Property insider: Kew

The magnificent 300-acre Royal Botanic Gardens, beside the Thames and next to historic Kew village, would be reason enough to live in this beautiful part of south-west London.

Only nine miles from the centre of the capital, Kew has become one of the city’s most sought-after districts, offering splendid Georgian houses and fine Victorian villas, often set on leafy streets or overlooking open space, as well as contemporary townhouses and luxury riverside penthouses.

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"The leafy areas of Kew and Kew Green are well known for their village atmosphere," says Jonathan Glover, of Antony Roberts, who has worked in the area for 20 years. "There are many local cafés, restaurants and individual shops which are popular with residents and visitors alike."

Good schools and excellent transport links add to Kew’s already irresistible charms. Trains reach London Waterloo in about 20 minutes from Richmond station and 30 minutes from Kew Bridge, with the District line Tube and North London overland trains from Kew Gardens station. The M3 and M4 motorways are easily accessed from Kew and London Heathrow Airport is about ten miles away.

What types of properties are typical to the area?
Kew has a blend of period homes, particularly set around Kew Green. There are many large Edwardian and Victorian properties in and around Kew village, as well as cottages, purpose-built flats and modern apartments.

Which buyers are attracted to the area?
Kew attracts many types of buyers. Professionals are attracted by the transport links to central London, families because of the well-renowned schools, as well as long-standing residents that downsize.

What are the 'hottest' properties in the area?
Commanding family houses around Kew Green and the central village area adjoining the station are extremely sought after, for example in Lichfield and Maze Roads.

Many roads with Victorian terraced cottages in the town centre, such as Windsor Road, are particularly popular with young executives and couples seeking charm and outside space just moments from transport facilities. For those looking for a south-west London base, modern riverside developments such as Aqua House, part of the Kew Riverside scheme, provide well-arranged apartments within a secure setting.

Where are the 'hidden gems'?
The residential area between Kew and Richmond - towards the southern end of Kew Road - offers beautiful family houses in an excellent location that is convenient for both Richmond town centre and Kew Green village. The southern end of Sandycombe Road has plenty of ex-local authority homes that are cheaper than those in central Kew.

What are the best investment opportunities in the area?
As it attracts executive tenants from around the world, Kew provides excellent opportunities for the investor. Tenants consider Kew a must-see area for property as the locality boasts impressive schooling and swift transport links to the city. Tenant demand is highest for quality apartments and spacious family homes. The shortage of rental supply is helping landlords minimise void periods and achieve the highest rental levels possible.

How is local parking?
There is ample residents permit parking. Parking permit hours apply between 10am-12 noon.

What are service charges in the area like?
Very reasonable compared to other purpose-built developments in central London. For example, the annual fee for a modern Kew riverside apartment would range between about £2,000-£4,000, while houses attract a slightly higher fee.

What are your favourite viewings to show potential buyers?
There are many different types of property offering their own individual charm and attractions in the whole of Kew. The team at Antony Roberts have been involved in the sale of some quirky properties in the area, from a house that was built underground to a family home that was created from an old chapel.

If money were no object, where would you buy in this area?
There are so many good roads and different types of property to suit different tastes. Some of the properties around Kew Green and Kew Gardens Village are quite magnificent.

Jonathan Glover is the Sales Manager at Antony Roberts' Kew office