Hampstead, a gem in North London, is known for its leafy streets, rich history, and vibrant community. If you're considering making Hampstead your home, this guide will help you navigate the property market and understand what makes this area so special.
At KIRE, we are dedicated to helping you find your dream home in this enchanting neighbourhood.
The Allure of Hampstead
A Village Atmosphere in the City
Hampstead offers a unique blend of village charm and city convenience. The high street has independent shops, artisanal cafes, and gourmet restaurants. It's a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Whether having a Sunday roast at sunny Well’s Tavern or shopping at ba&sh, Sandro, Maje, or Zadig & Voltaire, Hampstead Village has you covered.
Rich Architectural Heritage
The architectural diversity in Hampstead is one of its most appealing features. You'll find Georgian townhouses, Victorian cottages, and contemporary homes, each with its unique charm. This variety ensures that there's something to suit every taste and budget.
Interested in local history and beautiful homes in the area? Take a look at the book we recently published by David S. Percy, “Remarkable Homes of NW3” here.
Exploring Hampstead: What to Expect
Housing Options
Hampstead's property market is diverse. Here are some of the types of homes you can find:
Georgian and Victorian Townhouses: Elegant and spacious, often featuring high ceilings and large windows.
Victorian Cottages: Quaint and charming, with unique architectural details.
Modern Homes: Sleek and contemporary, with the latest amenities.
Community and Amenities
Hampstead is more than just a place to live; it's a community. The area boasts:
Top-rated schools: Perfect for families. View the Good Schools Guide here.
Parks and green spaces: Including the famous Hampstead Heath.
Cultural attractions: Museums, theaters, and historical sites.
Why Choose Hampstead?
Proximity to Central London
Hampstead is just a short commute from central London. The excellent transport links make it easy to enjoy the city's vibrancy while living in a peaceful and picturesque neighbourhood.
Strong Community Spirit
Hampstead has a strong sense of community. Regular local events, farmers' markets, and festivals bring residents together, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Want to get involved? Check out KIRE’s upcoming community events here.
Tips for Finding Your Dream Home in Hampstead
Partner with a Local Estate Agent
A local estate agent, like KIRE, can provide invaluable insights into the Hampstead property market. They can guide you through the process and help you find hidden off-market property gems that may not be listed online.
Know What You Want
Before starting your search, make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Consider factors like property type, size, location, and budget. Are there areas within Hampstead or Belsize Park that you wouldn’t consider? Are there homes in Hampstead that you have seen that you liked, what was great about them and what would you change? This will help narrow down your options and make the search more manageable.
Explore Different Neighbourhoods
Hampstead is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Spend some time exploring these areas to find the one that feels like home.
The Buying Process
Step 1: Determine Your Budget
Use our mortgage calculator to get an idea of what you can afford. This will help you set a realistic budget and avoid disappointment.
Step 2: Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage
If you need a mortgage, a mortgage pre-approval (mortgage decision in principle) will be required when you make an offer, so having this ready will allow you to bid and give you an advantage in a competitive market.
Step 3: Start Your Search
Begin your search at https://www.kire.co.uk/sales You can filter by property type, price range, and other criteria to find homes that meet your needs.
Step 4: View Properties
Schedule viewings to get a feel for the properties you're interested in. Take your time and don't rush the decision.
Step 5: Make an Offer
Once you've found the perfect home, make an offer. Your estate agent can help you negotiate the best possible price.
Step 6: Complete the Purchase
Work with a solicitor to handle the legal aspects of the purchase, including contracts, title searches, and the transfer of ownership.
Living in Hampstead
Education
Hampstead is home to some of the best schools in London. Whether you're looking for primary, secondary, or private education, you'll find excellent options here. For more details, take a look at our NW3 area guide here.
Leisure and Recreation
Hampstead offers a wide range of leisure activities. From exploring Hampstead Heath to visiting the theatres and local museums such as Burgh House, Keats House, and The Freud Museum, there's always something to do.
Dining and Shopping
The high street is packed with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. You'll find everything from everyday essentials to unique, one-of-a-kind items.
Investing in Hampstead Property
Why Invest in Hampstead?
Hampstead is a desirable area with a strong property market. Thanks to the area's enduring popularity and high demand, investing in Hampstead property can provide a solid return on investment. For the latest on the Hampstead property market, check out our NW3 market reports, which can be found here.
Types of Investment Properties
Consider the following types of properties for investment:
Residential: The stable London property market, and the continued growth of residential property value over the years in Hampstead, make it a solid investment, especially for homeowners who intend to live in the area over an extended period.
Renovation projects: Properties in need of renovation can be purchased at a lower price and then sold at a profit. We have found that there has been high demand for turn-key renovated properties in Hampstead, however, there is currently a shortage of supply, especially in the £3-5M home price range, presenting an opportunity for developers.
Buy-to-let: Rental properties can provide a steady income stream.
Hampstead Market Trends
Property Prices
Property prices in Hampstead in our target £3M+ segment have remained strong, steadily increasing over the years. This is due to the area's popularity, which is due to its strong history, beautiful architecture, proximity to the Heath, and differentiated value proposition when it comes to houses (e.g. houses in Hampstead offer bigger gardens and a different value proposition than houses in Knightsbridge) and elevated location above London. This trend is expected to continue, making it a sound investment choice.
Postcode sector | Lower quartile | Middle quartile | Upper quartile |
£12,770 per sqm £1,186 per sqft | £16,520 per sqm £1,534 per sqft | £19,310 per sqm £1,793 per sqft | |
£8,900 per sqm £826 per sqft | £11,700 per sqm £1,086 per sqft | £14,000 per sqm £1,300 per sqft | |
£9,620 per sqm £893 per sqft | £11,170 per sqm £1,037 per sqft | £13,190 per sqm £1,225 per sqft | |
£10,300 per sqm £956 per sqft | £11,670 per sqm £1,084 per sqft | £13,810 per sqm £1,282 per sqft | |
£9,790 per sqm £909 per sqft | £11,620 per sqm £1,079 per sqft | £13,770 per sqm £1,279 per sqft | |
£8,330 per sqm £773 per sqft | £10,960 per sqm £1,018 per sqft | £14,720 per sqm £1,367 per sqft | |
£9,120 per sqm £847 per sqft | £10,450 per sqm £970 per sqft | £12,560 per sqm £1,166 per sqft |
Rental Market
The rental market in Hampstead is also robust, with high demand for rental properties. This makes it an excellent choice for buy-to-let investors.
Comparison with neighbouring postcode sectors
The table below shows how 'NW3 7' compares to neighbouring postcode sectors.
Getting Started with KIRE
Our Services
At KIRE, we offer a range of services to help you find your perfect home in Hampstead. Our services include:
Property sales: Sell your home and achieve the best value with our record-setting service
Property Search: Access to the latest listings and exclusive properties, and/or our retained buyer search service
Property lettings and property management: Let us find the next tenant for your Hampstead let with an option of Comprehensive property management services for landlords.
Why Choose KIRE?
Local expertise: Our team has extensive local knowledge of the Hampstead property market
Best marketing: We pride ourselves on our creative and best-in-class marketing stemming from our skilled team bringing cross-industry experience to the sector
Personalized service: We tailor our services to meet your specific needs
Proven track record: We have a history of successful property transactions in Hampstead, many setting records for the area.
Conclusion
Hampstead is a truly unique and enchanting place to live. With its rich history, vibrant community, and diverse property market, it's no wonder that so many people are drawn to this area. Whether you're looking to buy a home, invest in property, or simply learn more about Hampstead, KIRE is here to help.
Start your Hampstead journey today by exploring our property listings and contacting our team for personalized assistance. Let us help you find your perfect home in this captivating part of London.
FAQs
WHAT MAKES HAMPSTEAD A DESIRABLE PLACE TO LIVE?
Hampstead offers a unique combination of village charm and city convenience, with excellent schools, parks, and cultural attractions. Its proximity to central London and strong community spirit make it an ideal place to call home.
HOW DO I START THE PROCESS OF BUYING A HOME IN HAMPSTEAD?
WHAT TYPES OF PROPERTIES ARE AVAILABLE IN HAMPSTEAD?
WHY SHOULD I USE A LOCAL ESTATE AGENT?
HOW CAN KIREHELP ME FIND MY DREAM HOME?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN HAMPSTEAD PROPERTY?
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PROPERTY PRICE TREND IN HAMPSTEAD?
HOW CAN I GET IN TOUCH WITH KIRE FOR MORE INFORMATION?
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