Buy a flat above a shop: new high street homes in Finchley for sale from £295,000

Finchley in north London has been easy commuting territory since the 1820s, when a daily stagecoach service to the City was launched.

The building of Finchley Road, bypassing Hampstead, a decade or so later made the journey quicker and more convenient.

The area never looked back, with the railway and later the Tube forging even closer links with central London.

But there is more to Finchley than commuters — not least the artsdepot at Tally Ho Corner.

This community hub has two theatres, an art gallery, dance and drama studios, bars and restaurants.

Finchley straddles the North Circular road into Barnet borough, where cheaper homes are attracting first-time buyers.

An office-to-residential conversion at 706 High Road on a busy commercial strip, has 21 flats above shops.

The homes have high ceilings and wooden floors and cost from £295,000 to £600,000.

Call estate agent Preston Bennett on 020 3151 7704.

Childs Hill is a prosperous enclave with public library and bowls club off Finchley Road.

Oakley Gardens, a new scheme of 35 apartments and four townhouses, is clad in handsome mellow brick.

Prices from £605,000. Call Goldenstone on 020 7409 8756.