Today, a London institution reaches proper middle-age. Camden Market – once home to punks and mods, now home to an awful lot of tourists looking for the punks and mods – turns 45 on 30 March 2019.
It could be home to you, too, if you can afford it. The average second hand sales price, according to Savills Research using the Land Registry, is approximately £970,000, increasing 6.7 per cent in the last year.
“A lively going out scene, top shopping, and Zone 2 transport links are part of the draw for Camden Town buyers, who last year paid an average of just over £1.5m for their home,” says Frances Clacy, Savills research analyst. “In the last five years, prices have risen some 34 per cent according to our analysis, outperforming both the wider borough and London as a whole.”
One of Londons first residential suburbs, Camden Towns grand townhouses were initially owned by wealthy merchants whod profited during the Industrial Revolution. Later on, these were split up into flats and housed railway workers and others employed in surrounding factories and warehouses.
Nowadays, theres far more to choose from. “Property in Camden Town ranges from flats above retail space on the high street, new build developments and period conversions, to large family houses,” says Charlie Cockcroft, director at Dexters Tufnell Park.
Amy Winehouse statue by Scott Eaton
Starter flats begin at around £600,000, but Camdens artistic cred, lively music scene and characterful restaurants have meant many celebrities hole up in its grander period streets. Charles Dickens, Dylan Thomas and Amy Winehouse are just some of the notable persons associated with Camden.
One of the areas most expensive streets, Gloucester Crescent where homes sell for £2.4m on average according to estate agency Hamptons International, was home to playwright Alan Bennett for years.
“Camden has long been the popular choice of creatives,” says Hamptons head of research Aneisha Beveridge, “And while it still trades on its artistic roots, homes in the area today are just as likely to be bought by those working in the financial sector.”
Its little wonder when you look at the transport. Bob Cratchit may have run home from the City to Camden Town in A Christmas Carol, but these days, its only 13 minutes away on the Northern Line. With Crossrail due to arrive in its own sweet time to Paddington, a direct link to Heathrow Airport is only a half hour bus ride away. But what are the most sought after spots? “Albert Street, which features lovely period properties, is particularly popular. Camden Square, a conservation area is also well sought-after with families,” says Emlyn Parks, associate director at Chestertons Camden Town.
“Its no surprise that some of the priciest streets lead directly to Primrose Hill and Regents Park,” adds Clacy, who says sales can reach £6m on Albert Terrace, Prince Albert Road and Regents Park Terrace.
A millefeuille at the York & Albany
Area highlights
While Camden Market has been around for 45 years, Amy Winehouses statue is a newer addition to the area, only having been unveiled in 2014, three years after the singers death. Made out of bronze by sculptor Scott Eaton, she can be found in the Stables Market. A visit to Camden for jazz fans isnt complete without dropRead More – Source
