Concrete Analysis | Outer London boroughs outperform central areas for first time in 10 years
Savvy investors are starting to consider new pockets of the UK capital that were previously overlooked in order to maximise their returns
As land and development opportunities become fewer in prime central London, it really is no surprise that the outer boroughs are showing greater investment potential. With more developers taking on major regeneration schemes and government investment in infrastructure projects, whole districts of London are being transformed and are offering exciting and lucrative opportunities for those willing to look further afield.
While there is no disputing that London remains the world's capital when it comes to property investment, savvy investors should be considering new, previously overlooked pockets of London in order to maximise their returns.
As data from Land Registry House Price Index 2015 confirms, it is destinations in travel zones 3 to 4 that are outperforming some of the capital's golden postcodes. For the first time in almost 10 years, outer boroughs are reporting much healthier growth figures than the likes of Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster. Topping the tables of this year's report was Newham in East London, which saw a movement of almost 20 per cent since March 2014 while Kensington and Chelsea saw values rise a mere 5.2 per cent on average.
However, while it might be tempting for investors to look at the No1 spot on these growth tables, the real trick is to go for areas towards the middle and lower end, as these are on the cusp of rejuvenation and yet to reach their full potential.
Boroughs like Barnet and Redbridge are still growing, and so can offer bigger rewards long term. Experiencing an annual growth of 14.5 and 15.4 per cent respectively, both boroughs have been invigorated with investment for various new housing projects that will enhance the existing communities and appeal to the growing number of Londoners moving out to zones 4 and 5 to get more for their money.
With plans to deliver 28,000 new homes over the next 10 years, the fourth largest housing target in London, Barnet is offering plenty of options for investors. Where many buyers will be guided towards Brent Cross where there is £4.5 billion (HK$54 billion) worth of redevelopment happening, Edgware, just four more stops along at the end of the Northern line, is better value with prices as much as 17 per cent lower.