From £7 pints to multi-million-pound houses, London might not be cheap – but if you’re looking to get on the housing ladder, we bring (relatively) positive news.
According to a new study, house prices are slowly easing up across the capital, so much so that they’ve experienced the biggest regional price fall over the last year at -1.1%.
However, one North London borough is seeing prices plummet considerably quicker – and that’s Camden.
Since July 2024, averages for the area have dropped by 5% overall (2.7% in the last month alone).
It’s worth noting, though, that Camden has long been out of the reach of affordability for the average Joe, as the going rate now stands at £1,056,775.
So, while things in London are now stagnating, which might be music to the ears of struggling renters hoping for a foot in the door, it’s not like things are immediately going to get much better. It was already expensive – and it’s just now slowing down somewhat.
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And while slightly slower prices might be good news for prospective buyers, it’s not necessarily for those looking to sell in the area, who might’ve been hoping to make a profit on their four walls.
Plus, prices are still continuing to grow in the likes of Richmond upon Thames, Harrow, and Waltham Forest, which have seen upwards gains of 3.6%, 2.5%, and 2.1% over the last year, according to Rightmove’s latest house price index.
Elsewhere in the UK, property prices are also still surging, with YoY increases of 2.6% in Yorkshire and the Humber, 2% in the North East, 2.2% in Scotland, and 1.1% in the West Midlands.
Things to do in Camden
Camden Town is famous for its creative scene. It was notably the home of Amy Winehouse, The Clash shot the cover of their debut album there, and Pink Floyd played their first-ever gig at The Roundhouse.
So, if you fancy yourself an arty type and want to jump on the wagon while prices are relatively improving, Camden could be just the spot for you.
These days, it might’ve moved further away from its punk roots and closer towards random traps for tourist memorabilia, but there are still a few spots worth visiting.
The Hawley Arms – favoured by Amy as well as Pete Doherty, Kate Moss and even Noel Fielding – is still plastered in various pieces of signed memorabilia, including from Amy herself, who would often serve up customers behind the bar.
The Good Mixer also still largely channels the same spirit it always did, as a favourite haunt of Jarvis Cocker during the height of 90s Britpop, as well as Bobby Gillespie and Elastica.
Primrose Hill is a timeless spot with arguably one of the best sunset views in London, while historic music venues like Electric Ballroom, KOKO, the Roundhouse and Dingwalls continue as some of the capital’s favourite gig spots.
There’s also Hampstead Heath, much of which technically lies within the Borough of Camden. Spanning an impressive 320 hectares, there’s plenty in the way of exercise here, including the 1930s Parliament Hill Fields Lido and three swimming ponds.
The future of the borough looks bright too. Kentish Town could soon become the UK’s answer to Hollywood, as back in April, plans for a £1,000,000,000 quarter dedicated almost entirely to filmmaking were adopted by Camden Council.
The new plans for Kentish Town – also in the borough of Camden – could see part of the neighbourhood turned into the aptly named Camden Film Quarter.
It envisages a ‘mix of creative space including film studios,’ as well as soundstages, workshop spaces and even studio tours for the public.
What locals are saying about Camden
While Camden might’ve changed somewhat in recent years (with some saying it’s increasingly full of ‘tourists’ and ‘tat’) there’s plenty keeping its locals in love with it.
Over on the r/London Subreddit, @pwest13 believes that it still has its ‘own charm’ – unlike many other places in the capital.
‘I like the fact it never sleeps, embraces creativity, and has interesting people at every corner,’ they penned.
Kentish Town local @wmgregory adds that they love living in the area because it’s ‘not Camden Town (quieter),’ and has ‘nice pubs, cafés and shops’ as well as decent transport links in the form of ‘trains, tubes, overground, and buses.’
And in @mejogid’s opinion, it has ‘some of the best pubs in London,’ citing local watering holes The Pineapple, The Southampton Arms, Tapping the Admiral, The Rose & Crown and The Lion & Unicorn. We’d be inclined to agree.
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