Clapham’s ever increasing appeal and elevated property prices seals this South London area into a zone of its own. But what is it exactly that makes so many people want to move to Clapham? Obviously, the 85-hectare green space of the Common is a key factor. As the pandemic accelerated the race for space and the attraction of rural locations, proximity to green space is now paramount. The old-world villages in the area also have a rural twist without decreasing the urban pulse. The secret lies therein, the best of both worlds all within a London postcode with great transport networks. A magnet for young professionals, families, and retirees, Clapham seems to have something for everyone.
Increase in property value
With the increasing demand for Clapham property, most properties go for the best and final offers. 72% of last year’s property sales in the area were flats and apartments despite the drop in the appeal of flats during the pandemic and post-pandemic trends. Unsurprisingly, buyers have been attracted by the proximity to the Common’s vast green space and the village hubs. Clapham Old Town, Northcote Rd, and Abbeville village have become aspirational locations for those buying in the area. While this appeal stems from the great local food, restaurants shops, and yoga centres, it is fulfilled through the sense of being part of something more local. Participating in local activities, and supporting local businesses all build a sense of community which makes it attractive to families, millennials, and those of retirement age as well. You can have your lemon drizzle cake and eat it without having to sacrifice city life for real-time rural adjustment. This wholesome aspect of Clapham may also be what gives it investment longevity. Local estate agents acknowledge the “Bank of Mum and Dad” as a huge factor in the buoyant Clapham market. Over 60 percent of deals made in the recent climate were financed through parental support. While the buy-to-let market no longer characterizes Clapham, younger residents were able to leap up the property ladder into £800,000 flats.
Five factors that draw people to Clapham
- Greenspace
- Schools
- Nightlife and culture
- Village life
- Transport connections
1.Greenspaces
Clapham Common hosts a large variety of pitches for sporting activities. Whether its basketball, netball, football, or tennis, skateboarding or fishing there’s scope to satisfy many active inclinations. As a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, it cultivates two woodlands, species-rich meadows, and grasslands and has several ponds in amongst its open fields. In addition, several cafes, playgrounds, paddling pools, and its iconic Victorian bandstand make it an excellent venue for social recreation. For information about summer festivals, new bat boxes, and local events to check out the CCMAC community website. Appreciation of nature is not confined to the Common only, Greening Clapham is a local initiative to transform various public spaces with raised beds, wildflower meadows, and horticultural enhancements throughout public spaces. For those who want to be closer to nature, but can’t break the membrane of the M25, moving to Clapham is a great option.
2. Schools
“Nappy Valley” denotes the area around Northcote Road and Battersea, where young families have colonized the Victorian terraces. The reason they move to this part of the Clapham is the good state and independent schools. For an overview of the local schools visit the unembarrassed NappyValleyNet. Popular private schools include Ecole Wix, Eaton House, Thomas’s Clapham,and Parkgate House. For the best state primary schools in this area seven out of ten rank as outstanding. Similarly, high-ranking secondary schools such as La Retraite RC and Platanos are also in abundance. Unsurprisingly the area is also endowed with junior martial arts academies, art schools for young people, and innumerable after-school activities.
3- Nightlife
Clapham is haven for cocktail lovers and happy hours. Revolution bar Clapham, where spacious surrounds allow eating, drinking and partying has happy hour cocktails every day from 12- 9pm. Be at One offers eclectic drinks and DJ vibes and expert bar tenders. The legendary Infernos night club, a mecca for stag and hen nights offers a night out on the 80’s absurd spectrum, with cheap cocktails before late. For something more stylish and antiquated visit the WC Bar Clapham. A restored underground Victorian Water Closet it is loaded with atmosphere, fine food, and wine. With a variety of night spots to explore, from members-only nooks to cool bars and old-school pubs Clapham is a labyrinth of social discovery just south of the river. For those that want nocturnal action on the doorstep, moving to Clapham guarantees great nights out without any travel costs.
4- Village life
Often seen as a place with two faces, family Clapham and young Clapham. The large period houses of Clapham Old Town and Abbeville Road constitute the more residential family sector. Clapham High St is where the rental market and young professionals hold stronger sway. Abbeville village is home to Avalon, majestic South London pub and eatery. The Ginger Pig butcher holds court along with McFarlanes’s fromagerie making it a god realm for foodies. Pizzeria on the Green, and the Abbeville are just a few of the options for eating out, highly rated amongst the city’s critics. It’s the classic Victorian and Georgian architecture of the area, with an emphasis on local shops and services which gives it a historical and community feel. A sense of history spliced with innovative gastronomy, lit with Michelin stars, and entwined with boutique food shops and markets.
5-Network Connections
All Zone 2 Clapham Underground stations are all on the Northern Line. Clapham South, Clapham North and Clapham Common, however they are renowned for rush hour overcrowding. However, with Wandsworth Road and Clapham High St Overground stations and the infamous Clapham Junction overland station there are other access routes. Canada Water can be accessed through the overland, which is a nexus for reaching both Canary Wharf and Shoreditch easily. Clapham Junction has routes out to the Southwest, including fast trains to Gatwick Airport. The number 88 bus travels through Vauxhall and Oxford Circus as it links Clapham Common with Camden Town. Cycle routes abound, with the Common stretching across the original parish common lands for both Clapham and Battersea.
Moving to Clapham
In the last two decades Gentleman and a Van have built up a solid customer base and excellent reputation for our removals and storage services in South London. We have seen the changing face of Clapham as we have provided removals services and Man and Van services for those keen to get the SW4 postcode. London is always changing, and we stay flexible to bring the leading edge of customer service into the removals trade. Our Man and Van services are frequently used by city interior designers and auction houses, as well as for bespoke delivery and transport. If you are moving to Clapham, trust us to provide you with excellent customer service and a stress-free transition. Our Box Shop of packaging solutions has turned the process into something of an art form. Depending on your requirements we can supply packaging and a bespoke removals service. If storage is needed, we have various options close by. For quality assurance read our customer reviews, for our service is worth the investment. To discuss your situation and get a quote today, get in touch and we will be happy to share our removals expertise with you.
