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Why Finchley is a Great Place to Live

Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019

Finchley has something to offer residents of all ages. Its peaceful, tree-lined streets feel like a world away from the buzz of the capital, yet all the city’s attractions are just a short train or car journey away. This popular North London location has a great cultural scene, some excellent restaurants and bars, and a fantastic sense of community.

Here are just a few more reasons why you should consider making Finchley your home.

 

The Property Market

 House prices have been rising in Finchley in recent years, as increasing numbers of people have woken up to the area’s appeal. Experts predict they’ll continue to go up in value, which makes investing here a savvy decision.

You’ll get a great property for your money too. In fact, all parts of Finchley (North, Central and East) have something for everyone; from spacious detached homes, to stylish one-bedroom apartments. The Victorian and Edwardian terraces are particularly popular, as are the 1920s semi-detached homes in West Finchley. Fans of modern properties will be pleased to note that developers have been busy in the area, and as such, there are plenty of new-builds on the market.

Check out our range of properties for sale in Finchley here.

 

Investment

Another reason to invest in Finchley is that it’s currently being regenerated, and this is likely to boost house prices further in the future. Barnet Council have secured over £1m from the Outer London Fund and have ambitious plans for the area. This will be used to remodel public areas, renew outdoor spaces, restore the Grand Arcade in North Finchley and support local businesses too.

 

The Commute

It’s amazingly easy to get out and about in Finchley. The area is served by four tube stations (West Finchley, East Finchley, Finchley Central and Woodside Park) providing access to the Northern line. Road access is also convenient, with close access to both the North Circular and the M1. If that wasn’t enough, there are also several bus routes in operation in this area, including the N20 night bus.

 

The Shopping facilities

All parts of Finchley are well catered for your shopping needs, from national supermarkets to local shops and convenience stores. In addition to this, Brent Cross Shopping Centre (which has plenty of high street brands) is just a few minutes’ drive away. For those seeking a major shopping trip, Oxford Street is easily reached by train or bus.

 

The Cultural scene

Finchley has a rich history. Charles Darwin once lived here, as did Spike Milligan; and the people of the area remain fiercely focused on upholding their cultural heritage. The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley not only shows films, but also holds regular events, and the Everyman (just outside Finchley) is another popular cinema. Those that love more large-scale cultural events will appreciate the proximity to Alexandrea Palace, and arts lovers should head to ArtsDepot on Tally Ho Corner, which hosts regular theatre productions and dance performances.

 

The nightlife

Finchley is a great place to spend an evening. It’s something of a foodie paradise, with many of the highly regarded eateries serving cuisine from across the world. There are also some excellent pubs, such as The Tally Ho, which was named after a coaching business that stabled its horses there back in the 1800s. The Bald-Faced Stag is another popular local haunt.

 

Leisure

Another one of Finchley’s main attractions is its access to green spaces and health facilities. Runners can enjoy a jog in one of Finchley’s many pleasant green parks, and there are also numerous gyms and fitness centres. If you prefer a more relaxing pastime, there are several golf courses in the area; including Finchley Golf Club, which has the reputation of being one of the capital’s most challenging courses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why it is time to invest in West Hendon

 

West Hendon is an area that’s swiftly gaining popularity amongst home-buyers. It’s got a great location (close to Hendon station, which is ideal for commuters), and is currently undergoing some serious regeneration. This is already making it a hotspot for savvy investors, and for those that want to move to the capital, without paying a premium.

If you’re searching for a location with great investment potential, West Hendon is a serious contender. Here’s some more information.

 

What are the regeneration plans?

West Hendon’s regeneration project has been in the pipeline for a long time now. Barnet Council has recently given the plans the go-ahead, and things are finally moving forward.

The project plans to completely transform West Hendon; improving virtually all aspects of the area. This includes providing homes, boosting the local economy, and taking the environment into consideration too. Residents of West Hendon can anticipate a number of new benefits, including better communal zones, more shops (and other businesses), and an overhaul of the current road system.

 

The main focus

The West Hendon project has three main points of focus:

  • An ‘enjoyable place to live’ – Developing a thriving, more eco-minded community by creating public parks, play areas for children, and improving community facilities. There will also be a focus on making the surroundings more attractive to live in.
  • ‘Re-establishing connections’ – For many years, the Welsh Harp reservoir has felt quite removed from West Hendon. The regeneration team seek to re-establish the connection between the urban area and the natural landscape, whilst supporting its ecology.
  • A ‘distinct part of London’ – The aim is to build new homes and community areas; building a unique personality for the area, while maintaining its link with the rest of the capital.

 

What to expect

  • New homes. The project will bring over 1,500 new homes to the area by 2027. According to Barnet Council website, there will be 543 affordable homes. 256 will be created for social rent, and 287 will only be available as a shared equity arrangement.

 

  • Town centre improvements.The town centre is also scheduled to be greatly enhanced. The plan is to create a new commercial hub, with plenty of new stores, bars and restaurants for locals to enjoy. There will also be a new community centre, providing residents with communal space for various events and activities.

 

  • New school. The project will bring a new school to the surrounding community. It should offer places for approximately 400 children and will also have a nursery.

 

  • Better transport. Not only will existing transport links be improved; the regeneration efforts will also create an entirely new road network and take away the current gyratory system. Additionally, two new bridges are being built, plus a vista, which will create a safe pedestrian route to Hendon train station.

 

  • Pleasant landscapes. Attention is being paid to the environment and surroundings, to ensure that West Hendon feels more integrated with nature. As part of these efforts, linking the Welsh Harp Reservoir to the area will be part of the extensive improvements to landscaping.