Hampstead

Hampstead Village is one of the most desired residential areas in London due to its boho charm mixed with a feel for life in the English countryside.

Walking its tranquil leafy streets, you will find the flats and houses for sale in Hampstead are an interesting and eclectic mix of rare Queen Anne and Regency properties, homes from the Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian eras, along with more modern developments.

An unusually high concentration of actors, artists and writers call Hampstead home and bankers, entrepreneurs and celebrities alike flock to ‘the Village’ as they’re drawn to the area due to its thriving village vibe with its bustling high street of shops, cafés, restaurants, art galleries and markets.

Hampstead further provides opportunities for those looking for a taste of the country, with attractions such as Kenwood House (an outstanding English Heritage Site featuring expansive grounds with tranquil landscaped gardens) as well as the 800 acres of wilds to explore at Hampstead Heath. What makes Hampstead so desirable is that residents are able to enjoy all of these enviable amenities whilst being situated a mere four miles from Central London.

To the northwest, Hampstead Garden Suburb is one of North London’s prize assets. Surrounding a central square, Hampstead Garden Suburb is a mixture of detached, semi-detached and cottage style houses, as well as an assortment of flats that was commissioned by Dame Henrietta Barnet in the early 20th Century, and with many houses designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Luytens. The area proved to be a very successful social experiment for its time and maintains a warm sense of pride and community spirit to this day. As a whole, Hampstead was designed as a picturesque and green, leafy community; ideal for both families and those who want a quiet and peaceful lifestyle alike whilst still being located close only a short cab ride from London’s famed West End. Aston Chase is one of the most experienced and reputable Hampstead estate agents, with over 35 years of representing properties of distinction in the area. Our agents have the experience and unrivalled local knowledge to help you achieve your property goals. Our reputation and vendor relationships provide us with access to the best Hampstead properties, oftentimes, even prior to them being openly marketed, offering our clients purchase and rental opportunities that they simply won’t find elsewhere. Whether you are looking for houses or flats for sale in Hampstead Garden Suburb or Hampstead Village, contact Aston Chase. Our agents will work with you to understand your needs and find the perfect property to suit both your budget and requirements.

History

The area that is now West Hampstead was originally known as West End from around the mid-13th century, as it was situated at the west end of a large estate. The first houses were built in the 17th century and West End Lane itself originated from the boundary between numerous large estates, which explains its distinctive bends at the north and south ends. The area developed further with the arrival of the railways at the beginning of the 19th century when farmland was transformed into housing estates. It became known as West Hampstead at the end of the 19th century when the Metropolitan Railway adopted this name for its station on West End Lane.

PROPERTY

Exclusive Hampstead and the surrounding NW3 area boast some of the most valuable and picturesque properties in London. Walking its tree-lined residential streets, you will note that properties here are an interesting and eclectic mix of rare, detached Queen Anne and Regency properties situated on leafy avenues, Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian era period properties, and marginally more affordable 1960s apartments. Hampstead offers houses for sale and to rent in styles to suit every taste, however, prices do reflect the demand for homes in this exclusive area and as such, are higher than the surrounding areas with very few bargains to be had. In neighbouring Hampstead Garden Suburb, Grade II Listed exposed brick cottages and terraces of houses and flats on spacious, tree-lined streets are typical of the area, whilst The Bishops Avenue is home to some of the most expensive and elaborate homes in the capital. For those interested in the prestigious Hampstead area, consulting a knowledgeable Estate Agent in Hampstead can streamline the process of finding your dream home amidst such diverse architectural offerings. Aston Chase have an intimate understanding of the market dynamics and can guide you through the complexities of purchasing or renting in this sought-after locality, ensuring you make a well-informed decision tailored to your specific preferences and requirements.

SHOPPING

When it comes to fashion, Hampstead is a shopping paradise with an excellent selection of independent boutiques in Flask Walk (a favourite of Kate Moss), and the popular children’s boutique La Coqueta, alongside many well-known high street brands such as Reiss, Zadig&Voltaire, and Hobbs. These are joined by an abundance of art galleries, and unique gift, jewellery and antique shops. Those who enjoy cooking at home will love gathering ingredients from the local artisan butchers, bakers, patisseries, fishmongers, fruiterers and delicatessens, including Gail’s Artisan Bakery, Melrose & Morgan and Hampstead Seafoods. For those looking to invest or find their dream home in this vibrant area, Aston Chase Hampstead Estate Agents are always on hand with a wealth of local knowledge and expertise. We can guide you through the properties nestled among these charming shopping streets, ensuring you find a spot that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

EATING & DRINKING

Foodies will delight in Hampstead as it is home to many popular restaurant chains including Gaucho, Wagamama, and Côte Brasserie, as well as delicious independent affairs on Heath Street such as Meekhun (Thai street food), Jin Kichi (Japanese), and Retsina (a highly-polished Greek affair) in Belsize Lane; all of which get our vote. Coffee lovers will find a great cup and sweet treat at Ginger & White or Ole & Steen, whilst those looking for a traditional English pub typically flock to The Holly Bush or The Horseshoe in Hampstead Village, or the Freemason’s Arms in Downshire Hill, which is surely a contender for the best beer garden north of the Thames! For those aiming to make this culinary haven their home, as on of the Best Estate Agents in Hampstead we are available to assist. With an intimate understanding of the area’s unique charm and bustling food scene, we can help prospective buyers and renters discover the perfect property that puts them at the heart of Hampstead’s vibrant dining and drinking culture.

PARKS

One of Hampstead’s biggest draws is the nearby Heath where residents and visitors alike can roam free in the 800 acres of wild grass and woodland. The Heath boasts some impressive views across London and is also home to Hampstead’s famous swimming ponds, which are open year-round. Hampstead Garden Suburb has large areas of open space of its own, including Hampstead Heath Extension, Golders Hill Park, Big Wood and Little Wood and the private Turner’s Wood. Exploring Hampstead’s green expanses offers a refreshing break from city life, and if you’re considering a move to this picturesque area, consulting Hampstead Letting Agents Aston Chase can guide you seamlessly. We provide expert insights into available properties that allow residents to enjoy easy access to these tranquil parks and outdoor spaces.

TRANSPORT

Hampstead Underground Station is on the Northern Line (Zone 3), connecting the ‘Village’ directly with both the City and West End (Bank Station: 22 minutes; Leicester Square: 17 minutes). London Overground trains operate from Hampstead Heath Station, where trains run regularly between Richmond, Clapham Junction and Stratford. Hampstead is also on numerous local bus routes, offering direct connections to many parts of London including the No.46 to Clerkenwell, No.210 to Brent Cross, No. 268 to Finchley Road and No.603 to Swiss Cottage. The area is also served by the N5 night bus from Trafalgar Square. Hampstead Garden Suburb is served by the H2 to Golders Green and bus No.102

SCHOOLS

People looking for property for sale or to let in Hampstead are spoilt for educational choice, with a number of excellent options including The Maria Montessori School, Lyndhurst House Prep School, University College School for boys and South Hampstead High School for girls. In Hampstead Garden Suburb, Brookland Junior School for boys and girls aged 7 to 11 and The Henrietta Barnett Senior School for Girls are both highly recommended. The wealth of top-rated educational institutions enhances the area’s appeal for families, making it essential to connect with Hampstead Real Estate Agents who specialize in locating properties suited to varying family needs. Aston Chase provide invaluable assistance in navigating the local housing market, ensuring you find a home that aligns perfectly with your educational priorities.

COUNCIL TAX

Hampstead is in the London Borough of Camden, and Hampstead Garden Suburb is in the London Borough of Barnet. The Council Tax charges shown below are for 2021-22. CAMDEN BARNET Band A: £1,146.31 Band A: £1,133.99 Band B: £1,337.37 Band B: £1,323.00 Band C: £1,528.41 Band C: £1,511.99 Band D: £1,719.47 Band D: £1,700.99 Band E: £2,101.57 Band E: £2.078.98 Band F: £2,483.68 Band F: £2,456.99 Band G: £3,438.94 Band G: £2,834.98 Band H: £3,583.86 Band H: £3,401.98