wendell Park, and charming riverside homes at Strand on the Green and Chiswick Mall.

What types of buyers are attracted to the area?
First-time buyers are attracted to the stylish Victorian flat conversions. Young families like the good state schools, including journalist Toby Young’s free school opening in September. City types capitalise on the magnificent properties in Bedford Park to gain more space. Recently we've also seen a lot of parents buying for their children in this area.

Where are the 'hottest' properties?
Homes in mansion blocks, such as Esmond Gardens (pictured below) and Prebend Mansions are in demand. Family houses in Bedford Park and Wendell Park are sought after, as well as stylish cottages on the Glebe Estate and the cool and trendy apartments in Chiswick Green Studios, where lots of celebrities live.

Where are the 'hidden gems'?
There are certain pockets around Chiswick where house prices can be slightly cheaper, such as on the Acton borders and close to Gunnersbury Tube station. Small cottages in Strand-on-the-Green come with cheaper price tags as they aren't as close to a Tube station.

Also, the Wendell Park area of Shepherd's Bush is not actually part of Chiswick, but buyers look there to get more value. Properties overlooking the river Thames offer peace and tranquility, unlike the hustle and bustle of the high road.

Where are the best investment opportunities?
With established retail chains and smart new restaurants constantly opening the area is always improving. Purpose-built properties or any homes near Chiswick High Road are good investments. Devonhurst Place and Chiswick Green Studios are popular addresses. Investors tend to look at flats above shops too, as they are a bit cheaper and still in a central location.

How is local parking?
There is strictly-enforced residents parking, split into sections, for example: Central Chiswick (CC) and East Chiswick (EC). There is free parking south of the A4 in Grove Park.

What are service charges in the area like?
Service charges are fairly reasonable. Unlike central London, the mansion flats in Chiswick don’t have lifts. Fees for a purpose-built property can range from £2,000 to £4,000 a year, depending if it is leasehold or share of the freehold.

What are your favourite viewings to show potential buyers?
There is currently a magnificent six-bedroom family home on Grosvenor Road (left), destined to be snapped up by a City banker. Also, open days are great opportunities for viewings due to the amount of interest we receive on the day.

Where would you buy in this area?
Bedford Park or a home overlooking the Thames.


Steven Jones is the Sales Manager at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward's Chiswick office.