Property insider: Wimbledon

Wimbledon is in the spotlight. With play in full swing at the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament, Wimbledon Village is once again an international star buzzing with thousands of visitors.

Those SW19 locals who haven’t jetted off with the proceeds from letting out their houses will be sharing their neighbourhood bistros, smart restaurants, village pubs and chic fashion boutiques with some of the sport’s world-class players and their entourages.

It’s a perfect time to show off this south-west London suburb with its much sought-after large family homes close to acres of parkland, with quick transport links to the City and good schools.

The vast open spaces of Wimbledon Common - stretching across 1,000 unruly acres of parkland - add a country feel to an area well connected by transport. Wimbledon is a short drive from the A3, and residents have a choice of Tube, train and tramlinks - with Waterloo an easy 19-minute journey for City commuters.

A ten-minute walk up the slope from the town centre is the village, where the famous All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is within strolling distance. The area between is dotted with grand houses and luxury apartment blocks that attract an affluent mix of wealthy professionals, families and international buyers.

Alex Inskip, the Sales Manager of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward’s Wimbledon branch has worked in the area since 2003. He describes it as a very buoyant area to buy property, with people regularly bidding over the asking price for large village homes.

Pretty cottages and period homes in the catchment area of good schools are sought-after. Such prize property comes at a price but living in the village is always a good investment.

Insider lowdown: Alex Inskip, KFH

What types of properties are typical to the area?
Property in Wimbledon has been built in a variety of eras, there are many Victorian and Edwardian terraces as well as modern, luxury apartments.

There are pretty, two-bedroom cottages around Denmark Road and Thornton Road. Wimbledon Village is known for its large detached family homes in spacious grounds, with those close to the Common commanding the highest prices.

Who buys here?
A real variety of homebuyers are attracted to Wimbledon, from wealthy professionals, families and international investors interested in the large houses in the village, to downsizers, couples and buy-to let investors seeking properties close to transport links.

What are the 'hottest' properties in the area?
The most popular properties close to the town centre are in South Park Gardens, behind Wimbledon town centre, and in the Dundonald area. They tend to attract families looking to get their children into the local, quality school, Dundonald Primary. Period properties are the most sought after – many buyers are looking for a middle-range property close to the schools. In the village, homes closest to the Common are prized.

Where are the 'hidden gems'?
The John Innes conservation area is a hidden gem and boasts some beautiful Georgian and Victorian properties of special character in streets including Wilton Crescent and Grove, Rayleigh, Cliveden, Kingswood and Mayfield Roads. This area is quite leafy, has a very nice park and is close to the popular Dundonald Primary School.

Where are the best investment opportunities?
Wimbledon is a popular area for rental properties as there is quite a shortage of lettings stock. The tennis tournament puts Wimbledon on the map with international investors and cash buyers. As long as there is a reasonable yield above five per cent, most investors are looking to buy one- or two-bedroom flats within a 10-minute walk of the mainline station and priced at around £300,000 - yielding about £1,500 a month.

How is local parking?
Parking restrictions in the centre of Wimbledon town can apply until 11pm because of the theatre and bars. Each area is divided into sub areas for residents parking.

What are service charges in the area like?
There are many types of properties each with different managing agents. Apartment blocks vary from £1,200 to £3,000 a year.

What are your favourite viewings to show potential buyers?
At the moment, period family houses with lovely gardens are particularly nice to show.

Where would you buy in the area?
I love the village; I would buy just off the Ridgway as it is near the village restaurants, cafes and pubs, but still close to Wimbledon town centre for the transport links. My favourite streets include Ridgway Gardens, Murray Road, The Grange and Raymond Road.