Walthamstow, located in east London, is one of the Capital’s most exciting, eclectic and accessible areas.
It is infused with history, culture and an abundance of variety, and this, when combined with the area’s relatively low property prices, has seen it become an increasingly viable option for first-time buyers in recent years.
Take a look at property to rent Walthamstow for homes that are available right now.
Research by Rightmove recently found Walthamstow to be the country’s second most popular location for active house hunters, and in this blog, we’ll take a look at the this area’s past, assess the reasons why it is so popular with prospective homeowners, and showcase some of the best properties currently on the market.
'Stow in the modern day
Photo: Walthamstow Empire by Matt Brown | CC BY | Flickr
The community benefits of life in Walthamstow cannot be overstated. This lively and friendly community is served by quirky and beloved local businesses, excellent music venues and characterful pubs. On the telly or social media, you might have seen Gods Own Junkyard, the Walthamstow wonderland of neon light signs, and we can’t think of a better example of the area's genuine creativity.
Walthamstow also boasts an incredible amount of open space, with the Walthamstow Marshes, Walthamstow Forest, the Leyton Flats and Lloyd Park providing residents access to greenery, expansive waterways and an abundance of opportunities for exploration.
A brief history
Walthamstow can trace its roots back almost 1,000 years, with Wilcumestou – meaning ‘the Place of Welcome’ – mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Back then the place consisted of little more than an expansive manor house surrounded by fields and some minor dwellings, but over the centuries the area has expanded and altered dramatically.
Since the 1880s it has perhaps been most famous for its market, which remains the longest outdoor market in Europe to this day, but it has also been privy to numerous momentous breakthroughs and notable events. In 1885, John Kemp Starley of Church Hill, Walthamstow, designed the first modern bicycle, while in 1892, engineer Frederick Bremer built the first ever British motorcar in a workshop in his garden on Connaught Road.
Numerous notable individuals were born in Walthamstow, including William Morris, the pioneering textile designer, and Geoffrey Wellum, the distinguished World War Two fighter pilot. Concorde designer Sir George Edwards, grime pioneer Lethal Bizzle, and football superstar Harry Kane also call Walthamstow home.
The property expert’s view
Saima Razaq, Foxtons Sales Manager for Walthamstow, believes that Walthamstow is often overlooked by buyers, but admits that for many years, its ability to fly under the radar has granted savvy house hunters an opportunity to purchase quality homes for far below the average London price.
“Demand outweighs supply, as it does in most London areas, but due to the value for money in the area, there is a consistent level of demand. A desirable property tends not to be on the market for any longer than four weeks.
“Walthamstow offers diversity and lifestyle at a cheaper price. We have an amazing community feel in the area, and it’s the perfect place for first-time buyers or young couples. For the price of a two-bedroom flat in somewhere like Stoke Newington or Shoreditch, you can generally get a two-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Walthamstow.
“It’s also a part of London that is constantly changing, with redevelopment happening all the time, and huge new build projects popping up, especially around Blackhorse Road and Wood Street. What’s more, the transport links are fantastic, with the Victoria line taking just 19 minutes to reach Oxford Circus from Walthamstow Central.”
What’s currently on offer?
Stellar properties don’t tend to stick around for long in Walthamstow, but you can browse our full list of Walthamstow homes on the market now.
