Focus on Fulham: South west hotspot is the real Ful monty
FULHAM is one of the most desirable locations in london – it has the bustle of the city combined with a small-town sense of community. It’s only a few minutes from the heart of London but it has a leafy, laid-back atmosphere that belies its location. It may be seen as the less auspicious neighbour to Chelsea, but it still commands impressively high prices – and those prices are only moving in one direction. Anthony Bell, of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward in Fulham, says: “Demand in the area is at an all-time high. Prices have risen by more than 10 per cent over the last 12 months. Interestingly, local buyers tend to be much younger than you might expect, with many young professionals buying with the help of trust funds or the bank of mum and dad. “In addition to local buyers, Fulham has always been favoured by international investors, in particular those from Europe (mostly French and Italian), the Middle East and the Far East. These buyers are often slightly older, looking for a solid investment that offers both a good rental yield and capital appreciation.”
If you’re considering an investment, the best streets tend to be those centred around the Hurlingham Club, where properties are often worth in the region of £4m. Other prime streets are those located by Bishop’s Park.
Schools in the area are generally excellent, with a host of private education options. There is also a 25 metre pool at Fulham Pools on Lillie Road and a cinema at Fulham Broadway shopping centre, which, in addition to the wealth of bars and restaurants, means you’ll never be bored.